Fraunhofer Center for Assistive Information and Communication Solutions – AICOS
22.11.2021
In order to respond to the social challenges triggered by the development of technology, the AUGMANITY project emerged, aiming at developing and implementing a coordinated strategy between industrial partners and research organizations, whose activity is essentially based on three pillars: science and technological development; internalization of knowledge and technology by owners; and their use by potential end users.
This €8 million project, funded by ANI, involves 22 partners, including Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS research center (FhP-AICOS) which, due to its experience and know-how in the areas of Human-Centred Design and Internet of Things, assures within AUGMANITY the development of technologies aimed at industrial workers (ensuring their physical and mental well-being), as well as sensing on the factory floor (and data transmission over technologies such as 5G).
Within the scope of AUGMANITY, FhP-AICOS participates in two PPSs (Product, Process or Service): PPS3 — Industrial Internet of Things and connectivity; and PPS5 — HR 4.0: Tools for better and healthier workers in i4.0 environments.
Regarding Internet of Things and connectivity, FhP-AICOS is responsible for the 5G IoT End Device (based on a previously developed FhP-AICOS’ technology) which will allow sensing of different equipment, aspiring predictive maintenance and control of energy consumption.
In the area of Human-Centred Design, FhP-AICOS’ main activity is aimed at developing a support and information communication platform for the shop floor operator: the Worker Companion Application. This platform will collect information from different sources (company human resources, operator biometric data such as their activity, ergonomic data collected within the scope and other PPSs, etc), and return this information to the operator to allow a holistic assessment of the worker and the relationship with their work. This platform will optimize activities and resources, as well as provide operators with important information for their health and well-being in the workplace.
Focusing on Industry 4.0, the AUGMANITY - Augmented Humanity project aims to improve the efficiency of industrial processes, as well as contribute to the reduction of emissions, and promote the development and adequacy of production processes according to the characteristics of the active population and the preparation of human resources for a new industrial reality, industry 4.0.
It is in this context that the need arises, through the development of appropriate technologies, to create solutions in five main technological areas: Ergonomics and Robotics; Big data; Connectivity, IoT and 5G; Artificial view and RA/RV and Talents and contribution to the sustainability and attractiveness of the industry.
The AUGMANITY project is being developed by a Consortium composed of Bosch Termotecnologia, S.A. (project leader); Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS; CENTITVC – Centro de Nanotecnologia e Materiais Técnicos, Funcionais e Inteligentes; Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto; Altice Labs, S.A.; Ground Control Studios, Lda; Universidade de Aveiro; Associação para o Pólo das Tecnologias de Informação, Comunicação e Eletrónica TICE.PT; EPL - Soluções Industriais, Lda.; ICC – Indústrias e Comércio de Calçado, S.A.; Associação CCG/ZGDV Centro Computação Gráfica; OLI - Sistemas Sanitários, S.A.; Globaltronic, Electrónica e Telecomunicações AS; Bosch Security Systems Sistemas de Segurança, S.A.; Instituto de Telecomunicações; ATENA – Automação Industrial, LDA; Ikea Industry Portugal, S.A.; Huawei Tech. Portugal Tecnologias de Informação, Lda; AAPICO Maia, S.A.; Critical Manufacturing, S.A.; Microplásticos, S.A.
More information about the project here.