The objective is to support future cost-effective, high quality, fault-tolerant, eco-friendly and more flexible manufacturing systems, including control systems and innovative robotics. Modularization and customisation as well as new design and engineering concepts (integrating new materials, micro-devices, mechatronics, automation, communicating machines) are urgently required. Quality, reliability and accuracy are increasingly needed for effective development of such systems and, in this context, metrology and pre-normative aspects could be critical issues. The objective is also the elaboration of a clear roadmap for the emergence of new manufacturing concepts, their validation and the identification of best practices. Addressing the challenge of creating knowledge-based industries, particular attention should be given to education and skill development. Emphasis should also be given to creating maximum of synergies with “EUREKA Factory”.