Premises and services

The Center for Automation and Robotics (CAR UPM-CSIC) offers unique infrastructures and services that enable cutting-edge research in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence . These facilities create a one-of-a-kind ecosystem in Spain—and globally—for advancing these technologies and applying them in real-world environments.

Locations

CAR operates from three strategic locations that foster academic and industry collaboration :

• CSIC Headquarters in Arganda del Rey (Madrid):: Campus que alberga múltiples laboratorios y áreas de experimentación, incluyendo circuitos de pruebas para vehículos autónomos
• UPM Headquarters at the School of Industrial Engineers:Laboratories integrated into the historic Palace of Arts and Industry in Madrid.
• Laboratories at the School of Engineering and Industrial Design:Specialized facilities in Madrid.

Unique Infrastructures

CAR features five state-of-the-art research infrastructures , distinguishing it at both national and international levels:

1. AUTOPIA Circuit for Autonomous Vehicles:Facilities for developing and validating autonomous and connected driving technologies.
2. Gait Analysis LaboratorySpecialized lab for biomechanical research and the development of rehabilitation technologies.
3. Industry and Society 5.0 Laboratory:A research ecosystem for advanced industrial technologies and their integration with social needs.
4. CAR Robotics Arena:A versatile space for experimenting with multiple robotic systems in diverse scenarios.
5. Energy and Sustainability Laboratory:Dedicated installations for research on energy efficiency and sustainable solutions .

CAR’s “Experimental City”

The Arganda del Rey campus forms a unique environment, akin to a small city, where researchers can simulate and test interactions between humans, robots, and AI in a real-world setting . This ecosystem includes:

• Experimental smart homes
• Extensive road network for autonomous vehicles
• Experimental crop fields and greenhouses
• Experimental vineyard
• Test track for an experimental monorail
• Office buildings and warehouses
• Workshops for experimentation

This configuration enables the development of complex and realistic research scenarios , making CAR one of Europe’s most advanced research facilities in its field.

Service Units

To support research activities, CAR provides three essential service units:

1. Administration and Management:Administrative support for research projects and initiatives.
2. General Services:Infrastructure maintenance and technical support
3. Design and Mechatronics:Specialized technical assistance for developing prototypes and experimental systems.

Additionally, the center houses electronic and mechanical workshops , as well as 3D printing laboratories , enabling rapid prototyping and the creation of technological solutions .

CAR’s facilities provide a unique environment for developing and validating the technologies that will shape the future of human-robot-AI interaction-