19 April, 2024As part of the evolution towards a more automated and digitised manufacturing industry, the technology centre Tekniker, part of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), is playing a crucial role in the European Masterly project from 2023. This project aims to support the technological advancement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and encourage a more widespread adoption of technological and digital solutions to meet the challenges of sustainability, efficiency and profitability in a competitive global market.
Masterly aims to develop a wide range of robotic systems that are flexible, intelligent and easy to use, in order to improve efficiency and innovation in industrial processes. In this sense, Tekniker is contributing with specific technological solutions, particularly in a case study on the production lines of Aernnova, a company dedicated to supplying advanced aeronautical structures. The centre will be responsible for integrating automated assistance in the component handling and loading process for the Airbus A220, as well as implementing various measurement sensors to monitor the assembly.
The novelty of the project's final demonstrator lies in its ability to handle diverse parts of different sizes, shapes and materials, which will enable the development of more flexible and resilient production lines. This system will integrate modular grippers, smart crane technologies and improvements in control and perception thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). In addition, the assembly of aircraft structures will be carried out in a semi-automated environment equipped with additional sensors for continuous production monitoring, ensuring part quality and providing vital information for decision-making and the prevention of errors or defects.
This approach not only increases the safety and comfort of personnel on the production line, but also improves the accuracy and efficiency of the manufacturing process, contributing to more competitive production. Beyond the aeronautics sector, Masterly also extends to other fields, such as the assembly of electrical cabinets at Kleemann and logistics automation in warehouses at Decathlon, demonstrating the versatility and breadth of the project.
With the participation of 16 European partners and funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe programme, the Masterly project, which will end in 2026, is coordinated by the Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems & Automation (LMS) in Greece and promises to be an important step towards a more autonomous, collaborative and responsive industry.
