The FLASH-COMP project is one of Insight Media’s largest Horizon Europe projects, and we are delighted to announce that it has reached a key milestone with its crucial data space going live. This work marks the start of the testing phase of the project’s key technology, its novel Decision Support System (DSS) and hosts databases, applications, and AI algorithms that will eventually empower operators to manage complex manufacturing processes.
FLASH-COMP is developing AI-driven technology that will support manufacturing industries in both automating their processes to achieve efficiencies and cost savings as well as supporting operators to make operational decisions that improve the quality of products by ensuring they are manufactured right first time.
Insight Media is delighted to be a full partner in this important project, which is helping develop the factories of the future that will make industry more efficient, cut waste and improve jobs, all helping Europe achieve the goals set out in its ambitious green agenda.
This ambition has now taken a step closer with the completion of the initial phase of its systemic data management work, which lays the foundation for its novel Decision Support System (DSS) that will run off data gathered from defect estimation and inspection and monitoring tools.
At the laboratories of FLASH-COMP partner MSI, a data space has now been established conforming to specifications outlined by the International Data Space Association (IDSA). Within this space, simulations have been carried out of data derived from composite manufacturing processes monitored by partners, using inspection tools such as cameras and sensors.
In addition to hosting these various data sources, the data space also accommodates a range of applications, including AI algorithms, designed to support FLASH-COMP systems. “Essentially, the data space serves as a central hub containing all necessary data, applications, algorithms, and AI systems for the FLASH-COMP solution, all of which will be integrated into the FLASH-COMP DSS,” explains Gorka Alvarez of MSI.
“Data governance rules for the space are also being developed and these will establish different user profiles and regulate access to sensitive data to ensure proper control over data usage and commercial exploitation,” he adds.
The data space offers functionalities such as monitoring data flow and simulating the entire data processing pipeline, from collection to presentation, in the two FLASH-COMP use cases, which are connected to the manufacture of yachts and aeroplane wings.
Additionally, it incorporates an Asset Administration Shell (AAS) Registry Server for developing digital twins, enabling MSI to create digital replicas of real hardware and inspection tools. “The data being collected by the partners’ various inspection and monitoring tools is being supplemented by synthetic data so that AI-generated simulations can be developed,” says Alvarez.
“At the moment, these efforts are based on a passive server, showcasing project elements without active connections,” he continues. “One of the topics for future discussion is whether we implement the next level of AAS in this project: reactive AAS, which obtains the status of the inspection and monitoring tools, and proactive AAS, which interacts with them and can directly change their properties.”
An illustrative example of data flow as it is in this first phase involves the monitoring of composite material flow using cameras. By analysing data on bubble formation in the material, for example, quality standards can be quickly assessed and potential risks to product quality identified and corrected.
Moving forward, the plans are to integrate all components into a cohesive test bed for the inspection and monitoring tools and analysis of the data they collect. This integrated approach will enable comprehensive data collection and analysis, leading to the development of a robust DSS dashboard to support operators in managing production processes and ensuring product quality.
“In essence, the data space serves as the cornerstone of the FLASH-COMP system and this development is a key milestone in the project,” Alvarez concludes.
“It provides a centralised platform for data aggregation, AI integration, and decision support facilitates data-driven decision-making. This will mean that process engineers and operators can now receive actionable insights in real time, ensuring the decisions they make throughout the production lifecycle will lead to better quality products that are delivered right first time, saving costs, energy, and material waste throughout the manufacturing process.”
- For more information about FLASH-COMP, visit the website here.
- If you would like Insight Media to take care of your research communication, dissemination and exploitation activities, either as full project partner or by delivering bespoke activities like project films and animation, brochures, events or target audience development, get in touch with Sam Davis at sam@insightm.co.uk or on +44 117 248 2755.