The Tekniker technology centre is actively participating in the European project Tech4MaaSEs, which aims to create a network of advanced technologies to strengthen collaboration in Europe’s high-tech manufacturing sector.
The concept of sharing-based business models revolves around making better use of underutilized assets (cars or dwellings) that often remain idle. Platforms like BlaBlaCar and Airbnb have become familiar examples of how this works in everyday life.
In industrial settings, a similar inefficiency occurs. Production machines frequently sit idle for parts of the day, and companies often outsource work to distant locations, unaware that nearby businesses might have the same equipment and unused production capacity.
This is the context in which the idea of Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS) emerged in Europe. The goal is to optimize the use of manufacturing resources while also reducing the environmental impact caused by long-distance logistics. Transforming manufacturing assets into on-demand services can make production systems more flexible and resilient, allowing them to adapt quickly and handle a variety of product types.
This approach involves multiple stakeholders. Technology providers who specialize in manufacturing systems and system integration work closely with factories to offer interoperable services, while others along the value chain can contribute complementary capabilities. Real-time, secure data exchange between these actors is essential for enabling fast, dynamic responses, nonetheless current systems still require further research and development to reach their full potential.
Since 2024, Tekniker has been part of Tech4MaaSEs, a Horizon Europe-funded initiative designed to implement a distributed network of digital twins. These digital models are enhanced with trustworthy and cognitive features, allowing advanced manufacturing companies across Europe to collaborate effectively within shared value networks.
The project brings together deep knowledge of manufacturing processes with the latest breakthroughs in information and communication technologies (ICT). A core feature is the development of a robust digital data space, which the project combines with artificial intelligence (AI) tools to automate tasks traditionally handled by experienced professionals.
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