AI production network relies on laser cutting system with IndustryFusion

Advancing AI research, bringing modern manufacturing to life and equipping Bavarian companies for the future: the Augsburg AI Production Network has had big plans since it was founded in 2021. The research and technology park will be equipped with correspondingly modern facilities. For this purpose, the network of the University of Augsburg, the University of Applied Sciences, the Fraunhofer Institute or DLR and other innovative companies is relying on a tried-and-tested cutting system that has been optimized for IndustryFusion along with the control system and other peripherals. The open-source networking solution is being developed in the IndustryFusion Foundation and is based on the work of Industry Business Network 4.0 e.V. In use for research and science in a few weeks: among other things, a 2D laser cutting system from MicroStep Europa, state-of-the-art Intel processor technology, a control system from Eckelmann and filter technology from Teka.

The plans of the AI production network are clearly defined: To further develop artificial intelligence hand in hand with science and manufacturing, mostly medium-sized companies, and to quickly transfer the potentials into the real production world. For this purpose, a network of high-ranking research partners has been brought together since the start in 2021: among others, with the University of Augsburg, the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, the Fraunhofer IGCV or the German Aerospace Center. The ultimate goal is to permanently increase the quality of the components and to come as close as possible to "zero defect" production in terms of sustainability without rejects. For this purpose, with the support of the Free State of Bavaria, eager investments were made and a showroom was also set up for research and demonstration purposes. The parameters for suitable demonstration technologies are wide-ranging: highly productive, efficient, flexible and able to meet the requirements of modern and digital manufacturing in a heterogeneous production landscape. For these reasons, the network is investing in a laser cutting system with state-of-the-art peripherals, which has been optimized and developed from the outset under the umbrella of Green SmartFactory 4.0 for the open-source networking solution IndustryFusion. In the lighthouse initiative of the IndustryFusion Foundation, digitization and interoperable networking with IndustryFusion is being implemented in concrete terms across manufacturers.

The AI production network invests in the MSE ^SmartFL from MicroStep Europe with an automatic shuttle table system as well as the MSE SmartControl machine control from the renowned control manufacturer Eckelmann and the AirCube from Teka, an economical extraction system with modern nano-filter technology. In combination with other high-quality brand components, the result is a particularly energy-efficient and resource-saving 2D fiber laser for precise cuts, which is also supported by Intel as part of the Intel RISE program in its efforts to make manufacturing more sustainable and efficient. With the laser cutting system already successfully in use in several productions, it will soon be available at the exclusive demonstration and research center in Augsburg. The KI production network opted for a version with a 2D laser cutting head from Thermacut's EX-TRABEAM® series and a YLR-3000 fiber laser source from IPG. The net processing area available is 3,000 x 1,500 mm.

"The MSE ^SmartFL, its peripherals and the open-source IIoT networking solution IndustryFusion are perfectly matched. As a result, the AI production network has optimal conditions to achieve its goals under real production conditions with the help of highly innovative systems. We are proud that we can play a part in this joint project to maintain and strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs for the future," says Igor Mikulina, President of the IndustryFusion Foundation Board.

More on the AI Production Network

The AI Production Network Augsburg started at the beginning of 2021 with the aim of using artificial intelligence (AI) methods to keep the production and automation of companies throughout Bavaria competitive and fit for the future. The Free State of Bavaria is supporting the Augsburg AI Production Network as part of the Hightech Agenda Plus funding initiative launched in 2019. Research partners in the network include the University of Augsburg, Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, the Fraunhofer Institute for Foundry, Composite and Processing Technology (IGCV), the German Aerospace Center (DLR) with its Augsburg Center for Lightweight Production Technology (ZLP), as well as the Chamber of Crafts and the Swabian Chamber of Industry and Commerce.