R2D - Road to Digital Production

The requirements for efficient production processes are steadily increasing in global competition. Through digitization and data analysis, not only efficiency but also flexibility and quality are to be increased. The so-called "cyber-physical systems" can contribute to the solution here. The project "R2D - Road to Digital Production" promotes the digitization of industrial production processes through the development of a Cyber-Physical Production System (CPPS):

Intelligent objects decentralize and dynamise a classic production process. During production operation in the R2D project, the workpieces are equipped with a Smart Production Tag which stores all relevant product data and context information. By networking with the production systems on site, the now intelligent workpiece knows the possible work steps and the current occupancy and availability of the manufacturing cells. Based on this information it can independently decide which work step makes sense in which production cell and initiate its execution. By locating it recognizes the entrance to the individual production cells and then communicates with the tools and systems available there. 

In the industrial production chain, the Smart Production Tag accompanies a product to be manufactured through the entire production process and can independently identify, log and control process steps.

In this way, the classic assembly line gives way to modular production cells: The assembly object is automatically conveyed to the corresponding production cell with driverless transport vehicles, where it autonomously communicates and initiates the next process step. In addition to the functionality, the profitability should also be proven in a pilot test. The research and development results should not only help to develop new technologies for "cyber-physical production systems (CPPS)", but also to define principles and methods that will be used in the future for the automation of production processes in the manufacture and assembly of a product with the Lot size 1.