Flexible production systems based on integrated tools for rapid reconfiguration of machinery and robots
Specific challenge: Easy and fast reconfigurable machinery and robots are essential to answer to the increasing need for highly complex products and to react to rapid changes in market demands. Smaller lot sizes and more product variations require a highly flexible production capacity. New tools are required to support more rapid and autonomous reconfiguration of production systems. Powerful tools addressing self-adjustment, correction, and control of individual machines and robots, the production system as a whole and the link with existing production planning and scheduling systems have been developed over recent years but integration and deployment of those tools require further R&D and demonstration. While the focus will be on demonstrating the tools on existing production capacity, R&D activities supporting the integration and scale-up are expected as well.
Scope: Demonstration activities should address all of the following areas:
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