With active participation in the 1st Arta Shopping Festival, organized by the Municipality of Arta on September 24–25, 2026, the Laboratory of Knowledge & Intelligent Computing of the University of Ioannina (Department of Informatics & Telecommunications, Arta University Campus) brought research and innovation closer to the citizens of Arta. The festival also featured activities involving local organizations and institutions, including the University of Ioannina.

During the two-day open information event held in the city center, the Laboratory team presented to the public and to students from local schools the European CRADLES project (Interreg IPA ADRION), which aims to restore and ensure the long-term preservation of critical wetland nursery areas in the Amvrakikos Gulf. Visitors learned about the importance of wetlands and lagoons for biodiversity and local fisheries, as well as how the team uses satellite data, drones, and machine learning methods to monitor these ecosystems.

The demonstration of the robotic dog used by the Laboratory for research purposes attracted particular interest from both children and adults, providing the public with an opportunity for a direct and engaging introduction to robotics and modern technologies.

The Laboratory’s participation in the festival highlighted the connection between society and the University: the research being developed does not remain confined to the laboratory, but reaches out to the city, informs citizens, and inspires the next generation.