The project assumes a transversal approach that includes the use of integrated collaborative robotics with production management and simulation systems, in order to dynamically adapt the automation levels to the production needs. 

The project began in January and it will last for 42 months, ending with demonstrations regarding the two use cases of the factories Simoldes Plásticos and PSA group.

Besides INESC TEC, Simoldes and PSA, there are also part of the consortium companies such as Critical Manufacturing and Sarkkis Robotics, Fraunhoer IPA and the University of Aalborg. ScalABLE 4.0 seeks to integrate robots and factory equipment with a high level management, creating highly flexible factories. 

ScalABLE 4.0 seeks to integrate robots and factory equipment with a high level management, creating highly flexible factories.  INESC TEC is represented by two of his centres – the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIIS) and the Centre for Enterprise Systems Engineering (CESE), responsible for the simulation and vertical integration.

The partners present in February at the kick-off meeting that happen at INESC TEC visited Simoldes, in Oliveira de Azeméis. Last April, they went to France, to PSA, to define the important aspects in this use case.

ScalABLE 4.0 is one of the 241 projects financed until now under the supervision of the Factories of the Future partnership, being a part of a big European network that intends to increase the competitiveness of the manufacturing at an European level.