EMPOWER aims to revolutionize workplace safety through cutting-edge XR technologies. With a clear

market need and a strong value proposition, EMPOWER is confident in the ability to drive significant

improvements in safety and operational efficiency across various high-risk industries. EMPOWER will

contribute to the implementation of MASTER platform tools by promoting a novel pedagogical/training

approach, training in real industrial applications, to be implemented in the form of an XR-based digital

assistant focusing on the imperative topics: safety and ergonomics in safety-critical industrial

workplaces such as HRC assembly processes. The outcomes of EMPOWER are dedicated to the training

of human workforce (unskilled and advanced human operators, experts) in industrial environments to

ensure the assistance and enhancement of their learning experience towards these topics in humanrobot

interactive applications. The envisaged modular XR-based tool comprises sub-modules for realtime

visualization, digital assistant, HRC knowledge base, data gathering and safety and ergonomics

assessment purposes. The modularity approach will enable the adaptability of the developed tool

addressing comparable safety-critical scenarios (e.g. HRC welding processes).

The use of cranes is planned on a customer-specific basis and therefore order-related. The selection and overview of the availability of attachments at the depot or across several operating sites depends on the crane rental company's experience and individual inventory management. On the construction site, the delivery, positioning and assembly of the crane components requires a great deal of coordination. The load-bearing capacity of the crane depends in particular on the correct assembly of the attachments, which must be carried out in accordance with the previous planning of the crane deployment. Incorrect assembly jeopardizes the safety of the crane operation and, in the worst case, can lead to the crane toppling over. With this in mind, this project is developing a mobile assistance system to increase crane safety and support the coordination of employees at the depot and on the construction site. The system is divided into three sub-areas: (1) optimization of component control at the depot and construction site, (2) verification of the planning-compliant design of a mobile crane with regard to operational safety and (3) recording and analysis of loads on individual components.

Companies need to improve their production and intralogistics processes due to rising costs and increasing demands for flexibility. This requires a comprehensive process analysis, which is very time-consuming. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular struggle to select suitable technologies for intralogistics solutions. The goal of the SENSOMAI project is to develop a user-friendly data platform that supports SMEs in selecting and implementing intralogistics systems. This platform utilizes motion data collected by sensors and analyzes it using a deep learning method. The platform identifies optimization potentials and suggests appropriate intralogistics solutions. A before-and-after comparison allows the evaluation of improvements within the company. The platform continuously enhances its recommendations through the validation of results. SENSOMAI is an innovative solution that offers technology-neutral selection options and addresses multiple user groups.

The shift from mass production to customized manufacturing presents immense challenges for companies, particularly in assembly, which accounts for more than half of the production time and 20% of the costs. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), easily scalable solutions are essential. SMEs benefit especially from flexible systems, as these allow them to adjust their production processes efficiently without investing in expensive, specialized equipment.

PassForM2 develops an innovative control system for modular assembly systems that can adapt flexibly to changing requirements. In addition to assembly, other systems such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can be seamlessly integrated. Through interchangeable hardware modules and decentralized control, we increase efficiency, reduce production costs, and ensure greater resilience against system failures. This technology helps SMEs achieve sustainable small-batch and series production while enhancing their competitiveness by enabling them to respond cost-effectively and adaptively to market changes.

The Robotics Institute Germany (RIG) connects leading robotics locations across Germany into a decentralized research network to enhance the international visibility of German robotics research. Research is coordinated through a joint roadmap and research clusters that address the needs of both industry and society. Additionally, a shared research infrastructure is being established. Specialists are trained through targeted education and training programs, robotics benchmarks and innovation competitions are developed, and measures to support start-ups and industry transfer are initiated. RIG strengthens the global reputation of "made in Germany" robotics and unlocks potential through the use of robotic systems in new applications.