Be better with smart innovations - visit the partners of the National Centre for Industry 4.0 at International Industrial Fair
September 6, 2024 / 10:10 AM
The National Centre for Industry 4.0 and RICAIP Testbed Prague have teamed up with their key partners for the third time. At the International Industrial Fair in Brno, which will take place from October 8 to 11, 2024, they will present a joint exhibition within the Digital Factory 2.0. It will offer comprehensive solutions, technological innovations and innovative approaches that can help not only small and medium-sized enterprises at any stage of their digital transformation. There will be presented the results of long-term cooperation with companies KUKA, Siemens, Česká spořitelna, Smart Informatics, T-Mobile, Deprag, DEL and the European innovation community EIT Manufacturing. Together, with the motto "Better with...", we will focus on supporting companies that wish to stand out and be better using smart technologies, forming the right partnerships, and adopting a strategic approach.
On an area of more than three hundred square meters, visitors will be presented with solutions for efficient, sustainable and innovative industrial production. The exhibition focuses on latest topics, i.e. energy management, flexible modular production or data analytics for optimizing production processes. All systems will be connected to a robust industrial 5G network from T-Mobile, which ensures safety and reliability of operation. Visitors will have the opportunity to consult not only technological solutions, but also financial issues and the transition to a sustainable business model in one place.
RICAIP Testbed Prague, the experimental and development laboratory of the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics of the Czech Technical University in Prague, prepared a technological concept emphasizing collaboration: "Better through cooperation". Examples of Industry 4.0 applications always connect several partners from the commercial and academic sphere. In the environment of industrial testbeds different entities, ideas and opportunities meet and are transformed into concrete solutions.
The exhibition concept is built around three separate robotic cells, interconnected through a data collection system, followed by subsequent analysis. Energy and data flows will be monitored in real time thanks to a compact device from the modular 5G IoT system, which integrates energy consumption data across the entire exhibition. Transmission occurs via the 5G SA private campus network, with continuous monitoring of 5G signal quality. For battery-powered IoT devices, we will present a new concept of a compact flow meter for measuring water consumption using NB IoT communication technology.
„All cells will offer opportunities for interactive visitor engagement, either through virtual reality, drawing visitors into the industrial metaverse, or through a user interface that allows for configuring production and immediately monitoring changes thanks to efficient production operation planning," says Pavel Burget, director of the RICAIP Testbed Prague.
In one of the robotic cells, which demonstrates model-driven production, two KUKA robots will retrofit used battery modules on a scaled-down model battery from an electric car. These modules, when used with real batteries, can prolong its life and serve as backup power sources for households. The cell is equipped with two collaborative robots arranged modularly, featuring an interface for connecting other systems, 5G communication, energy measurement, and camera systems for automated robotic operations. Manufacturing Execution System (MES) by T-Mobile will be used for production management, enabling interactive control and configuration with the immediate application of changes.
The process of disassembling batteries on a robotic cell is an example of a process on which the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics and the DEL company collaborate to work in a real factory. In this concept, model-driven manufacturing will automatically derive processes that are then implemented on production equipment. The system consists of independent work cells, each specialized in different tasks, such as robotic screwing provided by Deprag or part handling by a fleet of KUKA mobile robots.
The Industrial Metaverse will also be featured in a second robotic cell designed for autonomous manipulation. This cell demonstrates a machine vision and learning system that enables robots to handle various objects, including 3D-printed grippers of different shapes. The entire cell is fully virtualized in the Tecnomatix Process Simulate environment from Siemens, integrated with Nvidia Omniverse. This environment, with its randomization and advanced simulation features, allows for training AI models for object recognition and manipulation. The entire cell will also be accessible in virtual reality.
Following the success at Industry Fair in 2023, a robotic tap system will again be featured this year, showcasing its second generation, which the RICAIP Testbed Prague is developing with the aim of deploying for commercial use. So, visitors will be served bevareges – beer to be specific - by our fully automated robotic system.
Smart Informatics will present revolutionary solutions for remote technical support for industry and emergency services that enhance safety and efficiency in critical situations. The solution, developed in collaboration with T-Mobile, utilizes 5G networks and AI for stable and secure real-time video transmission. By combining 5G connectivity with satellite communication via Starlink, it ensures continuous communication even in challenging conditions. You can also look forward to live demonstrations of transmissions from drones or a robotic dog at the booth.
The Siemens display will focus on the benefits of integrating information (IT) and operational (OT) technologies. The integration of IT and OT enables a smooth flow of data from sensors to the cloud, simplifying production while increasing its flexibility, safety, and sustainability.
However, successful transformation today is not just about technological solutions. Sustainability trends (ESG) impose new demands on all economic entities, but they also present opportunities for innovation, new products, and thus business growth and expansion into new markets. In the Česká spořitelna zone, you will learn how banks perceive this topic and what they consider important for their corporate clients, not only in the context of mandatory reporting and decarbonization. Representatives from Česká spořitelna, Leasing ČS, and Erste Grantika Advisory have prepared model examples of healthy financing for transformation projects in the form of loans, leasing, and grants for visitors. In addition to personal consultations, visitors will also be able to try out digital financial health advisory services, a carbon footprint calculator, a return-on-investment calculator for photovoltaic power plants, or calculate online and for free whether investing in electric vehicles is worthwhile.
In addition to financial support, interested parties can also obtain expert support on a European scale thanks to the EIT Manufacturing consortium.
„Technology itself won’t help your business if it’s not strategically implemented in line with a functional business model. A digital audit, for example, can help," says Robert Keil, director of the National Centre for Industry 4.0. „We’re here to support companies to maximize their potential and become better."
With the right partnership and cooperation, visitors of the National Centre for Industry 4.0 exhibition booth can consult on innovation and technology as well as their financing, including grant opportunities that are particularly available to small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises through various sources, and receive comprehensive innovation support. Don't hesitate to connect with us and schedule a meeting.