Project description
Robot to the rescue in the factory
Production plants are getting smarter. Human-machine interface (HMI) technologies, which have evolved dramatically in recent years, have made it possible for factories to replace manual monitoring and control of machines and equipment with automated systems. The EU-funded SPOT project has developed an Industry 4.0 solution that improves process reliability to an impressive 0 % fail rate (currently at 20-25 %). It includes sensor technology – a patented force distribution system and an advanced intelligent central unit. The goal is for SPOT to become the industry standard. As such, the project is refining its market knowledge, planning its scale-up for manufacturing, and helping partners produce an elaborated business plan.
Objective
There is an urgent market demand to eliminate the risk of human error and increase crimping accuracy, from the current 20-25% fail rate. This is particularly prevalent in the automotive and aviation sectors, for safety-relevant components such as airbags, brake systems and on-board electrical systems. In response, we have developed SPOT, an HMI, Industry 4.0 solution that improves process reliability to a 0% fail rate.
SPOT contains a new state-of-the-art sensor technology, a patented force distribution system as well as an advanced intelligent central unit. These features enable the tool to perform an optimal force measurement and record the accuracy and quality of the crimp. Additionally, as we have miniaturised, a benefit is realised enabling crimping of extremely small wire diameters as well as high forces despite the manual operation.
As a new generation of tool and with our IP position protected, we intend for SPOT to become the industry standard and pave the path for us to maintain our market leadership for decades, therefore, it is key for us to plan this market entry strategy carefully to ensure success is maximised. This feasibility study will allow us to: refine our market knowledge; plan our scale-up for manufacturing; finalise Phase 2 project partners and produce a fully elaborated business plan.
As an Industry 4.0 evolution of hand tools, it is necessary for us at WEZAG to build up our internal knowledge for electrical engineering and electronics. This will be achieved via recruitment and training. However, with a legacy as an innovative company, we possess the know-how required to successfully develop, manufacture and market such world novelties and innovations.
Having already proven TRL6, at Phase 2 we shall: finalise tool development; create a varying crimping tool group; prepare the technology for serial production; prove to the market the added value of SPOT USPs and demonstrate to the market the reproducible accuracy of SPOT.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energysolar energy
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringautomotive engineeringautonomous vehicles
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaircraft
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineering
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
35260 STADTALLENDORF
Germany
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.