Human-robot collaboration (HRC) is an important and established subject of study and research in the field of robotics (as part of Industry 4.0) which currently pervades many aspects of human endeavour. Advances in HRC have diversified the application of robots from the traditional production line to intelligent manufacturing, homecare, and healthcare. In such applications, human-robot collisions are bound to occur, with adverse consequences. To overcome the challenge of collision and improve safety in HRC in a shared workspace, several techniques (which employ vision, acoustics or haptics technology) have been developed. The techniques include external positioning of cameras in the workspace, use of robot skin embedded with sensors, and image-based feedback control. These three methods typically apply vision-based technology. This proposal aims to employ a novel and validated convergent stereo camera model (that does not require image rectification) in robots with a view to improving safety in HRC. The model is characterized by less computational complexity and short execution time relative to existing reconstruction models in stereovision literature. Subsequently, the project will introduce an improvement for robot skin to also have visual information from high-resolution cameras by extending the geometric analysis and mathematical modeling of non-rectification stereo imaging to multicamera imaging in the light of safety improvement in HRC using robot skin. This will complement the tactile sensation capabilities of robot skin with enhanced visual features that incorporate elements of the validated stereo camera model. Finally, a double-view image-based visual servoing control strategy will be developed for the improvement of safety in HRC using the validated model. While contributing to robotics literature and presenting new approaches to collision avoidance in HRC, this project will ultimately deepen the researcher’s understanding of robotic vision and control.

EKF VSB-TUO (EkF) decided to strengthen its international activities in the Balkans, where already cooperates with several universities, for example in Croatia or Montenegro. One of Balkan universities interested in cooperation was University of Shkodër from Albania. Part of the University of Shkodër is the Faculty of Economics, which offers similar disciplines, as an EkF. Therefore, the universities have started cooperation.Within the project, 12 mobilities were realized, including 8 student and 4 employee mobilities. 6 bachelor and 2 master degree students studied at EkF. In the context of the employment mobility EkF hosted 2 pedagogues who gave lectures to our students. They also dealt with the International Office of EkF on the possibilities of further cooperation. University of Shkodër expressed an interest to participate in the next call for credit mobility. It was agreed to jointly prepare the grant application. In the framework of 2 pedagogues of EkF gave lectures at University of Shkodër. Both, Albanian students and pedagogues presented their new experience and knowledge to their schoolmates and colleagues. All students were satisfied with the mobility and evaluated it very positively. Also pedagogues of EkF appreciated the quality of Albanian students.

The use of hydrogen and other alternative energy sources as a clean and sustainable source have been gaining momentum worldwide due to their potential of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. To map, analyze and understand the safety risks of the widespread deployment of hydrogen and other alternative energy technologies, a new multidisciplinary research group has been established at the Faculty of Safety Engineering (FSE), VSB-Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO) to reflect the requirements and needs of industry, public authorities, and other stakeholders, to help them establish a safe environment, promote public acceptance of these technologies, and build a critical mass of knowledge for their further development. SafeEnergy project will use scientific potential in the field of hydrogen and alternative energy sources safety, and support FSE in international networking, projects, and other initiatives on an international level. This will be achieved through the leadership of the ERA Chair holder – experienced researcher and manager Prof. Salzano from the University of Bologna, creation of a “pocket of excellence” – Centre for Research on the Safety of Alternative Energy Sources and through building capacity in the field of research management and administration at the Faculty of Safety Engineering, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava. Scientific collaboration will be established and developed through networking activities and joint research with industrial partners and international partners from Europe and worldwide to increase excellence in energy safety with a focus on hydrogen cities and valleys. The project will especially support young scientists - postdocs and PhD students. To step up and stimulate scientific excellence and innovation capacity in hydrogen and alternative energy infrastructure safety, the project proposes a comprehensive set of activities.

VŠB-TUO presents itself as a university open to international cooperation both in the fields of instruction and research. The mobility objectives realized within the Erasmus+ Programme is to enable our students to gain new experiences at foreign universities, broaden their horizons and improve their language competences. As for the staff mobilities, the objectives are to develop their professional excellence by acquiring their practical experience abroad, making progress in spoken interaction and on the other hand – to enable them to apply their experience outside the home university.Involved in the mobility programme were undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students. The total number of participating students was 195 – 165 students participated in study stays, 30 students in internships. 81 % of students participated in study stays was from Master study programmes. In internships mostly graduates (43 %) and postgraduates (50 %) participated.As for the staff, 110 university teachers were involved in the teaching programmes at foreign HEIs and 47 persons took part in the training programmes abroad. 25 STT was realized by non-academic staff. The description of the realized activities is as follows:SMS – one or two semesters spent at a foreign universitySMP – research activities, practice in some company, assistance in marketing, engineering activities, network management, data processing, diagnoses of processes, market analysis etc. STA – teaching at partner universities, intensification of collaboration, university promotion, monitoring of outgoing students, cooperation on joint projectsSTT – mobility administration training, study paperwork, language workshops, international collaboration, further development of the scientific command, job shadowing High percentage of students fulfilled the set study requirements. One of the greatest benefits to students was the necessity to study in foreign language. It led to enrichment of their general and academic vocabulary but also to gaining greater self-confidence which eased the communication in foreign language. These students easier find good employment. Students who complete semester or two abroad have often better communication skills. It is linked to the way of teaching – students have to present their projects in front of the whole class.The staff profited especially from the exchange of experiences and new partnerships which they can put to good use within their home university to increase an instruction quality. The participation in the mobility programme is a part of the professional career profile of an individual university teacher and is positively rated. In the field of non-academic mobilities the benefit lies in the improvement of language competences and shadowing on related work positions.From the long-term point of view the benefit for the students is especially in their future career at the labour market. For the staff it is establishing of new contracts and subsequent cooperation with foreign universities as well as gathering of new experience and information which can later on be implemented into lecturing and tutorials.