Non-destructive Inspection

The requirements for quality control, even for complex components, increase up to a 100% quality inspection. The inspection of parts of complex shape requires robotic solutions to move a sensor system in such a way that the whole surface of the part is covered. SPIRIT aims at the development of a s ...+
In order to remain competitive and retain its leading manufacturing position, European industry must be able to deliver high-quality products and increase productivity while keeping costs down. The manufacturing industry is undergoing a substantial transformation due to the proliferation of new digi ...+
Major parts - including the wings of the Airbus A 380 - are made of fiber-reinforced composites. During machining - e. g. drilling - the inhomogeneity of the material in the inner walls of the boreholes can lead to fraying and loosening. However, the quality of the boreholes is essential for the str ...+
The SonicScan project aims at developing NDT methods based on ultrasonic testing that are suitable for primary structural parts. The main challenge is the compact shape of the parts and their high thickness. To address this problem the project builds upon the sampling phased array technology that al ...+
The INLINE project aims at the solution of key challenges to enable the implementation of a scalable manufacturing process for fuel cell systems. Current manufacturing processes rely on manual work that has substantial limits in terms of cycle times, costs and scalability. Developments will start wi ...+
The factors of success in the context of the digital factory are the inclusion of human within the manufacturing process as well as the consideration of their individuality and experience. Assistive systems act an important role in this field. The challenges of a nearby collaboration of human and ro ...+
Die automatische Prüfung von Composite-Bauteilen gewinnt sowohl  in der Automobilindustrie als auch in der Luftfahrt zunehmend an Bedeutung. Während es bei den Produktionsverfahren substantielle Fortschritte gegeben hat, wird die Prüfung immer noch manuell durchgeführt, nimmt aber 30-50 Prozent ...+
Initial situation: Efficient production of carbon composite parts is an important topic for aerospace, automotive and other industries. In a draping process, carbon fibre textiles are shaped in order to produce parts with complex shape. This draping process results in complex deformation of carbon f ...+
Holzfurnieroberflächen spielen als Leichtbau-Dekorteile für die Luftfahrtindustrie eine wichtige Rolle. Diese Oberflächen sind hochglänzend lackiert, deren Qualität wird im Rahmen der Abnahme von den Erstausrüstern (OEM) kritisch bewertet. Dabei werden Messgeräte eingesetzt, die Kennwerte üb ...+
Non-destructive testing of components is an important auxiliary process step, not only in quality control but also in regular maintenance. The detection of cracks is currently done by using magnetic particle inspection, which is a decades-old, inefficient and ecologically undesirable process. There ...+
Machine vision in industrial quality control, e.g. in surface inspection, generates an enormous amount of data. These data are input for machine learning structures that reproduce human decision making. The setup and optimization of such machine learning structures in industrial environments require ...+

Robotics

IMP explores new methods and tools for improving maintenance planning and execution in highly demanding and complex production systems by intuitively guiding, supervising and optimised scheduling. This includes the following priorities: (1) detection and classification of maintenance tasks from the ...+
NPS investigates new methods for priority-rule-based scheduling and control of flexible, volatile production processes at the operational shop floor level according to user-defined strategies. To do so, complex priority rules are automatically synthesized and iteratively optimised by using meta-heur ...+
Overall objective of this project is to research approaches for a distributed optimisation algorithm for dynamic job shop scheduling problems in massively distributed, agile production environments with stochastic properties. The research software prototype to be developed will be based on mathemati ...+
Development of methods and techniques for optimizing logistics in the production of semi-finished steel for the automobile and railway industry Background The European steel industry is facing fierce competition on the global market. To remain competitive and secure jobs, Austrian steel manufacturer ...+
CEUP2030 – Central Europe Upstreaming for Policy Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing & Industry 4.0. towards 2030 The CE Interreg Project CEUP 2030 (Central Europe Upstreaming for Policy Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 towards 2030) aims to generate stable innovation n ...+
  Share 4.0 – Interreg Slovakia-Austria – European Regional Development Fund The Interreg Slovakia-Austria Project “Share 4.0” is dedicated to create synergies in the region Slovakia – Austria by sharing best practices and awareness of innovative technologies to advance digitalized ma ...+
PredMAIn (Interreg, 2021-2022) AI-based predictive maintenance   Initial situation AI-based Predictive Maintenance Project (ATCZ279) The Interreg programme area Austria-Czech Republic is a region with a high number of SMEs. Many of them are active in the production and manufacturing of producti ...+
AssistMe is focused on potential operator and user experience of novel robotic assistance systems. A multi-level process develops and evaluates innovative interaction concepts and technologies in close collaboration with future operators and users who are integrated by user studies and who will eval ...+
Der "Griff in die Kiste" ist gelöst Das Handling von unförmigen und unsortiert dargebotenen Teilen – zum Beispiel in einer Schütte - stellt für die Automatisierung eine Herausforderung dar. Der von PROFACTOR und IH Tech gemeinsam entwickelte iRob Feeder®  ist in der Lage, unterschiedliche W ...+
The aim of the international research project LOCOBOT was to develop a low-cost "Robot co-worker" in a modular system that is suitable for industries with high production volume as well as for manufactures with low product volume and high customer specifications. The focus was on the development of ...+
NEXGEN_RWP articulates PROFACTOR’s goal to develop a new generation of robotic systems which can solve complex tasks efficiently even if framing conditions change. The further development of cognitive technologies will render possible the application of the system to a broad spectrum of use-cases ...+
The main goal of CustomPacker is to design and assemble a packaging workstation mostly using standard hardware components (no need for special solutions) resulting in a universal handling system for different products (size, weight and form). During the project, different concepts and technological ...+
The production of lightweight composite parts involves a number of process steps such as filling, grinding, coating and activation of surfaces e.g. for glueing. Occasionally small defects need to be repaired. To address these process steps the project Seltec investigates two different solution: Auto ...+
The European robotics industry is moving towards a new generation of robots, based on safety in the workplace and the ability to work alongside humans. This new generation is paramount to making the factories of the future more cost-effective and restoring the competitiveness of the European manufac ...+
The aerospace industry typically has to handle very large parts that remain stationary in a workcell for several days until a process is completed. Conventional robots cannot be successfully implemented in this environment. The European research project “VALERI” addresses this problem by develop ...+
The complexity of assembly processes and manufacturing processes in general is in-creasing with respect to flexibility, frequent changes of products and markets as well as shorter product life cycles. Currently, the adaptation of manufacturing processes requires significant resources and time. Inste ...+
Märkte, in denen die Nachfrage nicht immer genau vorhergesagt werden kann, bzw. Unternehmen, die mit kleinen Fertigungslosen arbeiten, profitieren nicht von der erhöhten Produktivität durch Roboter. Der Trend hin zu individualisierten Serienfertigung verschärft die Problematik zusätzlich. Indus ...+
Collaborative lightweight robots are a trend in industry. They are comparatively cheap. Developments in the field of machine learning make them increasingly flexible and easier to use. The challenges for research are obvious. The machines must be equipped with cognitive intelligence in order to adap ...+
Robots that collaborate with people without a protective device: collaborative robotics is the future of the production industry. The fields of application of human-robot-collaborations (HRC) are manifold: For example, in the packaging of goods or in the assembly of motors, robots powerfully support ...+
The aim of the project is to enable non-experts with the opportunity to easily teach robots a complex assembly process using natural communication methods. In order for robot systems to learn from a non-expert user, the robot system should first understand the user's intention. In this project, huma ...+
While traditional automation is suitable for repetitive executions, it reaches its limits when robots need to act in a Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) environment. Here challenges like high product and variant diversity, low lot sizes and especially low setup times make it necessary to develop new w ...+
The goal of MMAssist II is a fundamental research and characterization of assistance in a production context. Based on this, optimized assistance systems for future working places focused on the human worker („Human-Centered Workplace“) will be developed, implemented and evaluated in an industri ...+
Motivation systems used in health and leisure contexts rely mainly on screen-based virtual trainers and peers connected via social networks as main motivators. In working contexts, information and gamification concepts are more and more used to increase motivation. The main goal in both areas is to ...+

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Ihr Ansprechpartner

Dr. Andreas Pichler
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andreas.pichler@nullprofactor.at

International Jury awarded 10 ARTISTS to re-think fashion together with scientists

Linz. During the first call of the EU-funded project Re-FREAM, 78 applications were submitted at the official STARTS platform aiming to receive 55.000 EURs funding. In a first open call Re-FREAM were looking for outstanding concepts to three research challenges: from analog to connected, from 2D to 3D and from linear to sustainable circular systems. On July 10, the final decision was made by an international jury of designers, researchers, creators and founders. These ten awarded artists will work together with scientists on their concepts to re-define fashion and will be professionally support in three hubs (Linz, Valencia and Berlin) as part of a co-creation process.  Re-FREAM is proud to present our co-creators and their concepts

 

from analog to connected (HUB Berlin):

1. Constructing Connectivity by Jessica Smarsch:

Constructing Connectivity aims to disrupt the standards of healthcare with design sensitivity. Dignity, comfort, beauty, and creativity are seldom on the product requirements lists when developing a medical device. The goal of Constructing Connectivity is to deliver an engaging rehabilitation experience to stroke patients while also improving recovery and enhancing quality of life. By the end of this project we will create a functioning manufactured prototype that allows stroke patients to engage in creative, multi-sensory rehabilitation exercises.

2. Alma by Giulia Tomasello

Alma is a non-invasive wearable biosensor designed for the detection of vaginal infections. The project aims to develop a less conspicuous, wearable system that is low cost and reusable, capable of detecting pH and lactic acid from vaginal secretions and gather data that can be used to reconstruct an individual’s physiological profile. These data will be interfaced with a mobile app designed to monitor the vaginal chemistry and generate educational awareness. Alma is designed to empower women to become familiar with their own bodies and active patients, more willing to seek healthcare professional advice when necessary and break some of the taboos that are still attached to gynaecological health. Alma is in collaboration with scientists T.Busolo, J.Che and M.Calabrese.

 

3. LOVEWEAR  by witsense team

LOVEWEAR is a smart underwear that helps people of all abilities to self-explore and enhance their own intimacy and sexuality. Disabled sexuality is often neglected to release carer and families from uncomfortable responsibilities, which pose moral and ethical questions. Whether the individual is deprived of its natural appetite or its emotional and sentimental implications, what is really missing is the self-consciousness and the awareness towards his own body.  LOVEWEAR want to empower the wearer through a tactile experience achieved by Inflatable inserts, activated within the underwear linen, through the interaction with a connected ‘console’ pillow.

 

from 2D to 3D (HUB Linz):

4. Digital Vogue – Between Synthetic and Organic Processes by Julia Körner:

The project Julia Koerner is proposing for Re-FREAM is focused on the 2D to 3D relationship in 3D-Printed Fashion. The research focuses on digitally translating natural patterns into algorithms on the computer. It explores digital pattern design and multi-colour 3D printing on fabric, inspired by microscopic natural artefacts. 

 

5. WeAreAble by Ganit Goldstein

The digital revolution is part of our body, it is our second skin. What would happen if we, as a human factor, will interfere with the code of the digital work? this is exactly the subject of my project. ‘WeAReABle’ project deals with the making process of customized fashion designs. It is based on 3D body scans and 3D parametric codes combined with multi-color 3D printing directly on fabric.

Goldstein considers the human body as a platform for innovation, focusing on ‘smart textiles’ development. The project Goldstein is working on examines the border between future and tradition, redrawing the boundaries between hand-made and ‘machine-made.’ By using parametric design software and changing parameters codes, the outcome consists of outfits that are fit-to-measure to the exact curves and figure according to unique body shape. By using the technology of 3D printing, we-are-able to print this data, and make a textile that ‘remembers’ the 3D properties of a specific body

 

6. A 3D-based design process for the development of garments with a robotic based additive manufacturing method  by Michael Wieser (Yokai Team)

Bringing clothing production back to Europe is made possible through the creation of a new digital based process for local customization and garment production: by developing completely new methods for fashion design, like a whole 3D process that spans from 3D design, flattening, 3D seams to 3D presentations, the yokai team focuses on the production part, where there is still a huge lack of innovation. Our long term goal is to build a robot based automated manufacturing system, which enables the production of customised clothes. 

 

from linear to sustainable circular systems (HUB Valencia):

7. Marinero by Jef Montes

Inspired by the contrast of the sea and plastic pollution. Marinero is the first project of Studio Adaptive Skins. The focus of Marinero is to create an architectural blueprint that transforms organically over the course of time due to different meteorological conditions. The vision is to design a new kind of production system that results into adaptive garments that grow with us individually. Plastic will be collected from the sea and transformed into new threads. These plastic threads will be used in combination with the natural fibers from sea based materials (horizontal versus vertical). 

 

8. Cooking New Materials by Youyang Song

Cooking new materials is an independently developed technique which aims to process biowastes into a soft but yet robust leather-like material. Banana and orange peel or soy-milk are combined with a natural binding agent as the substrate. The resulting composite is fully biodegradable and can be easily reused after the re-cooking process. It is a 100% biodegradable, zero waste natural product. Moreover, the bio-material provides similar toughness, durability and water resistance as normal leather material.

 

9. Leather for Vegetarians by Fabio Molinas

“Leather for Vegetarians” is a material that imitates the leather but it is created from cork powder, a residue originated when sanding pieces of cork in the process of manufacturing the bottle caps, widely used in wine.

 

10. FRAGMENTS GARMENTS by Elisabeth Jayot

The Fragments Garments propose to relocate within small urban manufacturing units akin to Fablabs, the production of garments, – moreover designed seamless and modular -, based on a worldwide digital pattern trade. We would gather in one place a locally-sourced sustainable fabric library, a co-creation customer service, an on-demand laser-cutting of customized spare parts to be manually assembled by the user, and a shop offering ready-to-wear second hand clothes made of recombined used spare parts collected there. This project adds a 4th dimension to the classic Reduce, Repair, Recycle concept by involving the consumer who can easily dismantle and transform clothes according to changing trends, needs or sizes, thus leading to a longer life-span.

 

The artists will be presented on September 6, 2019 within the STARTS DAYS of  the Ars Electronica Festival.

 

Re-FREAM invites all artists and designers to submit their innovative concepts in the second call  in 2020. The call will be published on July 1, 2020. 

 

About the project: 

Re-FREAM is EU-funded project with 12 partners under the umbrella of STARTS and an invitation to artists and designers  to re-think the future of fashion with state-of-the-art production technologies. Re-FREAM gives fashion artists and designers an extraordinary opportunity to have access to an  unknown world: new spaces, new materials, new processes, new professional profiles. 

 

STARTS

Re-FREAM is part of the STARTS Family. STARTS (Science, Technology & the Arts) is an initiative of the European Commission. Its purpose is to support collaborations between artists, scientists, engineers and researchers to develop more creative, inclusive, and sustainable technologies. Re-FREAM is the lighthouse project for artistic exploration of technologies for fashion.

 

Re-FREAM is funded by the Europen Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the grant agreement No. 825647,