Digital Innovation Hub
Are you an SME or Midcap interested in digital transformation and robotic solutions?
Leveraging the latest offerings from Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs), VOJEXT is dedicated to fostering the generation and integration of innovative concepts in the market, in alignment with producers and adopters of collaborative robotics.
DIHs, crucial players within innovation ecosystems and technology enablers, play a significant role in promoting the adoption of digital technologies – particular the seamless integration of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and collaborative robots (cobots) within the manufacturing and construction sectors.
Are you a DIH interested in
collaboration between industry and artists?
By disseminating technical expertise widely, facilitating experimentation, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, and facilitating investments, DIHs create a unique opportunity for SMEs and mid-cap enterprises to enhance their competitiveness and become trendsetters in this field.
The consortium has united four DIHs and seven additional DIH representatives who bring their expertise to the table. They collaborate with manufacturing companies and IT developers from academic and industrial backgrounds to engage in cooperative learning and design aimed at real-world experimental pilot scenarios.
VOJEXT focuses on cutting edge technologies developed on four main topics:
Services provided by DIHs
Toward AI proof of concept
This service aims to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies. It encompasses POC research conducted by IMT Atlantique (at TRL levels 4-6) and POC for AI/Robotics by Capacités (at TRL levels 7-8), facilitating the validation of ideas in advance of full-scale industrial implementation.
DIH DIVA Pays de la Loire, Pôle EMC2
pole-emc2@vojext.eu
Workshop Design AI
Interdisciplinary Innovation Workshop by Nantes Université.
Interested in harnessing AI but unsure where to begin? Join our Design AI Workshop at EDIH DIVA. Spend a day mapping out possibilities to address your specific needs.
DIH DIVA Pays de la Loire, Pôle EMC2
pole-emc2@vojext.eu
Semantic data integration and interpretation
We demonstrate the strategic utilization of synergy effects through semantic data integration and interpretation of heterogeneous data sources and information streams.
FORTISS
kuemmel@fortiss.org
Knowledge-based Systems Engineering
The Robotics Labs showcase the practical applications of a knowledge-based engineering approach, aiding in the design and configuration of robot systems while enhancing the autonomy of robot-based automation solutions.
FORTISS
kuemmel@fortiss.org
Software engineering
Part of our engineering services, related to:
C, C++, Python, JavaScript coding Dedicated operating systems Web technologies-based systems Hardware optimisation
Łukasiewicz-PIAP
piap@vojext.eu
Control systems
Part of our R&D services, related to:
Development of command and control units; Development of control network involving various communication standards; Development and optimisation of control algorithms; Autonomy of operation; Distributed control networks
Łukasiewicz-PIAP
TOOLS AND ASSETS
Ontologies and Semantic Description Models
perzylo@fortiss.org
Planning, Execution and Management Knowledge Reasoning Engine (PEMKRE)
perzylo@fortiss.org
Knowledge-Augmented Platform Engineering Methodology
Fortiss views ontologies as one central aspect to enable platforms, i.e., software-defined infrastructures, that are pervasive, robust, and trustworthy. The methodology of applying semantic knowledge representation in this endeavour was refined and extended in VOJEXT and was condensed into fortiss’ Platform Engineering whitepaper, which was published in 2024. The MIA approach describes how to Model, Instantiate, and Apply the ontologies in the engineering process. In VOJEXT, the methodology was applied to the design and development of the ontologies following the PPR paradigm, semantically describing the products, processes, and resources for each of the five use cases.
Target groups: SMEs, large enterprises, public entities, research community
FORTISS
perzylo@fortiss.org
Comprehensive Knowledge Transfer Concept
FORTISS
Scene Understanding
Extract relevant information from images and videos, such as identifying objects, people, and events, and gaining valuable insights for your business
Gesture Recognition
Control devices and interact with technology in a natural and intuitive way, using hand movements, facial expressions, and body language
TREE LOGIC
Object Tracking
The PEM will offer a service that provides object tracking solutions to business based on computer vision and AI techniques. The service allows users to help business tracking and monitoring their assets, inventory, and equipment in real-time using cameras and machine learning algorithms. Our algorithms will process video feed from cameras and provide real-time tracking information via a dashboard accessible on the web or mobile devices.
TREE LOGIC
Quality Control
Quality control is a crucial aspect of the manufacturing process, as it directly affects the final product’s quality and customer satisfaction. One way to improve quality control in manufacturing companies is using computer vision techniques. The PEM will offer the use of computer vision techniques to inspect products and parts during the manufacturing process, identifying some defects that may not be visible to the human eye. These techniques use cameras and sensors to capture images of the products and parts, which are then analysed by software algorithms that can detect defects and irregularities. The main advantage is that the PEM can be programmed to detect specific defects or irregularities that are common in certain types of products or parts, allowing for targeted inspections and reducing the likelihood of defects going unnoticed.
TREE LOGIC
Neuromorphis Gesture Recognition
The SIM will provide a service based on gesture recognition that detects the human gestures from the posture and the individual movement for extracting relevant information based on neuromorphic event-based computer computer vision and machine learning techniques.
Ergonomics and Dynamic Postural Risk Assessment
The SEM will provide a service based on low-latency real-time neuromorphic vision that detects the ergonomics risks (dynamic and postural) in human behaviors. From the posture of the worker the risk of the musculoskeletal system are assessed by looking at the potential ergonomic risk and at the same time how the posture changes over time is a meaure of the dynamic ergonomic risk.
IIT
Fatigue Assessment
The SEM will provide a service based on low-latency real-time neuromorphic vision that detects the level of fatigue of the individual as a function of postural and dynamic load in human activities. The fatigue of the individual are assessed from the accumulated level of fatigue deriving from posture or dynamic body stress.
IIT
sa3xw2
Access to finance
Many DIHs offer support for initiating collaborative R&D projects and can aid in identifying funding opportunities. Our dedicated project managers are here to guide you in developing your project and accessing funding from regional, national, or European sources.
As a first step, you can consult the funding opportunity mapping developed in VOJEXT that identifies main co-funding instruments available in VOJEXT DIH countries and at European level.
These programme and initiatives can support innovative or take-up projects related to Artificial Intelligence, Robotic and manufacturing.
Maturity assessment, Skills & trainings
DIHs can assist you in identifying your specific requirements and evaluating your company’s digital maturity in the context of AI and digitalisation.
Networking
DIHs assist industries in exploring, comprehending, and experimenting with technologies to enable SMEs to maintain their competitiveness in the global market. Various activities, including networking events like technical workshops, academic meetings, business conventions, and other networking gatherings, are implemented to foster the emergence of project ideas within the DIH ecosystems.
VOJEXT project brings together Digital Innovation Hubs interested in AI, robotic solutions and artistic dimension to support innovation.
Our focus on Artistic dimension!
An increasing number of high-tech companies worldwide emphasize the role of creativity in innovation. In addition to scientific and technological skills, creativity is considered a critical factor for innovation, delivering value to society. More and more (high-tech) companies throughout the world assert that, in addition to scientific and technological skills, one of the critical skills needed for innovation to happen, and to be of value for society, is creativity. Since creativity is rooted in artistic practices, the expertise and practice of artists can directly drive and influence innovation in technology.
They provide fresh perspectives, inspire innovative directions, and serve as catalysts for responsible transformations of technology into products and new models for society, the environment, and the economy. Recognizing this synergy, the European Commission introduced the STARTS Initiative – Innovation at the Intersection of Science, Technology, and the Arts – in 2015. The primary objective of the STARTS initiative is to involve artists in innovation projects.
Our approach is grounded in the recognition of the added value and unforeseen outcomes that arise from interdisciplinary collaborations, benefiting both artists and technical collaborators involved.
Drawing from the project’s experience and the expertise of our partners, VOJEXT will facilitate knowledge exchange among DIHs, fostering a collective reflection on how the artistic dimension can enhance their services and engage their members.
