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SENSOMAI
Sensor-supported AI-based benchmarking platform for the human-centred and economical selection and introduction of support systems in intralogistics processes
Duration
01.08.2024 - 31.07.2026,
Funded by BMBF
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Companies need to improve their production and intralogistics processes due to rising costs and increasing demands for flexibility. This requires a comprehensive process analysis, which is very time-consuming. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular struggle to select suitable technologies for intralogistics solutions. The goal of the SENSOMAI project is to develop a user-friendly data platform that supports SMEs in selecting and implementing intralogistics systems. This platform utilizes motion data collected by sensors and analyzes it using a deep learning method. The platform identifies optimization potentials and suggests appropriate intralogistics solutions. A before-and-after comparison allows the evaluation of improvements within the company. The platform continuously enhances its recommendations through the validation of results. SENSOMAI is an innovative solution that offers technology-neutral selection options and addresses multiple user groups.
Contact persons
- L. Rolfs () (Project manager)
Keywords
Digitalisation, Process optimisation and control, Transport and logistics, Manufacturing industry, Assistance systems, Digital platforms / IoT
PassForM2
Process-Driven Adaptation of Agent-Based Control for Modular Assembly Systems
Duration
01.08.2024 - 31.07.2026,
Funded by BMWK / IGF
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The shift from mass production to customized manufacturing presents immense challenges for companies, particularly in assembly, which accounts for more than half of the production time and 20% of the costs. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), easily scalable solutions are essential. SMEs benefit especially from flexible systems, as these allow them to adjust their production processes efficiently without investing in expensive, specialized equipment.
PassForM2 develops an innovative control system for modular assembly systems that can adapt flexibly to changing requirements. In addition to assembly, other systems such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can be seamlessly integrated. Through interchangeable hardware modules and decentralized control, we increase efficiency, reduce production costs, and ensure greater resilience against system failures. This technology helps SMEs achieve sustainable small-batch and series production while enhancing their competitiveness by enabling them to respond cost-effectively and adaptively to market changes.
Contact person
- J. Wilhelm ()
Keywords
Robotics and automation, Interoperability, Manufacturing industry, Research and development, Autonomous robot and transport systems, Digital twin
SMART
Dynamic control of collaborative assembly in the digital twin using AR and AI-based situation recognition
Duration
01.06.2024 - 31.05.2026,
Funded by BMWK
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The goal of the SMART cooperation project is to develop an overall system for the dynamic control and task allocation of collaborative assembly processes. For this purpose, the implementation of an AI-based situation recognition using AR devices, which, together with a software platform for dynamic work planning, forms the basis for intelligent and collaborative process and robot control. An AR visualization is being developed for the direct involvement of employees, which shows the process planning and the planned robot actions in real time and thus enables close human-robot collaboration. A digital twin is used to integrate, simulate and control all subsystems.
Contact persons
- C. Petzoldt () (Project manager)
- D. Niermann ()
Keywords
Robotics and automation, Human-technology interaction , Automotive, Manufacturing industry, Autonomous robot and transport systems, AR / VR / Speech
ImmoAR
Augmented reality system for realistic ‘on-site’ visualisation of industrial property projects using special tablets and WebAR technology
Duration
01.04.2024 - 31.12.2025,
Funded by BMWK
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The ImmoAR project aims to create an innovative AR framework with specially developed hardware to simplify the communication of industrial property. The central component is the development of a special tablet with a high-precision AR display. In addition, an AR application is being developed in Python to display visualisations and planning statuses. Another focus is on optimising a web display and implementing an efficient interface to the AR application in order to support complex 3D models. The application is designed for the communicative mediation of commercial property in order to ideally adapt the AR software and improve the GeoAR functionalities.
Contact person
- R. Leder () (Project manager)
Keywords
Digitalisation, Construction industry, Assistance systems, AR / VR / Speech
MycelCycle
Integrated material, process and product development methodology for product life-cycle optimized mycelium-based packaging products as part of circular economy
Duration
01.02.2024 - 31.01.2028,
Funded by Volkswagen Stiftung
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Sustainable and closed material cycles made from biogenic and recycled resources are becoming increasingly relevant as raw materials become limited. The goal of the project is to develop an integrated methodology for the material, process, and product development of mycelium composite materials using the example of cooler boxes. Mycelia has the potential to transform biomass with its thread-like hyphae into compact structures in just a few days. The project addresses current challenges in the product life cycle in order to design optimized material cycles using mycelium technology. The research framework includes the use of AI-based methods for identifying material combinations and for quality assurance.
Contact persons
- B. Pupkes () (Project manager)
- M. Trapp ()
Keywords
Product and process development, Sustainability, Energy and environment, Manufacturing industry, Machine learning / artificial intelligence, Life cycle assessment
AutoLog
Development of autonomous driving processes and dynamic storage and logistics concepts on automotive terminals
Duration
01.01.2024 - 31.12.2026,
Funded by BMDV
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The logistics services provided by seaports and inland ports are crucial for German imports and exports and for the global distribution chains of the German automotive industry. Vehicle compounds serve as hubs that are an integral part of the German automotive industry's finished vehicle logistics. Despite this central role, vehicle compound operators face challenges such as increasing handling volumes, limited terminal space, staff shortages and growing demands for efficiency and flexibility.
The AutoLog research project aims to explore and realise optimisation potential through the use of automated driving at vehicle compounds. The project aims to increase the efficiency and flexibility of terminal operations through technological developments for the digitalisation of processes and the automation of driving movements.
The main objectives of the project are
Suitability of automated driving at vehicle compounds: Investigation of the process and infrastructure requirements at the vehicle compound for the successful implementation of automated driving.
Technical infrastructure and sensors: Developing the design of the technical infrastructure and sensor technology to ensure robust and safe vehicle control.
Human-machine interactions: Investigating how human-machine interactions can be designed to enable intuitive and safe interaction between automated and non-automated processes.
Optimisation potential for storage and logistics processes: Identification of optimisation potential for related storage and logistics processes through the introduction of automated driving.
By specifically researching and implementing these objectives, the AutoLog project aims to overcome the challenges of vehicle compounds and sustainably improve the future of finished vehicle logistics.
Contact persons
- M. Hoff-Hoffmeyer-Zlotnik () (Project manager)
- R. Caballero Gonzalez ()
- S. Leohold ()
- L. Panter ()
- L. Rolfs ()
Keywords
Human-technology interaction , Process optimisation and control, Maritime economy, Automotive, Process modelling and simulation, Wireless communication technologies (5G etc) and sensors
OffshorePlan II
Complementary application of mathematical and discrete-event models to solve complex planning and control problems in offshore construction logistics
Duration
01.01.2024 - 31.12.2025,
Funded by DFG
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Offshore construction logistics for wind farms define a complex planning and control problem for which there are no established methods. Discrete-event simulation methods or mathematical optimizations are used, which offer their advantages and disadvantages in terms of runtime, level of detail, and optimality constraints.
After the first project phase has laid the foundations in different models and a transformation framework, the second phase focuses on complementary use. In addition to increasing the problem complexity, a cascading framework will be developed that selects suitable model variants and combines them concerning necessary levels of abstraction.
Contact persons
- M. Lütjen () (Project manager)
- D. Rippel ()
Keywords
Process optimisation and control, Maritime economy, Wind energy, Process modelling and simulation
VR-VET
Virtual Reality network for VET providers
Duration 01.01.2024 - 31.12.2026, Funded by EU - Erasmus+
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The VR-VET project aims to improve the non-destructive testing training methodologies through innovative pedagogical approaches and the development of an immersive vitual reality training platform.
At the core of the VR-VETproject is a commitment to advancing NDT training trough state-of-the-art technologies, the goal is to empower trainers with the tools and knowledge needed to cross the digital age effectively, while also promoting sustainability and inclusivity within the sector.
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Keywords
Digitalisation, Manufacturing industry, Research and development, Serious gaming and gamification, AR / VR / Speech
AI-DAPT
AIOps framework to support and automate data and AI pipelines
Duration 01.01.2024 - 31.05.2027, Funded by EU - Horizon Europe
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Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has paved a long way since its inception and has started experiencing exponential growth across various industries and shaping our world in ways that were once thought impossible. As AI transitions from research to deployment, leveraging the appropriate data to develop and evaluate AI models has evolved into one of its greatest challenges. Data are in fact the raw material and the most indispensable asset fuelling much of today’s progress in AI, generating previously unattainable insights, assisting more evidence-based decision-making, and bringing tangible business/economic benefits and innovation to all involved stakeholders. However, despite their instrumental role in determining performance, fairness, and robustness of AI systems, data are paradoxically characterised as the most under-valued and de-glamorised aspect of AI while a data-centric focus is typically lacking in the current AI research.
AI-DAPT aims to deliver an innovative and impactful research agenda that will provide tangible benefits to a variety of stakeholders that struggle with making AI services. Seeking to reinstate the pure data-related work in its rightful place, and reinforcing the generalizability, reliability, trustworthiness, and fairness of Al solutions, AI-DAPT vision relies on the implementation of an AIOps framework to support and automate AI pipelines that continuously learn and adapt based on their context. It enables proper purposing, collection, documentation, (bias) valuation, annotation, curation and synthetic generation of data, while keeping humans-in-the-loop across five axis: (i) Data Design for AI, (ii) Data Nurturing for AI, (iii) Data Generation for AI, (iv) Model Delivery for AI, (v) Data-Model Optimization for AI.
AI-DAPT brings forward a two-fold data-centric mentality in AI:
Data: AI-driven automation for data pipelines based on Explainable AI (XAI) techniques as well as synthetic data generation and observability.
Model: Automation on AI model building and hybrid science-AI solutions, bringing together data-driven AI models and science-based (first-principles) models that build on high-quality data.
Bridging the gap between data-centric and model-centric AI, AI-DAPT will turn over a new leaf in trustworthy AI and will nurture an ecosystem involving all AI and data value-chain stakeholders. The aim is to enhance their prosperous collaboration in order to deliver and apply innovative AI-driven methods that rely on smart and dynamic end-to-end automation of data, AI training/inference pipelines in the cloud-edge computing continuum.
To demonstrate the actual innovation and added value that can be derived through the AI-DAPT scientific advancements, the AI-DAPT results will be validated in two ways:
By applying them to tackle real-world challenges in four key industries: (4) Health, Robotics, Energy, and Manufacturing.
By integrating them into various AI solutions, whether open source or commercial, already present in the market.
Contact person
- R. Hellbach ()
Keywords
AI Industry Analytic
AI Automated Industrial Analytics: Empowering shop floor workers of all skill sets to make informed, smart decisions at speed.
Duration 01.01.2024 - 31.12.2024, Funded by EU - EIT Manufacturing
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As part of the project, products and services are to be developed, tested and brought to market that enable plant employees at all qualification levels to make informed and intelligent decisions in the shortest possible time. The following goals are to be achieved: (1) improving manufacturing processes by creating a digital twin of the production line and manufacturing processes, (2) promoting human-machine collaboration by actively involving manufacturing employees in AI processes and (3) making manufacturing more attractive to young people and making innovative technologies more accessible.
Contact person
- A. Noman ()
Keywords
Product and process development, Research and development, Machine learning / artificial intelligence
Adapt2Mount
Development of a health-promoting assembly workplace with adaptive material provision and individual ergonomic optimization
Duration
01.09.2023 - 31.08.2025,
Funded by BMWK
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As part of the research project, a health-promoting assembly system is being developed for individual ergonomic optimization with adaptive material provision. A sensor system consisting of wearables and cameras records relevant data during work. The central element uses a digital twin that maps a 3D simulation of the work process, including human and assembly system models based on the recorded actual data. Based on the data, ergonomic optimizations are made, whereby the assembly station is initially set up, and the material arrangement is continuously dynamically adapted to the process execution of the individual employee during assembly.
Contact persons
- R. Leder () (Project manager)
Keywords
Human-technology interaction , Process optimisation and control, Manufacturing industry, Digital twin
ErgoKI
Detection and AI-based analysis of ergonomic data in manual assembly using wearbles and machine vision techniques
Duration
01.09.2023 - 30.04.2025,
Funded by Land Bremen
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The primary objective of the envisaged project ErgoKI is the development of a system designed for the acquisition and AI-driven analysis of ergonomic data within the context of manual assembly, employing wearables and machine vision techniques. Through the utilization of various sensors and the development of an underlying data layer, a process modelling is carried out which enables the analysis of ergonomics and productivity within the domain of assembly. The key performance metrics are visualised within an intuitive human-machine interface and individual suggestions for improvement are derived. This helps to develop a better understanding of the individual requirements of employees and to implement ergonomic improvements in a more targeted manner.
Contact persons
- B. Vur () (Project manager)
- D. Schweers ()
Keywords
Human-technology interaction , Manufacturing industry, Machine learning / artificial intelligence, Training & qualification
MaxMaintain
Development of AR-based teleservices and intelligent job scheduling using diagnostic condition monitoring for the efficient maintenance of decentralized wastewater treatment plants
Duration
01.09.2023 - 31.08.2025,
Funded by BMWK
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The research project aims to develop a planning and control platform for personnel deployment to maintain small wastewater treatment plants. On the one hand, the platform will be used for the central recording and provision of customer and plant data for mobile employees and the central planning of orders and job offers. Specifically, the AR-based remote maintenance functionalities will support staff and customers in identifying, diagnosing, and documenting faults. In addition, using robust maintenance strategies, the platform will achieve a more even utilization of staff and avoid order peaks.
Contact persons
- D. Rippel () (Project manager)
- A. Ait Alla ()
- W. Zeitler ()
Keywords
Product and process development, Digitalisation, Energy and environment, Services industry, Assistance systems, Digital platforms / IoT
DigiKleb
Digitization of gluing processes in the automotive industry
Duration
01.08.2023 - 31.07.2026,
Funded by BMWK
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Within the framework of the sub-project, research is being conducted on the development of methods and procedures for the analysis and prediction of system behavior, for example, in order to identify causes of quality deviations and to propose quality measures. For this purpose, the interdependencies are modeled first qualitatively and then quantitatively by means of so-called effect networks, whereby the data standards of the Asset Administration Shell and OPC-UA are used as a basis in order to establish compatibility and direct system integration in the digital twin.
Contact persons
Keywords
Digitalisation, Process optimisation and control, Automotive, Process modelling and simulation, Machine learning / artificial intelligence
RessourcE
Developing human resources in service work
Duration
01.07.2023 - 30.06.2028,
Funded by BMBF
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A competence center for logistics and health-related services will be established in the project in collaboration with practitioners and scientists. RessourcE intends to initiate sustainable transfer structures between research and practice and develop innovations for effective work design, leadership and opportunities for human resource development in the field of low-qualified work. Technical solutions for ergonomic work design and diversity-oriented competence development in low-qualified work are developed, piloted and tested regarding broad applicability. These solutions include, for example, assistance systems for physical work, concepts for supporting mental health, or software tools for systematic selection of suitable assistance technologies.
Contact persons
- B. Pupkes () (Project manager)
- N. Hoppe ()
- C. Petzoldt ()
Keywords
Human-technology interaction , Maritime economy, Transport and logistics, Assistance systems, Training & qualification
CAREads
Computer-Assisted Recommendations for Employment ads: Webapp for the ML-based creation of job advertisements in the care sector
Duration 01.07.2023 - 30.06.2025, Funded by BMWi / AiF
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Within the framework of the proposed project, CAREads is a web application that ideally supports users from the care sector in creating professional job offers. By providing as little information as possible (company website, job title), CAREads will be able to generate advertisements with modern designs and appealing, individualised texts. In the background, intelligent processes develop suggestions based on the user's needs. The basis for this is an extensive collection, processing and evaluation of published job advertisements, which are used to train machine learning models. The individualisation in design and text is realised by analysing the specified company website with regard to corporate identity or design, photos and texts and then using this content as input for the AI models trained for the care sector. Evaluations and adaptations of the suggested job offers flow into the AI models via a feedback loop in order to take greater account of the subjective impressions of the users over time.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Contact persons
- M. Franke () (Project manager)
- Q. Deng ()
Keywords
Product and process development, Services industry, Machine learning / artificial intelligence
KoMAR
Development of an AR-based multi-user system for the potential assessment of collaborative assembly scenarios
Duration
01.06.2023 - 30.11.2024,
Funded by Land Bremen / FEI (FKZ: FUE0658B)
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The KoMAR project is developing a flexible Augmented Reality (AR) multi-user application that connects digital models with real objects. Several people can interact simultaneously in an AR 3D scenario. The goal is context-based and robust interaction in virtual space. The project aims to develop new multi-user functions, such as location-independent participation in AR conferences and joint manipulation of virtual objects. For this, BIBA is developing a potential assessment of collaborative robots in industrial assembly as a first use case. Here, AR enables the early involvement of planning and assembly personnel in a real context without physical system adaptations.
Contact persons
- L. Rolfs () (Project manager)
- J. Wilhelm ()
Keywords
Human-technology interaction , System development and planning, Manufacturing industry, Services industry, Assistance systems, AR / VR / Speech
MDZ-HB-OL
Mittelstand-Digital Centre Bremen-Oldenburg
Duration 01.04.2023 - 31.03.2026, Funded by BMWK
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The Mittelstand-Digital Centre Bremen-Oldenburg pursues the goal of increasing the level of digitalisation of SMEs in the Northwest Metropolitan Region through individual support measures.
In addition to the classic manufacturing industry and production-related services such as logistics, the focus is also on the consumer-oriented service industry, such as tourism, gastronomy or the creative industry. The participation of the BIBA enables, among other things, the transfer of knowledge from the research projects to industry, the implementation of infrastructure and demonstrators, as well as the implementation of local events and online formats.
Contact persons
- H. Ekwaro-Osire ()
- A. Himstedt ()
- M. Knak ()
- A. Schurig ()
- A. Seelig ()
- M. Teucke ()
- S. Wiesner ()
Keywords
Digitalisation, Resilience, Training & qualification, Knowledge transfer
CompactedCooler
Development of a compactable and evacuable insulated container for frozen food shipping
Duration
01.04.2023 - 31.03.2025,
Funded by Land Bremen / EFRE / PFAU (FKZ: FUE V172)
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Food, especially chilled and frozen, is increasingly ordered online and must be shipped to customers while complying with the cold chain. The polystyrene or EPS boxes that are used nowadays for shipping of chilled and frozen goods, offer good technical properties, such as insulation or food safety, but have ecological disadvantages, not least because of the fossil raw materials. In order to improve the environmental balance of food transportation, the project is being developing an innovative packaging solution that consists largely of recyclable or bioplastics and uses insulating effects of a vacuum. In addition, an efficient return in terms of reusability is strived through a compactable design.
Contact person
- M. Trapp () (Project manager)
Keywords
Product and process development, Sustainability, Energy and environment, Transport and logistics, Life cycle assessment, Product life cycle management
OptiAssist
AI-based anomaly and cause analysis of assembly process data to derive process and assistance system improvement proposals
Duration
01.04.2023 - 30.09.2024,
Funded by Land Bremen / FEI (FKZ: FUE0657B)
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Assembly assistance systems store data for quality assurance. Data analysis of process steps that can lead to production errors through error propagation does not exist yet. OptiAssist develops an AI-based system for identifying anomalies in the assembly process through unsupervised learning; after that, the effort of the assembly operations is reweighted in the priority graph. Based on optimization, an expert system suggests process changes to the process planner on appropriate dashboards. To increase user acceptance, strategies are developed for a suitable time to reschedule the assembly process.
Contact persons
- D. Schweers () (Project manager)
- H. Engbers ()
Keywords
Human-technology interaction , Digitalisation, Manufacturing industry, Machine learning / artificial intelligence, Semantic modelling and ontologies
AITeach
Automatic Interpretation and Creation of Assembly-Processes from Demonstration
Duration
01.03.2023 - 28.02.2025,
Funded by BMWK
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In AITeach, an innovative system is being developed that automates the creation of assembly sequence plans and instructions for assembly assistance systems in the context of work preparation in variant-rich assembly. For this purpose, an innovative software system is to be developed that analyzes sensor data using intelligent algorithms and AI methods with regard to the demonstrated activities. The goal is the automatic recognition of manual assembly work steps, an easy-to-understand preparation and presentation of the recognized activities by means of text-based instructions as well as a visualization based on a digital twin.
Contact persons
- D. Niermann () (Project manager)
- C. Petzoldt ()
Keywords
Robotics and automation, Human-technology interaction , Aviation, Automotive, Assistance systems, Digital twin
WASABI
White-label shop for digital intelligent assistance and human-AI collaboration in manufacturing
Duration 01.03.2023 - 28.02.2027, Funded by EU
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WASABI aims at providing SMEs with the tools and knowledge to improve workers capacities and performance, providing advanced user interfaces for continuous augmented hybrid-decision-making. Such interfaces assist employees in interacting with complex software, effectively reducing its skill floor. In consequence, humans will find using software easier and be more open to applying it effectively at work. WASABI’s advanced interfaces will cover, for instance, situation analysis, intervention identification, action
planning and execution, and impact monitoring and mitigation. One of the key technologies in WASABI’s solution portfolio is the digital intelligent assistant (DIA) - an anthropomorphic, task-oriented AI with a conversational interface. A network of DIHs that will help boosting impact by guiding SMEs in this new path will be created and integrated within other existing DIH networks. Our customized, federated, white-label shop will include such DIAs and skill-packages to help organizations reach their sustainability goals. Blue-collar and white-collar workers will be capable of using it for hands-free or eyes-free computer-interaction, AI-based advice and guidance, and augmented analytics.
Contact persons
- M. Foosherian ()
- I. Lengkong ()
- S. Wellsandt ()
Keywords
Human-technology interaction , Process optimisation and control, Chemical and raw materials industry, Manufacturing industry, Assistance systems, Machine learning / artificial intelligence
Pakur
AI-based counting, classification and inspection of palletized packages during goods receipt and inventory using optical methods on mobile devices
Duration
01.02.2023 - 31.05.2025,
Funded by BMWi / AiF
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Incoming goods inspection is still done manually in many SMEs. Automation of these processes optimizes incoming goods, reduces errors along the entire supply chain and creates competitiveness in the market for transport and warehouse logistics. The implementation of this automation, be it through own development or use of existing solutions on the market, is very costly and not feasible for many SMEs.
This is where the research project "Pakur" comes in, in order to enable SMEs in the logistics segment to implement (partially) automated data acquisition in incoming goods inspection or inventory. Recent breakthroughs in the field of image processing using neural networks are to be used to develop an easy-to-use, automatic, digital standard solution for identifying and counting packages based on images of the palletized goods. In doing so, the employee is to be supported by an app in order to accelerate the process of receiving and inventorying goods while minimizing potential errors. Here, algorithms are to be developed and neural networks trained that are capable of recognizing the individual elements, such as packages or bags, on a pallet without error, even in heterogeneous environments, analyzing their packing pattern and then deriving the number of elements correspondingly per unit load. This information can then be passed on directly to a possible inventory management system. Errors are thus detected at an early stage and incorrect information in the system is avoided.
The focus of the development is on the creation of the algorithms, based on current, innovative research. The transfer into practice is realized by a ready-to-use, open source software library that can be easily used by third parties and an open source demo application for the smartphone. This ensures that third parties can also actively use the result and apply it to other areas.
Contact person
- N. Jathe () (Project manager)
Keywords
Robotics and automation, Digitalisation, Transport and logistics, Assistance systems, Machine learning / artificial intelligence
Port2Connect
Intelligent Port Logbook for the Efficient and Sustainable Use of Port Infrastructure
Duration
01.01.2023 - 31.12.2025,
Funded by BMDV
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In Port2Connect (Intelligent Port Logbook for the Efficient and Sustainable Use of Port Infrastructure), a digital port logbook is being developed that increases the transparency and visibility of processes in the port and enables automatic planning and optimisation with artificial intelligence.
processes in the port and enables automatic planning and optimisation with artificial intelligence. Through the intelligent monitoring and assistance system, ships are digitally accompanied and monitored during their stay in the port. In particular, this is intended to achieve the goals for more efficient use as well as sustainable protection against damage to the existing port infrastructure and an improvement in the climate by reducing emissions.
The port logbook is being developed as an example for 2,200 metres of the Stromkaje in Bremerhaven. Various requirements are placed on such a system. These include the recording and allocation of emissions as well as the location of the berths directly on the Weser, which are exposed to the river current and the tidal range caused by the tides. Furthermore, in order to use the berths efficiently, ships in the port must be moved more frequently. In addition, large container ships in particular pose an increased risk of damage to the infrastructure, and it is precisely these ships that account for a large proportion of the port’s total emissions.
Contact person
- T. Schindler () (Project manager)
SYDITIL
SYstemic DIgital Twins for Industrial Logistics
Duration
01.01.2023 - 31.12.2024,
Funded by EU - EIT Manufacturing
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In the SYDITIL project, a systemic digital twin (DT) for logistics is being developed. The technological basis is Σ, a language and method for describing complex socio-technical systems, and the WorldLab software. Based on the application scenarios warehouse logistics and port logistics the DT will be developed and evaluated. The intended solution will help to continuously improve the logistics processes. For this purpose, the DT is constantly updated with data gathered from the logistics systems and simulates possible scenarios as well as forecasts upcoming risks. If necessary, the DT sents alerts to control and monitoring systems to optimize logistics operations. In addition, the visualization of simulation and forecast results supports decision-making for future planning.
Contact person
- H. Engbers () (Project manager)
Keywords
Digitalisation, System development and planning, Maritime economy, Transport and logistics, Process modelling and simulation, Digital twin
safetyDrone
intelligent work safety using autonomous indoor UAVs in ship construction
Duration
01.01.2023 - 31.12.2024,
Funded by BMWi / AiF
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In this project we develop an autonomous indoor blimp drone for safety hazard detection in shipyards. Due to the highly dynamic work environment of the ships construction site, shipyards are subject to an increased risk of accidents. In an extension to the current state of the art, the blimp-based drone system will drastically increase flight times while decreasing noise levels. The risk of additional harm from the drone is close to zero due to the lightweight construction. To ensure robust identification of safety hazards we develop an optical sensor system which uses state-of-the-art AI algorithms for detection.
Contact person
- B. Staar () (Project manager)
Keywords
Robotics and automation, Human-technology interaction , Maritime economy, Construction industry, Machine learning / artificial intelligence, Digital twin
TrackInWare
Plant efficiency through affordable real-time tracking systems
Duration
01.01.2023 - 31.12.2024,
Funded by EU - EIT Manufacturing
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The TrackInWare Project is an ambitious initiative to develop a high-precision positioning system based on Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. By combining these two technologies, we aim to significantly improve location determination, thereby increasing process efficiency in logistics and production.
Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik (BIBA), is responsible for developing the hardware for the beacons and anchors. These beacons are equipped with an E-Ink display, enabling the recording of status messages and thus enhancing clarity and user-friendliness.
The development process is being carried out in close collaboration with SigScan, a leading provider in wireless communication. The first year of the project is coordinated by Aerospace Valley, an organization committed to promoting innovation and technology transfer in the aerospace industry. BIBA has taken over the coordination for the second year.
A key goal of the project is to test the results in real production and logistics environments. To this end, we have already established partnerships with Sonae and Whirlpool, two leading companies in their respective sectors. At Sonae, the developed technologies will be tested in logistics, while Whirlpool will implement them in their production processes.
The TrackInWare Project aims to enhance the efficiency of production and logistics processes through precise positioning. With the intelligent use and integration of UWB and BLE technology, we are confident that we can make a significant contribution to the optimization and modernization of these sectors.
Contact persons
- K. Klein () (Project manager)
- P. Jain ()
- I. Lengkong ()
Keywords
Product and process development, Process optimisation and control, Transport and logistics, Manufacturing industry, Digital platforms / IoT, Wireless communication technologies (5G etc) and sensors
RaRe2
Human-centred Rapid Reconfiguration of Production and Value Chain in Fast Changing Scenarios
Duration
01.12.2022 - 31.05.2026,
Funded by EU - HORIZON-CL4-2022-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-01
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The European production landscape is facing major challenges that require sustainable and robust, but at the same time, highly efficient production systems that have the ability to respond to significant changes at high speed.
The global objective of the project RaRe2 is to create a flexible and resilient ecosystem platform enabled by the interaction of many European organizations that cooperate in the fast reconfiguration of process chains through collaborative systems and adaptable workforce upskilling.
In the project, digital twins of production and logistics systems augmented with forecasting, reconfiguration and optimization functions will be developed at different hierarchical levels along the entire value chain. In addition, methods for flexible and robust workforce planning will be developed. In the next step, the developed methods will be integrated in an ecosystem platform.
This research has been funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe Framework Programme (HORIZON) under project reference HORIZON-CL4-2022-TWIN-TRANSITION-01.
Contact persons
- S. Eberlein () (Project manager)
- J. Uhlenkamp ()
Keywords
Value creation networks, Resilience, Transport and logistics, Manufacturing industry, Process modelling and simulation, Digital twin
hyBit
Hydrogen for Bremen’s industrial transformation
Duration
01.09.2022 - 28.02.2026,
Funded by BMBF
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The hyBit project plays a important role in the realization of the EU's goal of a climate-neutral economy by means of green hydrogen in a holistic energy transition. The overarching question of the project is: How can climate neutrality be achieved through the targeted technical, economic, ecological, legal and social design of hydrogen hubs? In five steps, pilot applications are defined via flexible modeling of logistics systems that run on hydrogen. For this purpose, transformation paths, infrastructure concepts and roadmaps will first be developed and simulated. The results and simulation performance will be made available to a central transformation platform, which will combine them with the results of other issues beyond mobility and logistics.
Contact persons
- S. Oelker () (Project manager)
- A. Ait Alla ()
- E. Broda ()
- L. Steinbacher ()
- M. Teucke ()
Keywords
Product and process development, Sustainability, Energy and environment, Transport and logistics, Process modelling and simulation, Life cycle assessment
NebulOuS
A META OPERATING SYSTEM FOR BROKERING HYPER-DISTRIBUTED APPLICATIONS ON CLOUD COMPUTING CONTINUUMS
Duration 01.09.2022 - 31.08.2025, Funded by EU - Horizon Europe
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NebulOuS is developing an innovative meta-operating system that includes brokerage capabilities across the entire cloud computing continuum, enabling ad-hoc fog brokerage ecosystems that utilise IoT/edge and fog nodes in parallel with multi-cloud resources. NebulOuS thus enables the centralised management of applications hosted across the entire continuum of edge, public cloud and private cloud resources. In addition to the required network functions, NebulOuS also enables continuous optimisation of the deployment to take account of changing factors such as application utilisation or resource availability.
In NebulOuS, BIBA is researching how the concept of the digital twin can be applied to parts of the NebulOuS meta-operating system in order to optimise resource utilisation.
In parallel, BIBA and its partner @fire are trialling the NebulOuS platform in the disaster response use case of urban search and rescue. BIBA is transferring its many years of experience in the field of tracking and tracing to the infrastructure-independent localisation of first responders. The application developed by BIBA and @fire can be started and operated flexibly by the NebulOuS system on the computing resources available in the event of an emergency and can be scaled both vertically and horizontally at any time depending on the availability of resources.
Contact person
- M. Stietencron () (Project manager)
Keywords
Servitisation, Resilience, Telecommunications and IT, Authorities and emergency services, Digital platforms / IoT
FabLabs
Developing competences on the Internet of Things through digital fabrication laboratories
Duration 01.09.2022 - 31.08.2025, Funded by EU - Erasmus+
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Fablabs Erasmus+ project aims to develop training material for supporting Fablab users, and Fablab Tutors/Teachers, including contents for design, coding and manufacturing with main focus on IoT, 5G, AI/Big Data and Blockchain technologies. The main project objectives include:
- Development of learning and teaching strategies and concept/guidelines for FabLabs mainly oriented to IoT related technologies like Blockchain and AI/Big Data.
- Development of didactic methods covering several target groups (University degree studies and general public), - development of learning material (blended learning including e-learning, face-to-face, workshops).
- Development of curriculum for training of design, manufacturing of prototypes using IoT, and AI/Big data technologies applied to industry or similar.
- Organization of training activities for tutors.
- Test of the learning material and tutorial during testing initiatives (courses).
- Optimization of learning content for tutors.
Within this project the learning content will be developed with a learner-centered approach and using case studies from selected branches of industry (examples) to let learners understand the industrial/practical relevance of the topic and show the linkage of principles and methods with relevant applications. Testing courses/workshops will be run at different targets (from apprenticeship to University level) for integrated testing, assessment and optimization of developed tools and contents.
Contact person
- R. Erben ()
Keywords
Product and process development, Research and development, Training & qualification, Knowledge transfer
HybridCPPS
Human Factors in Hybrid Cyber-Physical Production Systems
Duration
01.01.2022 - 31.12.2024,
Funded by Universität Bremen (Zentrale Forschungsförderung)
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Many production processes in industry are changing towards cyber-physical systems in which physical and computational elements as well as human operators are interconnected. As a result, human work in production is undergoing profound changes toward collaboration with automated and autonomous systems and their monitoring. In such hybrid cyber-physical production systems (CPPS), the quality of collaboration and interaction between the human operator and technical systems is a key success factor.
Hybrid CPPS require an integrated system design consisting of technical, organizational and human-centered viewpoints to ensure their successful implementation and usability. Consequently, the goal of the project is to contribute to the integration of human factors in hybrid CPPS. Interdependencies between the quality and performance of human work and the design of hybrid CPPS are determined and used to derive design principles for planning and redesign of work systems.
A demonstrator is to be built that serves as a platform for conducting studies with participants within a model hybrid CPPS. It contains several workstations that represent different processing steps and can be used flexibly as manual or automated workstations. Thus, different variants of hybrid CPPS can be modeled and investigated with regard to their effects on the system performance and on the operators. The results are used to determine the underlying relationships between different design variants and key figures for system performance and the perception of work.
Contact person
- H. Stern () (Project manager)
Keywords
Robotics and automation, Human-technology interaction , Research and development, Assistance systems, Machine learning / artificial intelligence
MEXOT
Intelligent work ergonomics using sensory exoskeletons and autonomous transport systems for enhanced human-technology interaction in automotive cargo handling
Duration
01.01.2022 - 31.12.2024,
Funded by BMDV
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The cargo handling environment in ports is characterized by the handling of heavy and large loads, in which humans are essential despite the progress of automation. In the specific application of automobile handling, the vehicles are prepared for the respective target market in technical centers. For this purpose, tires and trailer couplings, for example, have to be moved and mounted by humans. In addition, there is a large number of additional car parts that have to be picked and, in some cases, assembled in an overhead position. As a result, a high physical strain is placed on the employees, which leads with increasing age to a degree of physical impairment. Within the scope of the project MEXOT, the challenges identified are addressed with a socio-technical development approach. To this end, the use of exoskeletons is targeted, aiming to research on intelligent work ergonomics, which examines human-machine interaction in combination with exoskeletons and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Motion sensors will be integrated into a passive exoskeleton to track the movement patterns of the employees. First, this information is used to enrich data for an external incentive system that rewards employees for wearing the exoskeleton correctly and integrates gamification approaches to increase motivation. In a second step, the data and process information are used to activate or deactivate individual "elastomeric muscles", aiming at a higher wearing flexibility for activities that do not require physical support. In the third step, the movement information of the exoskeleton will be used to develop a sophisticated pick- and assembly-by-motion concept, which, in combination with the camera system of the AGV, enables the registration of individual work steps in picking and assembly. For the AGV, further research is conducted on increasing productivity and reducing the workload of employees through process-specific and worker-individualized material supply. Moreover, voice- and gesture-based functionalities are implemented for human-machine interaction with the AGV.
Contact persons
- C. Petzoldt () (Project manager)
Keywords
Robotics and automation, Human-technology interaction , Maritime economy, Transport and logistics, Assistance systems, Autonomous robot and transport systems
STRATUS
Entwicklung und operativer Einsatz von Micro Digital Twins zur Betriebs- und Lebensdaueroptimierung von Windfarmen durch prädiktive Datenanalyse
Duration 01.10.2021 - 31.05.2025, Funded by BMWK
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Herausforderungen bei der Nutzung von Cloud-Technologien und verteiltem Edge Computing für eine tragfähige IoT-Plattform bestehen darin, hochaufgelöste Daten verfügbar zu machen und zu verarbeiten und dort mit KI-Modellen zu verknüpfen. Der Modellbildung kommt hierbei eine besondere Bedeutung zu, da das Verhalten der Systeme in einem komplexen Varianten-raum beschrieben werden muss, und es dabei auch kontinuierliche Veränderungen über eine Lebensdauer von 20 Jahren zu berücksichtigen gilt. Klassische IoT Plattformen und Strukturen, wie sie bereits u.a. in der Windenergiebranche eingesetzt werden, können die Dynamik des tatsächlichen Lebenszyklus von komplexen Produktsystemen wie Windenergieanlagen (WEA) nur unzureichend abbilden. Insbesondere unter Einbeziehung eines modularen WEA-Ansatzes ist die monolithische Errichtung von digitalen Zwillingen nicht ausreichend. In diesem Vorhaben soll daher ein flexibles, dezentrales Konzept für sogenannte „Micro Digital Twins“ (MDTs) entwickelt und gemeinsam mit dem Verbundpartner Nordex implementiert werden. Dabei wird besonderes Augenmerk auf universelle Anwendbarkeit in der Domäne und eine hohe Anpassungsfähigkeit des Konzeptes an die Weiterentwicklung des Standes der Technik gelegt.
Contact person
- M. Stietencron () (Project manager)
TRICK
PRODUCT DATA TRACEABILITY FROM CRADLE TO CRADLE BY BLOCKCHAINS INTEROPERABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY SERVICE MARKETPLACE
Duration 01.05.2021 - 31.10.2024, Funded by EU
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TRICK will provide a complete, SME affordable and standardised platform to support the adoption of sustainable and circular approaches: it will enable enterprises to collect product data and to access to the necessary services on a dedicated marketplace, open to third party solutions. TRICK demo will be run in 2 highly complex and polluting domains: textile-clothing as main pilot and perishable food for replication. BIBA focusses on the adaption of the B2B marketplace to the needs for a Circular information management (CIM).
Contact persons
- M. Franke () (Project manager)
- Q. Deng ()
Keywords
Sustainability, Interoperability, Manufacturing industry, Digital platforms / IoT, Semantic modelling and ontologies
ecoKI
Development of a research and technology platform
Duration 01.12.2020 - 30.11.2024, Funded by 5. Energieforschungsprogramm
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Research on digitalization and applications of artificial intelligence are advancing rapidly. In spite of excellent results, which are published by publicly funded research projects, there is still a lack of systematic solutions for SMEs that provide robustness and reproducibility of AI and at the same time take the restrictions of software and infrastructure in SMEs into account. The overall aim of the ecoKI project is to close this gap. ecoKI supports SMEs by developing an infrastructure for increasing energy efficiency through AI technologies. ecoKI pursues the following goals:
- Make digitization and AI modules(solutions) more generic in the area of energy efficiency. Moreover, make the available AI and digitalization solutions as easy as possible to use.
- Reduction of barriers that SMEs encounter when they begin to use of digitization and machine learning solutions for increase energy efficiency.
Contact persons
- D. Bode () (Project manager)
- H. Ekwaro-Osire ()
- S. Hopfmüller ()
Keywords
Human-technology interaction , Energy efficiency, Chemical and raw materials industry, Food industry, Process modelling and simulation, Machine learning / artificial intelligence
PeneloPe
Closed-loop digital pipeline for a flexible and modular manufacturing of large components
Duration 01.10.2020 - 30.09.2024, Funded by EU - H2020
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The manufacturing of large-scale parts needs the implementation of holistic data management and integrated automation methodology to achieve the desired levels of precision using modular and more flexible equipment. Large-part manufacturing is characterised by a high level of required customisation (built-customer specific). Furthermore, the manufacturing of complex and large-scale parts involves a variety of subassemblies that must be manufactured and assembled first.
This high degree of personalisation implies a great effort in the design and the posterior verification after manufacturing, to achieve high precision. Nevertheless, this customised product-centric design requires an optimisation of the resources of the workshop (i.e. workers, machines, devices) for a responsive, reconfigurable and modular production. In addition, there is the worker-centric approach: performing key labour-intensive tasks while maintaining the industry-specific knowledge and skills of the workers.
PENELOPE proposes a novel methodology linking product-centric data management and production planning and scheduling in a closed-loop digital pipeline for ensuring accurate and precise manufacturability from the initial product design. PENELOPE is built over five pillars for developing a common methodology and vision deployed in four industrial-driven pilot lines in strategic manufacturing sectors: Oil&Gas, Shipbuilding, Aeronautics and Bus&Coach; with potential replicability to further industrial sectors. Moreover, it will be set up a pan-European network of Didactic Factories and showrooms, providing training and upskilling capabilities enabling the workforce transition towards Industry 4.0 and multi-purpose testbeds, for assisting the dedicated industry adaption. PENELOPE envisions to highly-increase EU manufacturing sector competitiveness by increasing production performance, quality and accuracy while ensuring workers’ safety and resource efficiency.
Contact person
- K. Burow () (Project manager)
Keywords
Human-technology interaction , Digitalisation, Maritime economy, Research and development, Digital twin, Product life cycle management
EIT Manufacturing
EIT Manufacturing
Duration 01.01.2019 - 01.01.2026, Funded by European Institute of Innovation & Technology (E
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The manufacturing industry is facing major challenges due to increasing global competition, low-cost production in developing countries and scarce raw materials. EIT Manufacturing is an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), in which BIBA is one of 50 core partners.
EIT Manufacturing’s mission is to bring European manufacturing actors together in innovation ecosystems that add unique value to European products, processes, services – and inspire the creation of globally competitive and sustainable manufacturing. To do so, the initiative has six strategic objectives:
- Excellent manufacturing skills and talents: adding value through an upskilled workforce and engaged students.
- Efficient manufacturing innovation ecosystems: adding value through creating ecosystems for innovation, entrepreneurship and business transformation focused on innovation hotspots.
- Full digitalization of manufacturing: adding value through digital solutions and platforms that connect value networks globally.
- Customer-driven manufacturing: adding value through agile and flexible manufacturing that meets global personalized demand.
- Socially sustainable manufacturing: adding value through safe, healthy, ethical and socially sustainable production and products.
- Environmentally sustainable manufacturing: adding value by making industry greener and cleaner.
EIT Manufacturing aims for the following goals by 2030:
• Create and support 1000 start-ups
• 60% of manufacturing companies adopt sustainable production practices
• EUR 325 million investment attracted by EIT Ventures
• 50 000 people trained and up- or re- skilled
• Create 360 new solutions
• 30% of material use is circular
Contact persons
- P. Klein ()
- J. Wilhelm ()
Keywords
ReaLCoE
Next Generation 12+MW Rated, Robust, Reliable and Large Offshore Wind Energy Converters for Clean, Low Cost and Competitive Electricity
Duration
01.05.2018 - 31.01.2026,
Funded by EU
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Offshore wind energy is a key technology for generating renewable energies. Due to its complex processes regarding installation, operation and service, and therefore relatively high costs, offshore wind energy converters still cannot compete with today’s energy market prices. To create a competitive offshore WEC with a Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCoE) target of €35/MWh ReaLCoE takes a holistic approach and scrutinises costs in each link of the value chain.
As a key element of ReaLCoE, BIBA focusses on the digitisation of future offshore WECs and their adhered value chain. Besides the integration of sensors and the implementation of a condition-based monitoring system, the digital representation of the WECs through a digital twin (“product avatar”) takes a major part in BIBAs contribution to ReaLCoE. Building on this, a concept for predictive maintenance will be developed and realized. Furthermore, BIBA will develop optimised logistic and installation concepts and will conduct various performance simulations for a further reduction of supply chain and installation costs. To validate the concept, a technology platform for a first prototype of a digitised 12+MW turbine as well as a pre-series array of 4-6 WEC will be installed, demonstrated and tested.
Contact persons
- J. Uhlenkamp ()
- A. Ait Alla ()
- K. Burow ()
- S. Oelker ()
Keywords
Product and process development, Digitalisation, Maritime economy, Wind energy, Process modelling and simulation, Digital twin
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Events:
September 3-6, 2024, Hamburg
How Can Production and Logistics Be Truly “Green”?
September 9, 2024, BIBA, Bremen
Transparent Supply Chains in Logistics
September 18, 2024, online
BIBA at ENVOCONNECT 2024
September 19-20, 2024, Bremerhaven
Shaping Value Creation with Energy Transition
September 25, 2024
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