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Industry 4.0 for SMEs - Smart Manufacturing and Logistics for SMEs in an X-to-order and Mass Customization Environment

Objective

Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution and technological evolution from embedded systems to cyber-physical systems (CPS) in production. The main objectives of Industry 4.0 can be summarized as the introduction of intelligent systems in production and logistics, the development of highly adaptable and modular manufacturing and logistics systems, the integration of sustainable and advanced manufacturing technologies as well as the promotion of automation technology and human-machine interaction. In the context of Industry 4.0 new ICT and web technologies act as booster or enabler of smart, autonomous and self-learning factories facing the challenges of even more individualized and customized product portfolio.
A great challenge for the future lies in the transfer of Industry 4.0 expertise and technologies in small and medium sized enterprises (SME). SMEs represent the backbone of the economy and have an enormous importance in the development programs of the European Union for strengthening the competitiveness of European enterprises. Although the high potential of Industry 4.0 in SMEs, the main limit lies in a lack of concrete models for its implementation and application in small and medium enterprises. Thus, this research project titled “Industry 4.0 for SMEs - Smart Manufacturing and Logistics for SMEs in an X-to-order and Mass Customization Environment” aims to close and overcome this gap through the creation of an international and interdisciplinary research network. Identifying the needs and enablers for a smart and intelligent SME-Factory, creating adapted concepts and design solutions for production and logistics systems in SMEs and developing suitable organisation and business models will be the three main objectives of this research network. The applicability of the results is ensured through a close collaboration with a European small and medium sized enterprise (non-academic partner) from mass customization industry.

Coordinator

LIBERA UNIVERSITA DI BOLZANO
Net EU contribution
€ 472 500,00
Address
Piazza Universita 1
39100 Bolzano
Italy

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Region
Nord-Est Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano/Bozen Bolzano-Bozen
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 63 000,00

Participants (3)

TECHNICKA UNIVERZITA V KOSICIACH
Slovakia
Net EU contribution
€ 180 000,00
Address
Letna 9
042 00 Kosice

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Region
Slovensko Východné Slovensko Košický kraj
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 108 000,00
MONTANUNIVERSITAET LEOBEN
Austria
Net EU contribution
€ 130 500,00
Address
Franz Josef Strasse 18
8700 Leoben

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Region
Südösterreich Steiermark Östliche Obersteiermark
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 0,00
ELCOM, SPOLOCNOST S RUCENIM OBMEDZENYM, PRESOV
Slovakia
Net EU contribution
€ 0,00
Address
Jesenna 2695/26
080 01 Presov

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Slovensko Východné Slovensko Prešovský kraj
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Other funding
€ 0,00

Partners (4)

Partner

Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.

CHIANG MAI UNIVERSITY
Thailand
Net EU contribution
€ 0,00
Address
Huay Kaew Road 238
50200 Chiang Mai

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 265 500,00
Partner

Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
United States
Net EU contribution
€ 0,00
Address
Massachusetts Avenue 77
02139 Cambridge

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 0,00
Partner

Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.

WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
United States
Net EU contribution
€ 0,00
Address
100 Institute Rd.
016092280 Worcester

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 63 000,00
Partner

Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.

MADURAI AYIRA VAISYAR MANJAPUTHUR MAHAJANA SABAI
India
Net EU contribution
€ 0,00
Address
17 East Marrat Street
625301 Madurai

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Activity type
Research Organisations
Other funding
€ 108 000,00