On-site robotic and automated techniques for building renovation and new construction

Overview

The EU grant opportunity under Horizon Europe, specifically identified as HORIZON-CL5-2027-05-D4-05, focuses on "On-site robotic and automated techniques for building renovation and new construction." This call aims to drive advancements in the construction sector through the development and demonstration of innovative robotic and automated systems.

Eligible applicant types include a diverse range of entities such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research organizations, universities, public bodies, and nonprofit organizations from EU member states and associated countries. However, entities established in China are not eligible to participate.

The funding mechanism is structured as a lump sum grant, with a total budget of €20.25 million allocated for this topic, supporting three projects, each expected to receive €6.75 million.

Consortia consisting of multiple partners are required for proposals, reflecting the collaborative nature typical of Horizon Innovation Actions. The geographic eligibility encompasses EU and EEA countries, as well as associated countries.

The targeted sectors include construction and renovation, emphasizing robotics, automation, and energy efficiency. The focus is on developing techniques that enhance the sustainability and efficiency of building processes, directly supporting the EU’s green transition goals.

Projects are expected to operate at a demonstration and market validation stage, aiming to bring innovative techniques closer to practical application across various building typologies and climatic conditions in Europe. Specifically, proposals should demonstrate their techniques at a minimum of three real-world settings.

The application process is a single-stage open call with a submission deadline of September 15, 2027. The evaluation criteria and success rates are not explicitly provided, but historical success rates for similar programs typically range between 10% to 40%.

No explicit co-funding requirement is mentioned, although applicants are encouraged to explore synergies with other funding sources. The expected outcomes include improved resource efficiency, accuracy in construction processes, reduced on-site time, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, this initiative aims to transform the construction sector by integrating cutting-edge robotic and automated technologies, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability while enhancing safety and operational performance at construction sites. It aligns with broader EU strategies for climate and digital transitions.

Detail

This is a Horizon Europe (HORIZON) call for proposals under the BATTERIES and ENERGY (HORIZON-CL5-2027-05) program, specifically targeting "On-site robotic and automated techniques for building renovation and new construction" with the topic ID HORIZON-CL5-2027-05-D4-05. It is a HORIZON Innovation Action (HORIZON-IA) using a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] Model Grant Agreement (MGA). The deadline model is single-stage, with a planned opening date of May 5, 2027, and a deadline of September 15, 2027, at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The expected outcomes of projects funded under this topic include: improved resource efficiency compared to current practices, improved accuracy (designed vs. as-built) of on-site renovation and construction works, significant reduction in time spent by building professionals on site, and reduced GHG emissions at the construction site.

The scope of the call is to accelerate the rate of deep renovation of buildings by modernizing the construction sector and embracing the latest developments in robotics and automated systems. It focuses on the need for further development of techniques using innovative on-site robotic and other automated systems that make renovation and construction works more sustainable, less disruptive, faster, more accurate, cost-effective, and resource-efficient, while delivering at least the same building elements’ energy performance compared to current best practices.

Proposals are expected to address the following:

Demonstrate innovative on-site robotic and automated techniques for building renovation and the construction of new buildings, with at least one technique involving 3D printing.
Develop techniques specifically for building-site applications, flexible to adapt to various building typologies and, where possible, to materials and components already on the market (solutions focusing on prefabrication in workshops/factories away from the building site are out of scope).
Ensure that the proposed techniques appropriately consider aspects of on-site workers’ safety and human-robot collaboration.
Demonstrate the proposed techniques in at least three demonstrations to investigate their applicability for a variety of building typologies and climatic conditions, duly justified to represent a relevant part of the European building stock. Proposals must address the energy renovation of existing buildings but may also address new constructions.

Selected proposals could consider the involvement of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), whose contribution could consist of scientific advice and technical analysis of solutions and technologies, support to the transfer of research output to standards, and access to the European Laboratory for Structural Assessment research infrastructure for full-scale testing of buildings.

This Destination targets the energy demand side, notably a more efficient use of energy in buildings and industry. It contributes to the activities of the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) and its implementation working groups. This Destination contributes directly to the Strategic Plan’s Key Strategic Orientations ‘Green transition’, ‘Digital transition’ and ‘A more resilient, competitive, inclusive and democratic Europe’. In line with the Strategic Plan, the overall expected impact of this Destination is to contribute to the ‘Using energy in buildings and industry in an efficient, affordable and sustainable way’.

The main impacts to be generated by topics under this Destination are: Highly energy-efficient and climate neutral European building stock. The energy performance of the European building stock is improved at an accelerated pace, contributing to the EU's energy security, while the buildings and the built environment have reduced climate and environmental impact throughout their life cycle. The energy renovation and construction of buildings are cost-efficient, affordable and less disruptive. The buildings are increasingly interacting with the users, energy system and their environment while operating in an integrated, resilient, secure, smart and flexible manner. The buildings and the built environment are more climate resilient, accessible, inclusive and delivers multiple benefits which improve the quality of life, health and well-being for all users. Industry: The energy efficiency of EU energy intensive industries is improved, their consumption of fossil fuel and their GHG and other pollutants emissions are drastically reduced, notably through cost-effective electrification, use of renewable energy, heat recovery, thereby preserving / enhancing their global competitiveness.

Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination.

General conditions for participation include:

Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form.
Eligible Countries described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
Other Eligible Conditions: Beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS if projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services. The JRC may participate as a member of the consortium or as an associated partner.
Financial and operational capacity and exclusion are described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Evaluation and award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
The indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement is described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Legal and financial set-up of the grants: The granting authority may object to a transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years after the action's end. Eligible costs will be in the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021.

Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.

Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA): Application form templates are available in the Submission System. Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) and Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) will be used.

Additional guidance and documents include: HE Programme Guide, Lump Sum MGA, Call-specific instructions, Detailed budget table (HE LS), Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?", HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction, HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility, HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes, HE Framework Programme 2021/695, HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme, Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment, EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions, and Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement.

The budget overview for the call in 2027 is as follows:

HORIZON-CL5-2027-05-D2-08 - HORIZON-IA: EUR 18,800,000, indicative number of grants: 2, contribution around EUR 9,400,000 per grant.
HORIZON-CL5-2027-05-D4-05 - HORIZON-IA: EUR 20,250,000, indicative number of grants: 3, contribution around EUR 6,750,000 per grant.
HORIZON-CL5-2027-05-D4-06 - HORIZON-IA: EUR 15,750,000, indicative number of grants: 3, contribution around EUR 5,250,000 per grant.
HORIZON-CL5-2027-05-D4-07 - HORIZON-IA: EUR 27,000,000, indicative number of grants: 4, contribution around EUR 6,750,000 per grant.
HORIZON-CL5-2027-05-D4-09 - HORIZON-IA: EUR 13,500,000, indicative number of grants: 2, contribution around EUR 6,750,000 per grant.

There are partner search announcements available. The submission system is planned to be opened on the date stated on the topic header.

This Horizon Europe call focuses on promoting the use of robotics and automation in building renovation and construction to improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance worker safety. It seeks innovative projects that can demonstrate practical, on-site solutions, particularly those involving 3D printing, and encourages collaboration with the Joint Research Centre. The call aims to contribute to the EU's goals of a green and digital transition, creating a more resilient and sustainable building sector. The funding is provided as a lump sum, and proposals should demonstrate applicability across various building types and climatic conditions within Europe.

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Breakdown

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated, but based on the nature of Horizon Europe Innovation Actions (IAs), eligible applicants can include a mix of legal entities such as universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, and other organizations capable of conducting research and innovation activities. Given the emphasis on demonstration, participation from industry, including construction companies and technology providers, is highly encouraged.

Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, which is part of the HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA).

Consortium Requirement: While not explicitly stated, Innovation Actions typically require or strongly benefit from a consortium of multiple applicants to bring together diverse expertise and resources needed for demonstration and validation activities. The partner search announcements suggest that a consortium is expected.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, and includes EU member states and associated countries. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

Target Sector: The program targets the following sectors: buildings and construction, energy, robotics, automation, advanced materials (specifically related to 3D printing), and climate. It focuses on energy efficiency in buildings and industry, green and digital transitions, and improving the sustainability of the construction sector.

Mentioned Countries: China is explicitly mentioned as legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination. The European Union and associated countries are implicitly mentioned as eligible regions.

Project Stage: The expected maturity of the project is at the demonstration and validation stage, with a focus on demonstrating innovative on-site robotic and automated techniques for building renovation and new construction. The projects should aim to bring technologies to a level where their applicability in real-world scenarios can be assessed.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary by topic:
HORIZON-CL5-2027-05-D2-08: EUR 18,800,000 (indicative EUR 9,400,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL5-2027-05-D4-05: EUR 20,250,000 (indicative EUR 6,750,000 per grant, 3 grants)
HORIZON-CL5-2027-05-D4-06: EUR 15,750,000 (indicative EUR 5,250,000 per grant, 3 grants)
HORIZON-CL5-2027-05-D4-07: EUR 27,000,000 (indicative EUR 6,750,000 per grant, 4 grants)
HORIZON-CL5-2027-05-D4-09: EUR 13,500,000 (indicative EUR 6,750,000 per grant, 2 grants)

Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant.

Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage.

Success Rates: The success rates cannot be determined from the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement.

Summary: This Horizon Europe call, part of the BATTERIES and ENERGY (HORIZON-CL5-2027-05) program, focuses on "On-site robotic and automated techniques for building renovation and new construction." It aims to modernize the construction sector by promoting the development and demonstration of innovative robotic and automated systems for building renovation and new construction. The call encourages proposals that address resource efficiency, accuracy, worker safety, and GHG emission reduction. Projects should demonstrate techniques in at least three locations, consider the involvement of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), and align with the EU's Green and Digital Transition goals. Funding is provided as a lump sum grant, and consortia are expected to bring together diverse expertise from various sectors, including construction, robotics, and energy. Legal entities from China are ineligible. The call contributes to the broader destination of using energy in buildings and industry in an efficient, affordable, and sustainable way, supporting the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan).

Short Summary

Impact
The funding aims to modernize the construction sector by promoting innovative on-site robotic and automated techniques for building renovation and new construction, enhancing energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and improving worker safety.
Applicant
Applicants should possess expertise in construction, robotics, automation, and energy efficiency, with a strong emphasis on collaborative multi-partner projects.
Developments
The funding will support projects focused on on-site robotic and automated techniques for building renovation and new construction, particularly involving 3D printing technologies and energy-efficient practices.
Applicant Type
This funding is designed for a wide range of entities, including SMEs, large enterprises, research organizations, universities, and public bodies from EU member states and associated countries.
Consortium
A consortium of multiple applicants is required to bring together diverse expertise and resources for demonstration and validation activities.
Funding Amount
€6,750,000 per project, with a total budget of €20,250,000 for this call, supporting 3 expected grants.
Countries
Eligible applicants must be from EU member states, EEA countries, and associated countries, excluding entities established in China.
Industry
This funding targets the construction and building renovation sector, specifically focusing on energy efficiency, robotics, and automation.

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