Co-Funded Projects

Project co-funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU

 

NATIONAL RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE PLAN (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA - PNRR)

SUBJECT AREA: AREA 1 - BIG DATA

Mission 4 - Component 2 - Investment 2.3

Decision support systems with real-time constraints, including those based on generative artificial intelligence.

Project title and ID: 25544 | Digital Twin AI ready for the manufacturing sector (DT-A.I.R)

Project start date: May 2025 - End date: May 2026

 

DESCRIPTION

APPLIED has developed a software to create virtual environments in which one can simulate and test production scenarios. By connecting to automation devices and using virtual and augmented reality tools, the software allows expert users to create a digital twin of an asset to optimise operations and improve efficiency (less risk, time and costs). The tool has only been used by APPLIED to provide a service to end customers.


The current project aims to evolve the software into a user-friendly simulation suite. The mission is to make the software accessible to end customers and implement new features.


Special attention will be paid to AI integration into the framework, particularly with regard to Machine Interaction Simulation. The goal is to integrate “generative agents” that provide automatic alerts and notifications based on an integrated knowledge base of machine manuals. These AI agents will be able to recognise problems and error codes and suggest solutions to virtual machine operators.

Other objectives include improving the user interface aimed at studying ergonomics through the use of haptic gloves and motion tracking systems to monitor operator movements.

 

OBJECTIVES

The proposal aims to increase the competitiveness of the proposing company, APPLIED s.r.l., enabling it to develop a new product to offer its customers and market an advanced version of the tool, evolving it into a suite, which until now has been used internally to offer services.

APPLIED's project proposal is linked to the objectives and thematic areas of the BI-REX Competence Centre, highlighted by the following aspects:

  • Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation: the project fits perfectly within the scope of Industry 4.0, as it promotes the digitisation of industrial processes through the creation of digital twins and the use of virtual and augmented reality.
  • Big Data and Artificial Intelligence: GENESI's evolution towards the integration of generative agents based on artificial intelligence is consistent with the Big Data thematic area of the BI-REX call for proposals. The project aims to develop decision support systems with real-time constraints, using generative AI techniques.
  • Applied Research and Technology Transfer: the development of software that simulates industrial plants has a direct impact on the improvement and innovation of production processes. The project promotes technology transfer, enabling companies to test and optimise their processes in a virtual environment before implementing them in the real world.
  • Training and Skills: the results of the project can be used to train technicians and operators, providing a safe and controlled environment for learning and skills development.
  • Increased efficiency and reduced costs: one of the key objectives of the project is to reduce inefficiencies, waste and costs in industrial processes. Virtual simulation allows potential problems to be identified and corrected before they occur in reality, resulting in economic savings for companies.

 

IMPACT

The innovation of the project lies in its ability to integrate various advanced technologies (AI, virtual/augmented reality, motion tracking) into a single platform that can be used by non-expert operators. This allows for the automation of processes, improved ergonomics, optimised training and support for business decisions, with a significant impact on the efficiency and competitiveness of companies.

  • No-Code Interface
  • Integration and customisation of the digital twin
  • Decision support with real-time constraints
  • Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for generative agents
  • Development of an advanced motion tracking system for ergonomic analysis
  • Generation of data for Machine Learning
  • Use for training

 

FINAL OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

The final objective of the project is to achieve TRL 7 - Demonstration of a prototype system in an operational environment.

The elements that lead to identifying TRL 7 as the final result are the development of functional prototypes, their integration into a complete system, testing in an operational environment, validation of requirements and the production of a validation report. These elements combined demonstrate that the project aims to develop a system that can be effectively used in a real-world context, achieving a high level of technological maturity.