Project description
Levitation solution for the smallest components
Microcomponents may be very small, but they have enormous potential for large-scale applications. They are also extremely sensitive to scratching or other damage; this is why protecting them is important. The root cause of the damage is the manipulation steps using mechanical grippers or suction tools to handle the components. In this context, the EU-funded Touchless Automation project will develop a contactless solution to handle microcomponents of any shape and material to ensure they are not damaged or contaminated. Targeting the semiconductor manufacturing equipment and watchmaking industries, the project has developed the smallest solution of its kind on the market: a novel microgripper, which combines ultrasound and vacuum to make the microcomponents levitate underneath it at a distance of <50 µm.
Objective
Touchless Automation is a contactless solution to handle microcomponents of any shape & material.
It addresses the acute problem of microcomponents frequently getting damaged, contaminated, and as a result, discarded during the precision assembly processes. Our novel microgripper combines ultrasound & vacuum to make the microcomponents levitate underneath it at the distance of <50 µm. It is the smallest solution of this kind on the market.
We are targeting semiconductor manufacturing equipment & watchmaking industries for commercialization of Touchless Automation (with total addressable markets of €91.8m+ & €33.6m+ respectively). In 2017 we have generated strong market interest from other markets as well—pharmaceuticals, optoelectronics, metrology & others.
In semiconductor equipment manufacturers & watchmakers, we have already defined technological feasibility studies with our prospects (Rolex, Ciposa, Comadur) to validate characteristics of the microgripper. In the implemented studies we have seen a 18-24% reduction in microparts damage & contamination. Finally, our partner Sabato Microtec—one of the leading global high-precision micromechanics manufacturers—will back us up with expertise, a wide network of contacts & equipment to develop & scale.
In Oct 2017 we have received a PCT report that confirmed innovation over prior art, which removed the final obstacle (from a competitive patent) and gave us freedom to operate and to commercialize Touchless Automation.
With Touchless Automation we are conservatively estimating €15m+ revenues by 2021 & €26m+ by 2023. In this Phase 1 project we will produce detailed market analysis for key & adjacent market segments, validate price ranges, determine sources of additional revenue streams & define a strong IP protection strategy.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics optoelectronics
- social sciences sociology industrial relations automation
- social sciences economics and business business and management business models
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
- natural sciences physical sciences acoustics ultrasound
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.2.3. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.3. - PRIORITY 'Societal challenges
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H2020-EU.2.1. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
2504 BIEL/BIENNE
Switzerland
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.