The project is called iLEVATOR, a new innovation activity launched by EIT Digital’s Digital Industry Action Line - EIT Digital is a knowledge and innovation community of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
Turin-based Comau is the business champion for the initiative, but I working with CRF, FBK, DKFI, Fraunhofer-IML, the University of Edinburgh, Reply and Fortiss. The iLEVATOR solution will first be implemented in Fiat Chrysler Automotive factories, but Comau will also support the industrial dissemination in markets beyond the automotive sector.
Says Comau’s product development manager, Simone Belardinelli: “The factory of the future is often envisioned as being largely autonomous, with many tasks being completely automated and given over to robots. The reality, however, will probably be much more complex and nuanced. In logistics, there are many activities that do not provide real added value. Therefore, ergonomics studies can lead to the development of solutions that are not meant to replace the human operator but, rather, to increase his or her effectiveness.”
This new activity builds on a previous initiative, also supported by EIT Digital, called iLAADR – also designed to streamline the process of preparing and delivering material organised in kits to factory product lines. However, iLEVATOR will build on this functionality to include specific tasks, such as the substitution and replenishment of empty material storage units.
