FAITH in Practice: AI, Robotics and Port Innovation

The Port of Ravenna has been actively involved in the FAITH project. Can you briefly explain what has been done so far?

Within the FAITH project, the Port of Ravenna has hosted one of the large-scale pilots aimed at testing the trustworthiness of artificial intelligence systems applied to robotics, and specifically the underwater robotics. The activities focused on the use of autonomous underwater vehicles equipped with sensors and AI algorithms for two main use cases: automatic recognition of submerged objects and autonomous coverage for bathymetric surveys. In addition, we organised two stakeholder workshop in Ravenna, held in hybrid format, which brought together around 40 participants including port operators, technical experts and institutional stakeholders . These were key moments to present the pilot activities, discuss risks related to AI adoption and collect direct feedback from end users.

Ravenna also hosted a demonstration in April 2026. What was the purpose of this demo?

Yes, in April 2026 we hosted the live demonstration of the FAITH pilot in the Port of Ravenna. The demo represented a crucial step in validating the technologies in a real operational environment. It allowed us to test the performance of AI-based systems integrated with underwater drones in real port conditions, particularly in complex and potentially hazardous scenarios. The demonstration showed how these systems can autonomously collect data, detect anomalies and support decision-making processes related to infrastructure monitoring.

What were the main outcomes emerging from the stakeholder engagement activities?

The stakeholder workshop played a fundamental role. It was not just a dissemination event, but a true co-creation exercise. Participants actively contributed by identifying gaps in the proposed systems and by defining priorities for future improvements . One of the key outcomes was the confirmation that trust, transparency and risk mitigation are essential conditions for the adoption of AI in port environments. The discussion also highlighted the importance of aligning technological development with operational needs and regulatory requirements.

The Port of Ravenna has been actively involved in the FAITH project. Can you briefly explain what has been done so far?

The pilot has already delivered several important results. First, it enabled the collection of real-world underwater data, which has been used to train and improve AI algorithms for object recognition and navigation. Moreover, the tools have been adapted following the suggestions coming from the stakeholders in terms of usability, accountability, security, and first of all, the possibility to take control of the vehicle at any moment and modify the mission.