The Institute of Robotics for Dependency (IRD or Instituto de Robótica para la Dependencia in Spanish) is a private foundation, based in Sitges, Barcelona. It is a non-profit organization, registered in the Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte with the number 1,709.
The institute was created by the Ave Maria Foundation with the aim to separate care activities from innovation after 30 years of experience, to specialize the Institute to become a point of reference worldwide.
The IRD promotes and encourages research and training in robotics and assistive technology for dissabled and dependant persons, in order to improve their quality of life, as well as the quality of life of their families and care professionals.
We are a technology center focused on R+D designed for and by its beneficiaries and able to perform our own tests with end users. This makes our projects more viable and cross-cutting, from the start (concept phase) to the end (implementation), thanks to the involvement of the people with disabilities from the Fundació Ave Maria and other collaborating centers.
I. Mission
The IRD’s mission is to improve the quality of life of dependent persons, their families and the professionals who support them, through the most advanced technology, promoting the production of innovative products that transform the current state-of-the-art, transferring our knowledge, with efficiency, quality, safety and sustainability.
II. Vision
To be an international benchmark in the application of technological innovations in the field of dependency.
III. Values
❯ Transformative desire and social contribution.
❯ Transparency, endeavour, honesty and respect for people.
Innovation must come from real needs of dependent persons, their families and caregiver professionals and organizations. From the IRD side, we want to give a boost to innovation so these stakeholders can take advantage from the solutions that robotics and latest assistive technology developments can offer, assuring this benefits reach dependent people driving their social development.