The 4th industrial revolution (I4.0) is based on a far-reaching digitization of production in which real-time generated data is used to take production to a new and higher level in terms of performance. A well-known I4.0 model is the Acatech Maturity Index in which 4 phases are described: visualizing, analyzing, predicting and autonomy. We find that (Limburg) companies fail to evolve through the phases and often even fail to visualize. Main causes are (1) the oversupply of solutions that are not all tailored to an SME, (2) uncertainty about the applicability of available solutions within their own production and (3) a (too) large leap of knowledge to integrate high-end IT._x000D_ This project aims to develop a demonstrator that makes the full potential of I4.0, up to and including the phase 'autonomy', tangible to the SME and will be used to allow companies to concreteize their own I4.0 business case or trajectory. The demonstrator starts from a connected pilot line, consisting of machining processes, assembly and logistics, with real production of a demonstrator product. Through Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning (ML), the pilot line will respond autonomously to current conditions in order to ensure production (quality). The I4.0 demonstrator forms a unique fact far beyond the borders of our neighboring countries and becomes an attraction pool of the facTHORy in Genk. In addition to demonstration, the I4.0 pilot line and the individual equipment will also be opened to (1) technology suppliers to further develop their solutions and better align them with the SME reality and (2) manufacturing companies to test their own innovative production system without having to interrupt the daily production activities. In addition, around high-end IT solutions (AI, ML, cybersecurity) mobile demonstrators will be developed that allow to reach, inspire and lead SMEs with less absorption capacity to the facTHORy._x000D_ To support companies in making the right choices, Sirris launched the ‘4.0 made real’ initiative in which the concrete implementation of I4.0 was demonstrated on a pilot line. The first version (2017) of the demonstrator focused on the integration of 3D metal printing with conventional machining technologies. The second demonstrator (2019) built on this and introduced the full digitisation of the production system, up to and including the ‘analysis’ phase. (https://www.sirris.be/en/industrial-lab/40-made-real-sirris). In order to lower the threshold for the manufacturing industry, mobile demonstrators were also developed around specific aspects (connecting machines, digital operator instructions, etc.) that are currently used in hands-on on-site workshops. The initiative has led to some 300 companies getting acquainted with the concrete implementation of I4.0 on the one hand and on the other hand they were the basis of some 40 successful digitization processes. This project will bring the current demonstrator to the highest I4.0 level with the objective of introducing 300 companies to the full potential of I4.0 by 2028 and guiding 60 companies in digitizing their production system.
