As part of its working visit to France, on July 11, 2026, a delegation from the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) held a working session with representatives of IMT Mines Alès to discuss the institutions’ strengths in education and research, as well as potential areas of cooperation in high technology. The discussions focused on potential joint research in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, UAVs, and intelligent vehicles. 

Representing IMT Mines Alès at the meeting were Prof. Jacky Montmain – Director of the Center for Education and Research in Computer Science and Systems (CERIS); Prof. Gregory Zacharewicz – Director of SyCoIA-Lab (Laboratory for Complex Systems and Artificial Intelligence); Prof. Sylvie Ranwez – Head of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Department (CSAI/2IA); Prof. Nicolas Daclin – Head of the Industrial Performance and Mechatronic Systems Department (PRIMS); Ms. Laetitia Cambon – representative of the Platform of Mechatronics (PFM); and Prof. Phuc Do.

Introducing IMT Mines Alès, Prof. Jacky Montmain shared an overview of research activities conducted by SyCoIA-Lab and other relevant academic units. The PTIT delegation introduced the Institute and its cooperation activities, while also presenting research areas currently of interest to PTIT, including research on UAVs and intelligent vehicles.

Building on shared strengths and common areas of interest, the two sides discussed potential research directions and areas that could be developed in the future. Among them, projects applying AI to sign language for people with hearing impairments, as well as research in robotics and automation, were identified as areas with strong potential for collaboration and further development. The two sides also discussed specific possibilities for cooperation in the coming period.

As part of the program, the PTIT delegation visited the robotics creative space at IMT Alès, providing an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the research, development, and application of robotics technologies at the French institution.

During the working visit, the PTIT delegation also visited the University of Toulon and held discussions with engineers from the University’s Innovation Center on the possibility of jointly developing products in the fields of robotics and UAVs. 

The working sessions at IMT Mines Alès and the University of Toulon contributed to expanding PTIT’s network of connections with educational, research, and innovation institutions in France. Building on the initial discussions on AI, robotics, automation, and UAVs, the parties have gained a stronger foundation for exploring suitable areas of cooperation, connecting the research capabilities of their respective academic groups, and gradually promoting application-oriented collaboration toward the development of technological products and solutions that address practical needs.