Aalto University Foundation sr (“Aalto University”) is conducting a market dialogue regarding a potential future procurement. The envisaged subject of the procurement is the acquisition of approximately thirty (30) indoor autonomous mobile robots for research and educational use. The preliminary scope comprises complete mobile robot platforms, documentation, software, commissioning support, training, warranty and maintenance options, and associated integration services. The market dialogue concerns complete mobile robot systems rather than components alone. Through a potential competitive tendering procedure, Aalto University seeks a supplier capable of delivering the systems to a high standard and in the most economically advantageous manner. This notice is not an invitation to tender. The purpose of the market dialogue is to determine the appropriate scope of the procurement and the capabilities of potential tenderers. Registering companies are expected to have comprehensive expertise in autonomous mobile robotics and a full-service offering covering delivery, integration, software support, and after-sales services, preferably with experience in research, education, or indoor logistics applications. All information herein is preliminary and indicative only. Responding or not does not prevent participation in any subsequent procurement procedure. The market dialogue does not oblige Aalto University to carry out a procurement procedure. Participants will not be compensated. Preliminary technical scope and capabilities (subject to refinement). Aalto University anticipates the mobile robots will meet or exceed the following baseline characteristics: Software and middleware - ROS 2 compatible (e.g., Humble or newer), with actively maintained and documented ROS 2 drivers and example packages for the mobile base, sensors, diagnostics, and other major subsystems. - Access to SDKs, APIs, and developer documentation, with example applications and simulation support where available. - Compatibility with common ROS 2 navigation and mapping frameworks, including Nav2 and SLAM solutions. - Support for custom software development and integration of research algorithms. Mechatronics and form factor - Platform suitable for indoor navigation, mapping, localization, and obstacle avoidance. - Modular design supporting integration or replacement of sensors, onboard computing, and other hardware components. - Onboard battery life of at least two (2) hours under typical indoor research operating conditions. - Documented payload capacity and support for carrying objects. - Availability of replacement parts and documented maintenance procedures. Sensing and computing - Integrated 2D LiDAR for indoor mapping, localization, and obstacle detection. - RGB-D/depth cameras preferred; optional 3D LiDAR configurations may be proposed. - Onboard computing suitable for ROS 2, navigation, mapping, and perception workloads. - Availability of higher-performance computing configurations (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson or equivalent GPU-accelerated hardware). - Access to sensor data and computing interfaces for custom software development. - Indicative pricing is requested for a configuration in which at least ten (10) of the thirty (30) robots are equipped with higher-performance computing. Multi-robot operation and communication - Support for operating multiple robots simultaneously. - Compatibility with ROS 2 communication middleware and interfaces for external multi-robot coordination and task-allocation algorithms. - Documented communication requirements and recommendations for multi-robot operation. - Support for integration with external fleet-management software where applicable. Indoor logistics applications - Support for autonomous transport and delivery tasks, including navigation between assigned destinations. - Interfaces and mounting options for carrying objects or integrating payload accessories. - Charging and docking options, including automatic charging where supported. - Compatibility with externally developed task-assignment and fleet-management systems. Compliance and safety - Compliance with applicable safety requirements, with relevant conformity documentation, risk assessments, and user safety documentation. - Emergency-stop functionality or documented provisions for integrating an emergency stop. - Obstacle detection, system diagnostics, and fault reporting. MARKET DIALOGUE: Registered companies will be provided with procurement-related documentation for comment. Aalto University reserves the right to arrange individual Teams meetings with registered companies on Aalto University’s needs and the company’s observations on the procurement, including but not limited to: - Technical readiness relative to the preliminary scope above. - ROS 2 support, navigation and mapping capabilities, sensor options, and computing configurations. - Suitability for research, education, multi-robot coordination, and indoor logistics applications. - Lead times, installation and commissioning, training, warranty, and maintenance/service models. - Availability and pricing of spare parts, charging solutions, and other infrastructure required for fleet operation. - Data, cybersecurity, and software licensing terms. Aalto University will contact registered companies to agree on meeting times, possibly before the registration period has closed. REGISTRATION FOR THE MARKET DIALOGUE: Interested companies should submit their contact details (company name and Business ID, contact person’s details) by email to francesco.verdoja@aalto.fi, subject line “Registration - Indoor autonomous mobile robots”. Registration closes on 24 November 2026 at 12:00 Finnish time.