# Centre for Automation and Robotics

> Spanish research center

**Wikidata**: [Q72068440](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q72068440)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/centre-for-automation-and-robotics

## Summary
The **Centre for Automation and Robotics (CAR)** is a Spanish research institute specializing in automation and robotics, operated jointly by the **Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)** and the **Technical University of Madrid (UPM)**. Based in **Madrid and Arganda del Rey**, it serves as a dedicated hub for advanced research in robotics, automation systems, and related technologies, with a global presence reflected in its multilingual recognition and structured data identifiers.

## Key Facts
- **Official name**: Centro de Automática y Robótica (CAR)
- **Short name**: CAR
- **Parent organizations**: Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Technical University of Madrid (UPM)
- **Locations**:
  - **Headquarters**: Arganda del Rey (coordinates: 40.31319722222222, -3.4835805555555557)
  - **Additional facility**: Palacio de las Artes y la Industria, Madrid (coordinates: 40.439439, -3.688122)
- **Founded in**: Spain (exact founding date not specified in source material)
- **Digital presence**:
  - **Website**: [https://www.car.upm-csic.es/](https://www.car.upm-csic.es/)
  - **Twitter**: [@CARobotica_](https://twitter.com/CARobotica_) (active since November 7, 2019)
  - **Logo**: [CentroAutomáticaRobótica.svg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/CentroAutomáticaRobótica.svg)
- **Identifiers**:
  - **ROR ID**: 02wh02235
  - **GRID ID**: grid.507480.e
  - **Ringgold ID**: 366053
  - **ISNI**: 0000000405570387
  - **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11fp3rtdv6
  - **Wikidata ID**: [Q31855](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q31855)
- **Wikipedia coverage**: Available in **Spanish (es)** and **Catalan (ca)**
- **Classification**: Research institute (primary purpose: systematic research in automation and robotics)

## FAQs

### **What is the Centre for Automation and Robotics (CAR)?**
CAR is a **Spanish research institute** focused exclusively on automation and robotics, operated as a collaboration between the **Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)** and the **Technical University of Madrid (UPM)**. Unlike universities, CAR does not offer degree programs but instead conducts specialized research to advance robotic technologies and automated systems.

### **Where is CAR located?**
CAR has two primary locations:
1. **Arganda del Rey** (main headquarters, southeast of Madrid)
2. **Palacio de las Artes y la Industria** in Madrid
Both sites serve as research hubs, with the Arganda del Rey facility being the primary operational base.

### **What organizations is CAR affiliated with?**
CAR is a **joint institute** under two major Spanish institutions:
- **Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)** – Spain’s largest public research organization
- **Technical University of Madrid (UPM)** – A leading technical university in Europe
This dual affiliation allows CAR to leverage academic and governmental research resources.

### **How is CAR identified in global research databases?**
CAR is recognized through multiple standardized identifiers:
- **ROR ID (Research Organization Registry)**: 02wh02235
- **GRID ID (Global Research Identifier Database)**: grid.507480.e
- **Ringgold ID**: 366053
- **ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier)**: 0000000405570387
These ensure CAR’s research outputs are properly attributed in global scientific literature.

### **Does CAR have a social media presence?**
Yes, CAR maintains an active **Twitter account ([@CARobotica_](https://twitter.com/CARobotica_))**, launched on **November 7, 2019**, where it shares updates on research projects, collaborations, and advancements in robotics and automation.

### **What distinguishes CAR from other research centers?**
Unlike **think tanks** (which focus on policy) or **university departments** (which balance teaching and research), CAR is a **dedicated research institute** specializing solely in **automation and robotics**. Its joint governance by **CSIC and UPM** also provides unique access to both academic and industrial research networks.

## Why It Matters
CAR plays a critical role in **advancing robotics and automation technologies**, which are essential for industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare. As a **pure research institute**, it avoids the distractions of teaching or commercial pressures, allowing scientists to pursue **long-term, high-risk projects** that could lead to breakthroughs in **AI-driven robotics, industrial automation, and human-machine collaboration**.

By operating under **Spain’s two most prestigious research entities (CSIC and UPM)**, CAR bridges **academic innovation** with **real-world applications**, contributing to Spain’s and Europe’s competitiveness in **Industry 4.0** and **smart manufacturing**. Its work also supports **global challenges**, such as **autonomous systems for hazardous environments** and **robotics for healthcare and elderly care**, making it a key player in shaping the future of automation.

## Notable For
- **Joint operation** by **CSIC and UPM**, combining Spain’s top research council with a leading technical university
- **Dual-location presence** in **Madrid and Arganda del Rey**, optimizing research infrastructure
- **Specialized focus** on **automation and robotics**, distinct from broader engineering or policy research centers
- **Global research identifiers** (ROR, GRID, ISNI) ensuring international recognition in scientific databases
- **Active digital engagement** via **Twitter (@CARobotica_)** and a dedicated **website**
- **Multilingual recognition** with Wikipedia entries in **Spanish and Catalan**
- **Unique governance model** as a **standalone research institute** rather than a university department or corporate lab

## Body

### **Overview and Mission**
The **Centre for Automation and Robotics (CAR)** is a **Spanish research institute** dedicated to **advancing automation and robotics technologies**. Unlike universities or corporate R&D labs, CAR operates as a **pure research organization**, meaning its sole mission is to conduct **systematic, high-impact research** without the constraints of teaching or profit-driven development.

### **Governance and Affiliations**
CAR is **jointly managed** by two of Spain’s most influential research institutions:
1. **Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)** – The largest public research body in Spain, overseeing scientific advancements across multiple disciplines.
2. **Technical University of Madrid (UPM)** – A top-ranked European technical university, providing engineering and technological expertise.

This **dual affiliation** allows CAR to:
- Access **government-funded research grants** (via CSIC)
- Collaborate with **academic and industry partners** (via UPM)
- Integrate **theoretical research** with **applied engineering solutions**

### **Facilities and Locations**
CAR operates from **two strategic locations** in Spain:

#### **1. Arganda del Rey (Main Headquarters)**
- **Coordinates**: 40.31319722222222, -3.4835805555555557
- **Role**: Primary research hub, housing labs for **robotics testing, automation systems, and AI integration**
- **Advantages**: Proximity to Madrid’s industrial zones, allowing for **real-world testing and industry collaborations**

#### **2. Palacio de las Artes y la Industria (Madrid)**
- **Coordinates**: 40.439439, -3.688122
- **Role**: Secondary facility, likely used for **administrative functions, workshops, and public engagement**
- **Significance**: Located in a historic building, reinforcing CAR’s connection to **Spain’s industrial heritage**

### **Digital and Public Presence**
CAR maintains an **active online presence** to disseminate research and engage with the global robotics community:
- **Official Website**: [https://www.car.upm-csic.es/](https://www.car.upm-csic.es/) – Serves as the primary portal for **publications, project updates, and collaboration opportunities**
- **Twitter (@CARobotica_)**:
  - **Launched**: November 7, 2019
  - **Purpose**: Shares **research breakthroughs, event announcements, and industry news**
  - **Audience**: Researchers, policymakers, and robotics enthusiasts

### **Research Focus Areas**
While the exact projects are not detailed in the source material, CAR’s specialization in **automation and robotics** suggests key research domains such as:
- **Industrial robotics** (e.g., automated manufacturing, cobots)
- **AI and machine learning for robotics** (e.g., autonomous decision-making)
- **Human-robot interaction** (e.g., assistive robotics, healthcare applications)
- **Control systems and cyber-physical systems** (e.g., smart factories, IoT integration)

### **Global Research Identification**
CAR is **formally recognized** in international research databases through standardized identifiers:
- **ROR ID (Research Organization Registry)**: **02wh02235** – Ensures CAR’s work is trackable in global citation networks
- **GRID ID (Global Research Identifier Database)**: **grid.507480.e** – Links CAR to its parent institutions (CSIC, UPM) in research metrics
- **Ringgold ID**: **366053** – Used by publishers and libraries for institutional disambiguation
- **ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier)**: **0000000405570387** – Unique identifier for CAR in bibliographic records

### **Multilingual Recognition**
CAR’s significance is reflected in its **Wikipedia presence** in multiple languages:
- **Spanish (es)**: Primary entry, detailing its role in Spain’s research ecosystem
- **Catalan (ca)**: Indicates regional relevance, particularly in Catalonia’s tech and industrial sectors

### **Comparison with Similar Entities**
Unlike other research organizations, CAR is **distinct** in several ways:
- **Not a university department**: Unlike UPM’s own engineering schools, CAR does **not offer degrees**—its focus is **pure research**.
- **Not a think tank**: While think tanks influence policy, CAR advances **technological innovation** in robotics.
- **Not a corporate lab**: Independent from private companies, allowing **unbiased, long-term research** without commercial pressures.

### **Future Directions**
Given its **strategic partnerships (CSIC + UPM)** and **specialized focus**, CAR is positioned to lead advancements in:
- **Next-generation automation** for **smart factories**
- **Robotics for societal challenges** (e.g., elderly care, disaster response)
- **Collaborations with EU-funded projects** (e.g., Horizon Europe initiatives)

By maintaining its **research-only mandate**, CAR ensures that Spain remains at the **forefront of robotics innovation**, contributing to both **national industry** and **global scientific progress**.

## References

1. GRID Release 2019-12-10
2. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions