Main innovations in InterQ include:
Development of sensors and actuators near the tool center point, along with virtual sensors.
Creation of six inspection systems providing crucial product quality information.
Implementation of digital twins for predicting product quality, enabling closed-loop feedback control.
Novel application for online quality checking of sensor-provided data.
Erdre, a machine learning pipeline for erroneous data repair, surpassing the state of the art.
Milestone application of blockchain technology in industrial quality management.
Project output condensed into five modules with new sensors and quality control applications:
InterQ-Process: Process monitoring with mechatronic devices, new sensors, and AI-driven virtual sensors.
InterQ-Product: Digitizing and automating data collection for final part quality using new sensors and AI-driven digital twins.
InterQ-Data: Measures data quality in motion and over time through edge-level and historical pattern analysis.
InterQ-ZeroDefect: Provides a Quality hallmark dashboard, process quality optimization tools, and AI-driven applications for production optimization.
InterQ-TrustedFramework: Offers a data sharing platform based on distributed ledger technologies for managing PPD Quality hallmark in the supply chain.
Expected impact on production lines:
Increased equipment productivity through new sensors for quality measurement in process.
Reduced ramp-up time using smart sensors/actuators and existing production data stored in the ledger.
AI-driven instrumentation promoting the shift towards smart and efficient processes, decreasing time-to-market.
Significant improvement in product quality leading to reduced scrap.
In the initial project phase, impact was primarily observed in SMEs and machine tool builders, focusing on specific system and technology development. While in the second reporting period, the project's potential impact extends to end users and the manufacturing community, with ongoing growth expectations.
For manufacturing companies, InterQ has facilitated digitalization improvements in production lines, enabling the collection of process data and integrating quality tools for error identification and waste reduction. New data centralization strategies and AI applications have advanced their digitalization strategies.
Machine tool builders have seen increased value in their machines with the inclusion of new sensors and devices. Collaborations within technology providers of InterQ have led to jointly exploitable outcomes, creating market opportunities and disruptive solutions.
Technology providers in mechatronics and optics have connected with flagship manufacturing companies through InterQ, developing sensory elements with economic impact in the next phase. The project has also introduced ICT and AI experts to the manufacturing world, significantly impacting high-tech SMEs in the manufacturing market.
In line with the societal challenges faced by Europe, InterQ tackles issues such as job security, talent acquisition, knowledge-intensive job creation, environmental concerns, resource efficiency, and raw materials. The project has significantly impacted the European manufacturing industry by enhancing equipment productivity, reducing ramp-up time, and improving product quality through the development of physical/virtual sensors and digital twins. This shift towards smarter processes has resulted in a reduced time-to-market and substantial reductions in scrap.
