The transformation to a networked factory

How can companies evolve their manufacturing activities in the direction of a smart, networked factory in line with Industry 4.0? In the MetamoFAB project, Fraunhofer IAO and its cooperation partner, the Institute for Human Factors and Technology Management IAT at the University of Stuttgart, are working closely with other partners from industry and research to find the answers.

People often use the term Industry 4.0 to describe the concept of networked factories in which people and machines use smart systems to communicate with each other. As part of this concept, companies can introduce cyber-physical systems (CPS) to create more versatile manufacturing conditions while increasing the flexibility of their production and logistics.

But the transition to Industry 4.0 will not happen overnight. The necessary changes must embrace people, machines, workpieces and information technology – and there is a need to prepare companies for the paradigm shift to Industry 4.0 by taking them through an introductory process.

Without transparent CPS implementation strategies, companies cannot hope to evolve into the smart manufacturing companies of tomorrow and avoid severe disruption to their operations in the process. 

MetamoFAB is a research project that aims to developing models, methods and tools to help manufacturing companies make the transition to smart, networked factories by implementing CPS to boost productivity in their existing factories. 

The groundwork for this transformation involves mapping out the vision of a networked factory with CPS using three use cases – “Manufacturing automation technology,” “Semiconductor manufacturing,” and “Manufacturing electrical engineering components.” The solutions will be demonstrated in real-life conditions at industry partners’ sites. 

A total of eight select industry and research partners are working to make MetamoFAB a success. With funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of its “Research for the Manufacturing of Tomorrow” concept, the project is coordinated by Project Management Agency Karlsruhe (PTKA) and is contributing to the German federal government’s “Industrie 4.0” initiative.

Contact:
Manuel Kern
R&D Management
Fraunhofer IAO
Nobelstraße 12
70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Phone +49 711 970-2322
Email manuel.kern@iao.fraunhofer.de

Erdem Gelec
R&D Management
Fraunhofer IAO
Nobelstraße 12
70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Phone +49 711 970-2055
Email erdem.gelec@iao.fraunhofer.de

http://www.iao.fraunhofer.de/lang-en/business-areas/technology-innovation-manage…