PiQASO

PiQASO: Securing the future of robotics in the quantum era

As cybersecurity threats evolve, so must the systems that protect our technologies. With the rapid development of quantum computing, traditional encryption methods are expected to face unprecedented challenges. This shift is driving a new wave of innovation across Europe, and PAL Robotics is part of the PiQASO project. PiQASO (Platform for Quantum-Safe Operations) brings together 23 partners across 11 countries with a shared goal: to develop a platform as a service solution integrating quantum-safe cryptographic algorithms and protocols. The project focuses on delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions for encryption, identity management, and secure communications without requiring specialized hardware. Preparing robotics for a quantum-secure future Robots are becoming increasingly connected systems, operating in environments where secure data exchange is critical, from hospitals to industrial facilities. As these systems grow more autonomous and collaborative, it is essential to ensure their communications remain protected. PiQASO addresses this challenge by enabling a transition toward quantum-resistant cybersecurity , ensuring that data remains secure even against future quantum-enabled threats. Within this context, PAL Robotics plays a key role in bringing these innovations into real-world robotic applications. PAL Robotics’ role: validating secure communication in robotics At PAL Robotics, the team leads the robotics use case within PiQASO, validating the developed solutions in our own facilities. Our work focuses on developing and testing software that enables secure communication and data exchange between robots , ensuring that robotic systems can operate reliably in sensitive environments. Our main contributions include: Leading the validation of the robotics use case at PAL Robotics’ facilities Developing software for secure robot-to-robot communication Ensuring safe operation in environments such as healthcare and industry Contributing robotics and AI expertise to strengthen system performance and security Supporting the transition from traditional cybersecurity systems to quantum-resistant approaches Through this work, PAL Robotics is helping ensure that robots remain trustworthy, resilient, and ready for the next generation of cybersecurity challenges . Showcasing PiQASO at the European Robotics Forum The European Robotics Forum (ERF) , held on 23-26 in March 2026 in Stavanger, Norway, provided a key opportunity to disseminate the progress of the PiQASO project to a broad audience of robotics researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers. During the event, our team actively engaged with participants through direct interactions at the exhibition area and networking sessions, where project representatives introduced PiQASO’s objectives and ongoing developments. To support this outreach, dedicated PiQASO flyers were designed, printed, and distributed, enabling structured communication of the project’s vision, technical approach, and expected impact. PAL Robotics’ presence at ERF reflects a broader commitment: not only to develop technology, but also to engage with the European robotics ecosystem and contribute to its evolution . Building secure foundations for the next generation of robotics As robotics continues to expand into critical sectors, cybersecurity becomes a fundamental requirement, not an afterthought. Projects like PiQASO are laying the groundwork for a future where robots can operate safely in increasingly complex and connected environments.

The project funded under Grant Agreement No. 101190366 is supported by the European Cybersecurity Competence CentreFunded by the European Union.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Cybersecurity Competence Centre.
Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.