Humanoid robots are considered a promising technology with significant potential for business and society. To make this technology more accessible to companies in Tyrol, MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® is establishing a central hub for humanoid robotics in collaboration with project initiators TRAFALGAR GmbH and HinsTech GmbH. Funded by the State of Tyrol, the two-year flagship project, “Leading the Way in Tyrol – Humanoid Robotics in Manufacturing, Tourism, and Healthcare,” combines technological expertise, hands-on testing, and tailored training opportunities. The initiative aims to support businesses, particularly in sectors affected by skilled labor shortages, in adopting innovative automation solutions while strengthening Tyrol’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Humanoid robotics is advancing rapidly worldwide. At the same time, companies face the challenge of identifying suitable applications and assessing technical, economic, and legal requirements. This is where the new hub at the MCI Center for Production, Robotics & Automation comes in: It brings together expertise and serves as a central link between research institutions, technology providers, and regional businesses.
“Our funding is intended to help businesses explore, test, and implement innovative solutions. The new humanoid robotics hub at MCI provides local companies with practical opportunities to learn about this technology, identify potential applications, and gain initial hands-on experience. The MCI project is an excellent example of how research, technology, and business practice can work together to make emerging developments accessible to the regional economy. Particularly in light of skilled labor shortages, it is essential to highlight the potential of automation and safeguard the long-term competitiveness of our business location,” emphasizes Mario Gerber, Tyrol’s Regional Minister for Economic Affairs, Tourism, and Digitalization.
The new hub supports Tyrolean businesses from initial orientation through to practical implementation. Information events, expert presentations, and feasibility studies provide insights into current developments and potential applications.
“A dedicated showroom will allow companies to explore and test different robotic systems in a practical setting. In addition, pilot projects, cost-effectiveness analyses, and technical and legal support will provide Tyrolean businesses with a sound basis for decision-making,” explains Jens Hopfgartner, Managing Director of TRAFALGAR GmbH.
The hub also assists companies in selecting suitable solutions, offers training programs, and connects businesses with research and technology partners. A Tyrolean network for humanoid robotics will further promote collaboration between industry, academia, and international manufacturers.
“We do not develop our own robotic systems. Instead, we make rapid international technological advances visible and accessible to Tyrolean businesses. Our approach is technology-neutral: What matters is the practical benefit, whether achieved through humanoid robots or established automation technologies. Companies will find expertise, testing opportunities, and reliable regional partners all in one place,” explains Benjamin Massow, Head of the Center for Production, Robotics & Automation at MCI.
Designed as a long-term initiative, the hub aims to become financially self-sustaining after its two-year establishment phase through feasibility and concept studies, pilot projects, and training programs. At the same time, a regional network of companies, manufacturers, suppliers, and specialized service providers will create new business opportunities, strengthen regional value creation, and position Tyrol as a hub for innovation.
The project is being implemented in close cooperation with TRAFALGAR GmbH, which specializes in the end-to-end integration of humanoid robotics into businesses, and HinsTech GmbH, which ensures the safe and compliant integration of robotic systems into existing operational processes.
“Numerous companies, industry associations, healthcare institutions, and robot manufacturers have already expressed their interest in collaborating,” highlights Stefan Hintner, Managing Director of HinsTech GmbH.
With this flagship project, MCI reinforces its commitment to making international technological developments accessible to the regional economy and advancing digitalization and innovation in Tyrol through applied research and strong industry partnerships.
Launching the new contact point for humanoid robotics (from left): Jens Hopfgartner (Managing Director, TRAFALGAR), Benjamin Massow (Head of the Center for Production, Robotics & Automation), Mario Gerber (Tyrol’s Regional Minister for Economic Affairs, Tourism, and Digitalization), Stefan Hintner (Managing Director, HinsTech), Peter Mirski (CIO, MCI), and Christian Falch (Managing Director, TRAFALGAR). | Photo: © Emanuel Kaser
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