Events

Final SME 5.0 Secondment meeting

By Chiara Nezzi on Jul 28th, 2025

Wrapping up an amazing month at the University of Malta, where we successfully designed and set up a human-robot collaborative workstation in the Digital and Automation Lab. This project focused on recreating industrial-like operations for hands-on learning, with the UR3 robot's kinematic and dynamic models developed in iPhysics to assess joint torques, power consumption, and energy usage. Data was validated through a real-time connection with the robot (Digital Shadow) and an energy meter. Additionally, we worked on two conference papers: one on Digital Twin-based energy assessments in a collaborative workstation (to be submitted to CLF2026) and another on evaluating sustainability in manufacturing using Axiomatic Design (for ICAD2026). We also shared insights on Digital Twins, Axiomatic Design, and energy monitoring, setting the stage for future collaborations.

#Secondment #HumanRobotCollaboration #DigitalTwin #EnergyEfficiency
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Digital twin-based energy assessment in a human-robot collaborative workstation

By Chiara Nezzi on Jul 24th, 2025

At the Digital and Automation Laboratory of the University of Malta, we have set up a human-robot collaborative workstation featuring a UR3 robot for industrial-like learning experiences. Using Axiomatic Design (AD) Decomposition, we’ve designed and assessed the setup for optimal functionality. In parallel, we've created a kinematic and dynamic model of the robot in a multibody software named iPhysics, focusing on real-time calculations of joint torques, power consumption, and energy usage. Data from the simulation is compared to readings from an energy meter, validating the energy consumption across a 30-minute robot cycle. These activities aim at bridging the gap between virtual and real-world robotics, enhancing hands-on learning and energy efficiency assessments.
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Secondment UNIBZ – Visit to the Sustainable Manufacturing Lab, Brunico

By Julieta Gutnisky on Jul 14th, 2025

During my secondment with the SME 5.0 project, I had the privilege of visiting the Sustainable Manufacturing Lab in Brunico. This inspiring lab is dedicated to developing circular, resilient, and environmentally responsible production systems. It stands out for its interdisciplinary focus, where digital technologies, sustainable practices, and industrial innovation intersect to shape the future of manufacturing.

This visit offered fresh insights into how sustainability and social responsibility can be embedded at the core of industrial transformation. It also deepened my current research on human–AI interaction and the evolving role of people in future-oriented industrial ecosystems.

I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to engage with experts from diverse backgrounds and to contribute to the ongoing conversation around responsible innovation in the context of Industry 5.0
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Attending ASIA Sustainable Energy Week & MobilityTech Asia 2025

By Dr. Marwa Ben Ali on Jul 2nd, 2025

An incredible experience at ASIA Sustainable Energy Week & MobilityTech Asia in Bangkok (July 2–4), a dynamic platform featuring fairs and conferences that showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovative ideas shaping the future of clean energy and sustainable mobility.

It was inspiring to witness presentations from industry leaders and explore breakthrough innovations in battery technologies and energy storage, smart charging systems and infrastructure, real-time monitoring solutions, integrated smart electrical systems for grid optimization, vehicle connectivity and intelligent platforms, as well as advanced cybersecurity for connected ecosystems.

As part of the SME5.0 project, I attended the event to explore new technologies, machinery, and tools, gaining valuable insights into companies’ perspectives, innovative solutions, and the barriers they face in the digital and green transition.
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Guest Lecture on “Industrial Energy Management”

By Dr. Marwa Ben Ali on Jun 27th, 2025

I had the pleasure of delivering a guest lecture on 27 June 2025 as part of the International Master's Program at the Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.

During the session, I had the opportunity to engage with students on the topic of "Industrial Energy Management", highlighting its critical role in advancing sustainable and intelligent manufacturing—particularly within the context of SMEs.

We also explored:
✅ Conducting energy audits in line with ISO 50001:2018
✅ Analyzing energy usage, identifying quick wins, and proposing practical improvements
✅ Integrating smart and connected technologies for real-time energy monitoring and management
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Engineering Labs Tour – Chiang Mai University

By Dr. Marwa Ben Ali on Jun 23rd, 2025

During the research visit as part of the EU project SME5.0, I explored the industrial, electrical, and mechanical engineering laboratories at the Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. I also had the opportunity to experience the university’s innovative Learning Factory, a vibrant hub for hands-on education and research.

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Annual Meeting of SME 5.0 Project Held at Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

By Korrakot Yaibuathet Thippayawong on Jun 17th, 2025

On June 17, 2025, the SME 5.0 consortium convened for its annual meeting at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy, bringing together representatives from 16 partner institutions worldwide. This in-person gathering provided a valuable opportunity to review progress, share research findings, and collaboratively plan the next phases of the project.

Throughout the sessions, partners presented updates on their respective work packages, discussed strategies for engaging SMEs in different regions, and explored innovative solutions that align with the core pillars of Industry 5.0: human-centricity, resilience, and sustainability. Cross-institutional collaboration and knowledge sharing were central to the discussions, reinforcing the project’s mission to empower small and medium-sized enterprises across Europe and beyond.

The meeting also featured interactive workshops, site visits, and strategic sessions to strengthen the network of partners and refine future directions. As SME 5.0 moves forward, the consortium remains committed to developing practical tools, methodologies, and policy recommendations that will help SMEs thrive in an increasingly digital and sustainable economy.

Stay tuned for more updates as the project continues to drive transformative impact in the SME ecosystem.
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Secondment UNIBZ – Visit to Smart Mini Factory Lab, Bolzano

By Julieta Gutnisky on Jun 16th, 2025

As part of my secondment within the SME 5.0 project, I had the opportunity to visit the Smart Mini Factory Lab in Bolzano. This dynamic learning factory focuses on cyber-physical systems, collaborative robotics, and digital twin technologies. It offers an advanced platform for exploring how human-centric design and automation can coexist within Industry 5.0, emphasising the evolving role of humans in intelligent production environments.

I also had the opportunity to observe first-hand how researchers from around the world collaborate, operate robotic systems, and contribute to shaping the future of manufacturing. During the visit, I spent time with researchers, PhD students, and professors, gaining valuable insights into their work and approaches.

The visit served as a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange with experts actively engaged in advancing smart and sustainable production.
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Secondment Purdue University Fort Wayne

By Walburga Kerschaumer on Jun 2nd, 2025

This report outlines the activities carried out during the secondment period at Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW), United States, under the SME 5.0 project framework. The secondment was conducted from 2 June to 4 July 2025 and hosted by Prof. David Cochran. The purpose of the secondment was to foster transatlantic collaboration in the fields of enterprise systems, innovation, and learning factory development.
During the secondment, the following key activities were carried out:
• Contributed to a grant proposal for the creation of the Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Engineering Nexus (EEE Nexus), a joint initiative of the Doermer School of Business (DSB) and Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW).
• Engaged in collaborative project planning to apply Systems Engineering principles to the structured and sustainable development of interdisciplinary learning environments, aimed at promoting innovation in industry-oriented education.
• Visited the Ford Rouge Factory, the Henry Ford Museum, and the Edison Laboratories in Detroit to gain historical and technological insights into industrial innovation and manufacturing heritage.
• • Visited the School of Engineering Technology (SOET) laboratories at Purdue University West Lafayette to explore best practices in applied research, engineering education, and sustainable laboratory-based learning environments.
• Participated in a session on industry engagement and university-industry ecosystems at Purdue University West Lafayette, with attendees from TU Graz and the University of Potsdam, focusing on sustainable strategies to strengthen academic-industry collaboration across institutions.
The secondment enabled in-depth academic exchange on methodologies for system design and educational infrastructure development. Collaborative discussions and planning sessions with Prof. Cochran, Dean Prof. Nodir Adilov and other faculty members provided a strong foundation for future cooperation. In particular, the integration of Systems Engineering principles into Learning Factory concepts holds great potential for cross-institutional impact.
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