Periodic Reporting for period 3 - SHOP4CF (Smart Human Oriented Platform for Connected Factories)
Reporting period: 2022-07-01 to 2023-12-31
SHOP4CF addresses the challenges of tomorrow's production through an approach that meaningfully combines both machine and robotic skills (e.g. high accuracy, precision) with human resources (e.g. creativity, adaptability). SHOP4CF aimed to support human labor and to improve the working conditions by: (1) Automating monotonous/laborious work (2) increasing human productivity through smart assistance. The impact of the methodology of SHOP4CF on the labor market has been demonstrated in 33 FSTP experiments that were executed over the course of three open calls, which were selected with the expertise of external evaluators. SHOP4CF has also developed new guidelines to effectively address non-technical issues regarding human-robot collaboration such as privacy, security, protection, legal aspects, and data ownership. Due to strong links to various standardization bodies and stakeholders, including Topic Groups from euRobotics aisbl, the legacy of the project includes significant contributions towards standarization of human-centric automation in the context of the smart factory. To ensure rapid adoption, great emphasis was placed on user-friendliness, reusability, interconnectivity, and accessibility. The SHOP4CF partners made a notable contribution to further upgrading the RAMP plattform by also adding new functionalities based on user feedback. As a result. the project leaves a holistic platform comprising different components, real-world deployments (pilots), license models, specification of the rights of use and warranty. The sustainability concept of SHOP4CF is based on this platform. The partners have signed a RAMP agreement regulating the rights and duties between them beyond the runtime of the project. Similar to the open-source software movement, having a high degree of reusability has led to an appealing alternative to the conventional way of creating solutions from scratch in the manufacturing sector. To this end, a highly modular approach has been implemented, from which people can select and combine components to address their needs during integration. Following the feedback from the FSTP funded partners under the umbrella of SHOP4CF, this approach will significantly accelerate human-driven innovation in manufacturing process design. All components have been 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.
For the final period, the SHOP4CF project has focused on finalizing and further improving the architecture, RAMP marketplace, the 26 software components, 8 support tools and 4 large scale pilots. A Human Factors Framework has been completed in WP2 considering human-centered 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 and a automated test framework has been developed to help users and developers of the components. (WP4). Furthermore, the activity on pilots’ integration and deployment has been finalized and demonstration videos have been made for each of the use cases (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, the final event of SHOP4CF took place in sync with the Web Summit in November 2023.
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. To conclude, 11 SHOP4CF components have been identified by the EC innovation Radar, stating that they address existing markets and existing customers and should now focus on scale-up market opportunities.
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. To conclude, 11 SHOP4CF components have been identified by the EC innovation Radar, stating that they address existing markets and existing customers and should now focus on scale-up market opportunities.