Nokia announced it will lead PROACTIF, a multimillion-euro European project focused on advancing robotics and autonomous technologies to enhance the security and management of critical infrastructure across the continent. This initiative, funded by the European Union’s Chips Joint Undertaking, brings together a consortium of 42 European technology firms, including startups, universities, and defense companies such as Nvidia.
The PROACTIF project aims to redefine how emergency situations and critical infrastructure, including energy grids, data centers, and communication lines, are protected and managed through the deployment of cutting-edge drone and robotic systems. The United Kingdom joined the initiative in March 2024, pledging £35 million towards the overall €1.3 billion research and innovation fund.
“Nokia’s extensive expertise has helped establish drone technology best practices and transform drones into daily helpers for public safety and mission-critical operations,” stated Thomas Eder, Head of Embedded Wireless Solutions at Nokia. “We are honored to lead this project, which demonstrates Nokia’s commitment to fostering innovation and resilience across Europe. By collaborating with leading organizations, this initiative will address critical challenges in security and sustainability, delivering real-world benefits for society.”
PROACTIF’s strategic goals include strengthening Europe’s technology resilience and leadership in Electronic Components and Systems (ECS) technologies, while also bolstering the autonomy of the European Drone and Robotics industry. The consortium anticipates significant commercial and technological outcomes, projecting approximately €90 million in revenue, the development of 50 new products, and over 15 new industry patents by 2035. These achievements are expected to contribute to increased market share and leadership in the sector. Furthermore, the project is set to foster dozens of new collaborations, create hundreds of new jobs, and attract over €40 million in additional investments.
The project will prioritize the development of cost-efficient, eco-efficient, safe, and cybersecure unmanned vehicle (UxV) systems tailored to address evolving European civil security needs. This effort comes at a critical time, as recent incidents, including damage to undersea cables and pipelines in the Baltic Sea, have underscored the urgent need for enhanced critical infrastructure protection.
The PROACTIF project represents a collaborative effort to leverage advanced robotics and autonomous solutions, ensuring the resilience and security of Europe’s vital infrastructure in an increasingly complex global landscape.
