Looking into the workpackages:
WP1 and WP2 are focused on Advanced Robotics and will develop a set of specific robotic technologies that are enablers of the production systems of the future. WP1 and WP2 builds on top of results developed by the team in previous international research projects, that are now further developed under a multidisciplinary perspective. The main expected results are the development of an internal logistics system based on a mobile manipulators and the
design of a collaborative robotic assembly system with seamless integration on vehicle assembly lines.
WP3 and WP4 are focused on Real time decision-making and will develop integrated advanced management tools for real-time planning and scheduling suitable for robotic-based production. Operations are to be monitored by a vanguard system considering robots agility, humans interoperability, and the overall process efficiency and sustainability. Such tools will be a cornerstone in national priority domains of Production technologies and Product Industry and ICT, linking the new reality of adaptive manufacturing systems, aligned with disruptive operations management practices.
WP5 and WP6 are focused on the improvement of the management decisions on production systems that will put side by side humans and robots at the shop floor. In high-mix high customization industries this new scenario will potentiate more adaptive production system that will require tailor-made state-of-the-art decision support systems.
Portugal is in the right position to compete in this production segment and such decision support systems are critical to ensure sustainable competitive advantage.
WP7 will develop the Demonstrators for integrated vehicle manufacturing and will work as the rendez-vous point complying the consortium to produce tangible results. It links the DM4Manufacturing concept with real-world application in automotive and aeronautics industry in particular and manufacturing in general, i.e. proving its capabilities in the shop floor (pre-industrial environment). Integration, testing and evaluation activities will be used as
input to check the expected research results and impact.