Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SHOP4CF (Smart Human Oriented Platform for Connected Factories)
Berichtszeitraum: 2021-01-01 bis 2022-06-30
SHOP4CF (Smart Human Oriented Platform for Connected Factories) is an EU-funded project within the eighth framework program Horizon 2020 that aims to create a unique infrastructure for the convenient deployment of human-centric industrial applications. In the project, 20 partners develop a comprehensive software platform containing a wide range of components that cover a broad spectrum of industrial requirements, especially in the context of modern, flexible, and data-rich manufacturing.
The overall vision of SHOP4CF is that tomorrow's production requires both machine skills (e.g. high accuracy, precision, or persistence) and human resources (e.g. creativity, adaptability, or tactile sense). Therefore, the technical solutions that are currently built around the SHOP4CF software platform aim at the mutual complementation of human labor and machines to improve the working conditions by: (1) Automating monotonous and/or laborious work as well as by (2) increasing human productivity through smart assistance. We believe that SHOP4CF can have a strong positive impact on the labor market, as people in production are not simply replaced by automated processes, but rather gain in importance as their individual abilities find new relevance. Another outcome of SHOP4CF is the development of new rules, which will address novel aspects of human-robot collaboration such as privacy, security, protection, legal aspects, or data ownership. To ensure rapid adoption, great emphasis is placed on user-friendliness, reusability, interconnectivity, and accessibility. An important aspect is the creation of a holistic platform comprising a variety of different solutions called components, real-world deployments of component ensembles called pilots, license models (there are free and commercial components), specification of the rights of use and warranty. Moreover, we build a platform that comprises a unique infrastructure to easily deploy, orchestrate, and develop the modular components. The idea of achieving a high degree of reusability is similar to the open-source software movement that led to a revolution towards efficient software development. This modern approach is leading to an appealing alternative to the conventional way of creating solutions to specific problems from scratch in the manufacturing sector. For this vision to work, a highly modular approach is envisaged, from which people can creatively select and combine components to address their needs without being overwhelmed by technical issues during integration. We believe that this approach can significantly accelerate human-driven innovation in the context of manufacturing process design. For realizing this vision, all components are developed using a single point of integration to ensure a high degree of interconnectivity and compatibility. The consortium of SHOP4CF is united by the vision of a platform that significantly increases the level of automation to maintain the competitive edge of the European manufacturing sector.
The overall vision of SHOP4CF is that tomorrow's production requires both machine skills (e.g. high accuracy, precision, or persistence) and human resources (e.g. creativity, adaptability, or tactile sense). Therefore, the technical solutions that are currently built around the SHOP4CF software platform aim at the mutual complementation of human labor and machines to improve the working conditions by: (1) Automating monotonous and/or laborious work as well as by (2) increasing human productivity through smart assistance. We believe that SHOP4CF can have a strong positive impact on the labor market, as people in production are not simply replaced by automated processes, but rather gain in importance as their individual abilities find new relevance. Another outcome of SHOP4CF is the development of new rules, which will address novel aspects of human-robot collaboration such as privacy, security, protection, legal aspects, or data ownership. To ensure rapid adoption, great emphasis is placed on user-friendliness, reusability, interconnectivity, and accessibility. An important aspect is the creation of a holistic platform comprising a variety of different solutions called components, real-world deployments of component ensembles called pilots, license models (there are free and commercial components), specification of the rights of use and warranty. Moreover, we build a platform that comprises a unique infrastructure to easily deploy, orchestrate, and develop the modular components. The idea of achieving a high degree of reusability is similar to the open-source software movement that led to a revolution towards efficient software development. This modern approach is leading to an appealing alternative to the conventional way of creating solutions to specific problems from scratch in the manufacturing sector. For this vision to work, a highly modular approach is envisaged, from which people can creatively select and combine components to address their needs without being overwhelmed by technical issues during integration. We believe that this approach can significantly accelerate human-driven innovation in the context of manufacturing process design. For realizing this vision, all components are developed using a single point of integration to ensure a high degree of interconnectivity and compatibility. The consortium of SHOP4CF is united by the vision of a platform that significantly increases the level of automation to maintain the competitive edge of the European manufacturing sector.
Starting from the extensible SHOP4CF architecture that was created during the first period, the work has now focused on establishing the Human Factors Framework considering human-centred viewpoints (user experience & acceptance, usability, ergonomics, safety, ethical aspects, the impact on worker well-being and company benefit) and completing the guidelines for user interfaces based on input from industrial companies (WP2). The project architecture selection, cybersecurity aspects and interoperability between components has been done in WP3. The work on components and support tools has been completed, including the development of FSTP components(WP4). Furthermore, the activity on pilots’ deployment has continued with pilot use cases on the final integration (BOS UC1, BOS UC2, SAG UC2, VWP UC1), pilot use cases ready to start the final integration (SAG UC1, SAG UC3) and pilot use cases where component customization is in progress (ARC UC1, ARC UC2, VWP UC2). All first round FSTP experiments have defined the demos and KPIs for the pilots’ evaluation (WP5). The previously established strategic goals for the sustainability of the projects have been further developed and the RAMP Marketplace has been revamped. Moreover, Exploitation Workshops (3) have been held with the entire SHOP4CF consortium to define the Business Plan and establish a clear path on how to exploit the project outcomes, with a core focus on technology providers. Finally, engagements with EURADA aim to tighten the gap between European projects and regional follow-up funding schemes (WP6). Finally, a clear dissemination action plan was implemented in order to maximize awareness and participation in the first two open calls (49 submissions). Several dissemination activities (communication toolkit for partners, on-site and online events, the Ambassador program, high impact journals and conferences) had a significant impact to attract more FSTP submissions and enlarge the community. Finally, planning toward the final event of SHOP4CF has begun to be defined.
SHOP4CF will be supporting manufacturing companies by creating a one-stop shop (i.e. marketplace) where innovative solutions can be easily accessed by the entire manufacturing industry, without requiring high expertise or large investments. SHOP4CF solutions ensure a high degree of integration possibilities between all components on the marketplace and gives integrators the possibility to also integrate solutions from the vast FIWARE ecosystem. SHOP4CF will stand out in its simplicity to bring advanced technological solutions to the shopfloor, by drastically lowering the barrier to adapt new technology and increase its reusability. SHOP4CF develops all its solutions in a human-centric fashion, which ensures that workers will further develop their skills leading to better working conditions, enhanced safety and more high skilled labor in Europe. This is key for economic growth and will have a positive impact on the socio-demographic changes in the European society.
The growth of competitiveness to be achieved via SHOP4CF, and consequently, the capability of European Manufacturing companies to gain new market shares, will maintain the current employment rate and create new jobs with repercussions on the European unemployment rate. In Europe, where society is ageing, SHOP4CF aims to: (i) Facilitate the improvement of the working environment and offer opportunities for older employees to contribute to the work process. (ii) Help companies to upskill their workforce with new digital skills.
Given the fact that the technology industry in Europe consists of only 18% of the workforce and there is a gap of 800,000 vacancies that require ICT knowledge, this project will: (i) Take proactive measures to encourage women in the manufacturing community, researchers, SMEs, start-ups, to apply to Open Calls. (ii) Advertise digital manufacturing technologies in schools through museum exhibits and social network presentations to raise interest of female high school students. (iii) Collaborate with DG GROW, and DG Connect on digitisation, industry and ICT initiatives for women. SHOP4CF enables smarter production planning with fewer errors and less waste resulting in higher overall efficiency. In this way, SHOP4CF ensures social sustainability through its human centric approach and economic end environmental sustainability.
The growth of competitiveness to be achieved via SHOP4CF, and consequently, the capability of European Manufacturing companies to gain new market shares, will maintain the current employment rate and create new jobs with repercussions on the European unemployment rate. In Europe, where society is ageing, SHOP4CF aims to: (i) Facilitate the improvement of the working environment and offer opportunities for older employees to contribute to the work process. (ii) Help companies to upskill their workforce with new digital skills.
Given the fact that the technology industry in Europe consists of only 18% of the workforce and there is a gap of 800,000 vacancies that require ICT knowledge, this project will: (i) Take proactive measures to encourage women in the manufacturing community, researchers, SMEs, start-ups, to apply to Open Calls. (ii) Advertise digital manufacturing technologies in schools through museum exhibits and social network presentations to raise interest of female high school students. (iii) Collaborate with DG GROW, and DG Connect on digitisation, industry and ICT initiatives for women. SHOP4CF enables smarter production planning with fewer errors and less waste resulting in higher overall efficiency. In this way, SHOP4CF ensures social sustainability through its human centric approach and economic end environmental sustainability.