The programme dubbed SPARC aims at reinforcing research and development in civilian robotics, head of Rodolab Marko Munih explained to the STA.

Robolab's part in the programme involves research coordination and cooperation with some of the best companies and research institutions in the field, Munih said and added that they would like to see more Slovenians cooperate in the initiative.

SPARC will be funded by the European Commission and the euRobotics (the industry's umbrella organization). The former will provide EUR 700m, while the latter will invest EUR 2.1b.

The EU needs to take appropriate measures to keep up with the development and success, seen as great efforts are being made by other world regions, Munih said.

SPARC is expected to create over 240,000 jobs in Europe and increase Europe's share of the global robotics market from 35% in 2014 to 42% in 2020, when the market will expectedly be worth EUR 60bn a year.