Are you considering upgrading your business with cutting-edge technology but unsure if it will pay off? A recent article sheds light on a facility that might just be the solution you’re looking for. Our RICAIP Testbed Prague, based at the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics, and Cybernetics (CIIRC), offers businesses a unique opportunity to test innovations before committing to costly investments.
The article tells the story of Tomáš Jochman, who has been working at RICAIP Testbed Prague for five years, focusing on technologies that ease the lives of businesses in various industries. His journey at the institute began during his studies at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Czech Technical University (FME CTU). He recalls starting out by working on a robotic bar prototype, which became part of his thesis. Today, he and his colleagues at RICAIP Testbed are involved in advanced technologies such as robotic 3D printing and much more.
Real-World Technology Testing
The RICAIP Testbed Prague is not just a research hub—it’s a place where businesses can test real-world solutions for their production lines before fully committing to digital transformation. The article highlights how companies from various industries, including Škoda Auto, Lego, Continental, and T-Mobile, have already benefited from collaborating with the center.
For companies looking to dive into Industry 4.0, the RICAIP Testbed Prague offers consultations, feasibility studies, and technology testing. This means businesses can explore and validate technologies in a real manufacturing setting. The equipment at the testbed mirrors what’s used in actual industrial environments, from robotic systems to 3D printers and camera systems. This gives companies the confidence they need to make informed decisions about whether these innovations are worth implementing in their own factories.
For instance, the article tells of a client transitioning from steel production to a different material and manufacturing method. Before buying a costly 3D printer, the company was able to test the technology at the testbed to ensure it met their needs. This hands-on approach to innovation helps de-risk the adoption of new technologies for businesses, large and small.
Cutting-Edge Technologies: 5G Networks and Beyond
The article also explores the impact of 5G technology at the RICAIP Testbed. T-Mobile, a key partner, has installed the first private 5G SA campus network in the Czech Republic at the facility. This network is used to develop and test various scenarios that show how 5G can enhance manufacturing processes. One example is the creation of a 5G IoT Gateway, which allows real-time data transmission from multiple sensor modules via the 5G network. This technology has already been commercialized through a spin-off company called Trix Connections.
In fact, 5G networks are replacing traditional wired infrastructures in many companies. With the ability to move the network infrastructure wherever it’s needed, businesses save significant costs on cabling, and it’s especially beneficial for industries that frequently reconfigure their production lines.
Flexible Manufacturing Solutions
The RICAIP Testbed Prague also exemplifies how flexible manufacturing works in practice. The article gives a fascinating example of a production line where each robot functions as an independent cell. These cells can be detached and relocated as needed, with communication between them handled by the 5G network. This level of flexibility means businesses can adjust their production schedules without having to reprogram every robot. Instead, they just update the Manufacturing Execution System (MES), which controls the sequence of operations.
This adaptability is critical in modern manufacturing, where companies may change their production output multiple times a week to meet demand. The 5G network used in the testbed ensures low latency, industrial robustness, and enhanced security, all tailored to the specific needs of the production environment.
European Support for Innovation
One of the most exciting points raised in the article is how even smaller companies can access this advanced technology at a fraction of the cost, thanks to funding from the European Union. The article explains that programs like European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) and AI-Matters are designed to help businesses kickstart their innovation journeys. With support from these initiatives, companies can receive discounts of up to 100% on services like consultations and feasibility studies, overcoming their initial hesitation about whether or not to invest in new technology.
These EU-backed programs aim to remove the financial barriers that often prevent smaller companies from adopting cutting-edge solutions. Several projects within these frameworks have already begun at the RICAIP Testbed, and more are set to follow, offering businesses an unprecedented chance to explore innovations without the associated risks.
The Road Ahead for Digital Transformation
As pointed out in the article, digital transformation in Czech industry is still in its early stages, with a long way to go. According to the article, the biggest demand for investments in Industry 4.0 is coming from large companies with significant capital reserves. However, smaller enterprises with fewer than 50 employees are also showing great potential, thanks to their ability to make quick decisions about innovation. The need for smart, flexible, and efficient production processes is growing, and the RICAIP Testbed Prague stands at the forefront of this evolution.
If you want to dive deeper into the exciting world of smart manufacturing and learn more about how the RICAIP Testbed Prague is transforming the industry, don’t miss the full article. Discover how you can take part in this innovative hub and see how your business could benefit from these advanced technologies.