Our RIR is awarded funding for the SUPREME Project

Human-Centric Systems for Evolved Manufacturing Products and Processes

The vision of Industry 5.0 aims to reconcile production objectives with social goals centered on sustainability and the well-being of workers, placing humans at the center of the production process. However, from a technological perspective, there is strong continuity between Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and, in general, digital transformation still play a central role. Yet, in the human-centric vision of the new paradigm, these technologies are now used to “bring the human back into the control loop,” rather than to implement increasingly advanced automation.

In this context lies SUPREME, which aims to design and implement advanced and secure systems for monitoring production lines/products, optimizing processes and their efficiency (including energy efficiency), detecting faults and maintenance, quality control, and traceability. By using ICT technologies, in continuity with the paths already undertaken in the Industry 4.0 vision, the goal is to create advanced decision-making systems that support the operator, increasing their operability and centrality within the various business functions, towards a more efficient and sustainable industrial vision.

The partner companies will participate in both identifying requirements to ensure the effective impact of the proposed industrial research activities in the regional context, and in creating 9 use cases to evaluate the actual adoptability and effectiveness of the developed solutions, sometimes creating prototype versions of products/services.

The project partnership is characterized by the presence of end-users operating in various sectors of the regional manufacturing landscape (ABAnalitica, Delka Energy, Keyline, Ricos, Uster, Zamperla, Zanella) and providers of technologically advanced services (Asac, Bedigital, Dataveneta, Fidem, IRS, Statwolf, Stesi, Xteam, 221e) in line with the model that has proven successful for the transfer of ICT technologies into the manufacturing system and ensures interdisciplinarity and transferability of the results obtained. Finally, the presence of the Universities of Padua, Verona, and Ca’ Foscari Venice ensures solid methodological support for the initiative.

Our RIR is awarded funding for the COMMIS5.0 Project

Chatbots and Human-Centric Interfaces for the Optimization of Manufacturing and Innovation in Services 5.0

With the advent of Industry 5.0, the optimization of manufacturing and innovation in services are redefining the role of technology in industrial operations and service processes. The 5.0 vision places the human being at the center of technological innovations: in this context, ‘human-centric’ interfaces and approaches are considered essential to enable the digital transformation already proposed, almost 10 years ago, by Industry 4.0, which has generally not been fully realized.

The introduction of new modeling and design tools, along with the explosion – starting at the end of 2022 – of chatbots based on Large Language Models (LLMs), has laid the foundation for bringing this human-centric vision of technology 5.0 to a level of maturity that was unthinkable just a few years ago.

The COMMIS5.0 project focuses on developing advanced chatbots and human-centered user interfaces to optimize manufacturing processes, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the experience and adoption of Services 5.0.

Through the use of conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI), these chatbots not only simplify the interaction between machines and operators but also facilitate the customization of services by proactively responding to user needs and simplifying complex operations such as the installation and calibration of machinery and recipes.

The main goal of the initiative is to develop solutions that can improve productivity, reduce downtime, and create a more collaborative and innovative work environment where technology adapts to the needs of individuals, improving the human-machine interaction in an efficient and inclusive way.

In particular, the COMMIS5.0 project aims to optimize the operations of the support service, provide intuitive interfaces for accessing the corporate knowledge base, and offer customers an easy-to-use first-level support integrated into the company’s information systems.

Involving 6 companies (Axera, B+B International, Galdi, Imesa, HIP-Mitsu, SIPA) operating in various sectors (industrial washers, adhesive machines, packaging, telecommunications) and two research organizations (University of Padua – UniPD, University of Verona – UniVR), the project will utilize advanced generative artificial intelligence technologies, modeling, and design tools to address the challenges of the manufacturing sector and associated services.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION SURVEY ON THE FUTURE OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR

DG CONNECT together with DG RTD launched the “Manufacturing our Future” survey, which aims to gather information from stakeholders on manufacturing sector priorities in the near future.

This survey is an opportunity to gather the views of the wider European manufacturing community on future priorities towards 2030 and to engage in the co-creation of future work programmes, based on the strategic research and innovation agenda of Made in Europe and the EIT Manufacturing programmes.

To learn more about Horizon Europe’s “Digital, Industry and Space” Cluster 4 funding opportunities, visit this link.

The survey will gather expertise and opinions on the next priorities of manufacturing in Europe, as well as expressions of interest to participate in the workshop scheduled for 25 October 2021.

You can access the online survey, which will be open until 15 September 2021, at this link:

https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/consultations/eu-survey-manufacturing-our-future

https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/consultations/eu-survey-manufacturing-our-future