The IKERLAN technological center inaugurated the State's first multi-technology digital laboratory, DIGILAB, on October 20, in Arrasat: an area of ​​2,000 m2. There, you can find the latest generation infrastructure for researching various cutting-edge technologies, such as collaborative robotics, cyber security, safety and reliability, 5G communications, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. DIGILAB has an area of ​​2,000 square meters, and has the necessary equipment for the Basque technological center to continue to be a pioneer in the field of technological transfer for smart industry in the field of digitization. The laboratory has had an investment of 1.5 million euros, and is the first inauguration of infrastructure and equipment funded by the Basque Government's AZPITEK program.

The digital technologies used by IKERLAN offer almost unlimited possibilities for many applications. In the industrial field, they allow the optimization of the operation of machines and processes; for this purpose, they develop trains capable of running autonomously (without a driver), elevators or intelligent systems for generating wind energy, capable of self-diagnosis and anticipating errors, or consumer systems capable of anticipating consumer wishes. In all these applications, IKERLAN works with leading local and multinational companies in the world.

The inauguration was attended by Arantxa Tapia, Minister of Economic Development, Sustainability and Environment of the Basque Government, Markel Olano, Chief Deputy of Gipuzkoa, Iñigo Ucín, President of the MONDRAGON Corporation, María Ubarretxena, Mayor of Arrasate, and Ion Etxeberria, CEO of IKERLAN. In addition, many companies and organizations related to the technological center wanted to participate in that event, and made a visit to the facilities. During that visit, the researchers made demonstrations of various developments. The center is carrying out these developments for international reference clients. The directors of the companies Telefónica Tech, Nestlé, Aldakin, Orona, Ingeteam and CAF also participated in the event, and had several conversations about the challenges in the field of digital technologies and the contribution that DIGILAB's space offers to companies.

In the words of Ion Etxeberria, the CEO of IKERLAN, "these facilities will strengthen IKERLAN's capabilities in the field of future digital technologies, as they will allow us to have a multi-technological platform. Thanks to DIGILAB, we will be able to attract and create new knowledge in a quasi-industrial environment, strengthening our good positioning in transferring technology to companies and offering real solutions to real industry challenges. This new ecosystem of digital technologies will also promote a collaborative environment suitable for training and entrepreneurship."

The laboratory required an investment of 1.5 million euros, and was developed within the framework of Azpitek. Azpit is an aid program launched last year by the Basque Government for R&D and initiatives, and aims to provide support for the acquisition, installation and updating of scientific-technical equipment for technological centers in the Basque Country.