Research
30 Sep 2026
What if robotics could massively accelerate the energy renovation of buildings? That’s the whole ambition behind COBART, selected among the 31 winners of the France 2030 call for projects “Offering excellence in robots and intelligent machines,” announced on 18 June 2026 at the Eurosatory trade show by Sébastien Martin, Minister Delegate for Industry, and Bruno Bonnell, Secretary-General for Investment in charge of France 2030.
This national recognition supports a strong ambition: to bring about a new generation of robots serving building trade workers.
Icam, a Key Player in the COBART Project
COBART is led by a consortium bringing together complementary areas of expertise:
- OCBAT, project lead;
- Builder Assist, the startup that will handle the industrialisation and the commercialisation of the future robotic solution;
- LIRMM/CNRS, an internationally recognised authority in robotics, artificial intelligence and control systems;
- Icam, contributing its expertise in technological development and testing, particularly in 3D vision and facade inspection, enabling the robotic system to perceive and characterise its environment in order to adapt its intervention.
Officially launched on 1 July 2026 for a 36-month period, the project represents €2.09 million in investment, with each partner also contributing its own funds, a clear sign of its commitment to this technological and industrial venture.
Addressing the Facade Worker Shortage and Accelerating Energy Renovation
Faced with a worsening shortage of facade workers across Europe, COBART is developing a robotic solution capable of assisting tradespeople with the most physically demanding tasks in external thermal insulation (ETICS) and facade finishing.
Test wall demonstrations at the Cobart launch on 21 and 22 September
The project’s ambitions:
- Triple on-site productivity;
- Reduce the physical strain of interventions by up to 90%;
- Accelerate energy renovation while cutting waste and CO₂ emissions;
- Help establish a sovereign French robotics sector dedicated to the construction industry.
An Innovation Featured in L’Usine Digitale
Production of the COBART robot is planned at the Francazal air base in Cugnaux, near Toulouse. This strategic choice will strengthen the project’s local roots and foster synergies with Toulouse’s robotics, industrial and aerospace ecosystem.
This momentum has already caught the attention of specialist media: COBART is among the projects highlighted by L’Usine Digitale following the announcement of the 31 new France 2030 winners — great visibility for the consortium and for French innovation in construction robotics. As the outlet notes: “Launched in July 2023 as part of the France 2030 robotics strategy, this scheme is designed to build a ‘competitive and sovereign French sector’ in industrial robotics, drones and additive manufacturing (3D printing), along with the associated hardware and software technologies.”
As the consortium sums up: ” Because the future of construction won’t be a site without humans. It will be a site where humans are enhanced by technology. ”
COBART is much more than a robot: it’s a new way of building, renovating, and making construction trades more attractive, safer and more efficient.
🚀A great source of pride for the Icam teams involved in this journey, which is only just beginning!
Find out more about Cobart in this video 👇
