The main technical development activities started with eliciting the initial technical, social, and ethical requirements and defining the use case scenarios of the three business cases (textile, white goods, and detergent productions). By M9, we specified the COALA system architecture and its interfaces. Furthermore, we developed the initial prototype of the core demonstrator, COALA Digital Intelligent Assistant (DIA), and some key components/services, such as Prescriptive Quality Analytics and Cognitive Advisor services.
Until M15, we developed the second prototype of DIA core demonstrator components, along with the prototype of some other services such as Product Avatar and Data Collection service, Data Anonymisation service, Dialogue and Interface Localization service. We also identified the first principles for the Why Engine as a new, experimental solution component that allows the assistant to answer "why" questions. Accordingly, we developed an integration and deployment plan for the COALA components/services into the COALA Solution. Furthermore, we defined a testing and evaluation plan to verify the proper functioning and performance of the integrated COALA Solution. We use the ALTAI (Assessment List for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence) tool to perform the first self-assessment of the COALA components to ensure compliance with the Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence aspect's requirements and to allow early identification of any risks that may arise during the development and integration activities. In the non-technical aspects, we developed the first version of the didactic concept for the factory workers and the change management approach.
By M18, all technical components are in their final configuration. We started preparing the first validation tests with the end users. We deployed two COALA main demonstrators: (1) "DIA for Augmented Manufacturing Analytics" in the White Goods Production (Whirlpool) use case, and (2) "DIA for on-the-job factory worker training" in the Detergent Production (Diversey) use case and Textile Production (CITTA/PIACENZA) use case.
Between M18 and M24, the project's main focus is on further development, deployment and integration of the COALA components/services and setup of the first tests of the COALA demonstrators with the end-users. We analysed the system usability and user experience feedback and then adjusted and refined the demonstrators accordingly. From M25, we intensified the integration of live data from the end-user facilities and finalised the translation of the dialogue into the local languages, Dutch and Italian. The final evaluation took place between M28 and M36.
In the evaluation framework, we engaged the regional innovation infrastructures, such as Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs), to support local companies in evaluating and using new technologies since they play an essential role in strengthening the AI competencies of workers. Specific contributions to Europe's AI communities in manufacturing have been defined and carried out. We established COALA's presence in the AI4Europe community. We actively disseminated and communicated COALA in more than 30 conferences and 20 industrial events. The project has developed 11 Innovative Exploitable Assets.
