CompSTwins explores smarter and more scalable remanufacturing
How can complex remanufacturing and surface-finishing processes become more efficient, adaptable and economically viable? The CompSTwins project explores this question by combining digital twins, artificial intelligence, sensing, simulation, robotics and value-chain data.
The project supports SHAPE’s ambition to advance circular, resource-efficient and intelligent industrial value chains.
Exploring intelligent automation
Remanufacturing often involves products with varying shapes, materials and levels of damage. This makes automation challenging, and processes such as inspection, repair and surface finishing are still frequently performed manually.
CompSTwins will investigate how 3D scanning, AI and robotics can support the automated restoration of complex surfaces. The project will explore technologies and feasibility of several process-steps needed for automated remanufacturing.
The work will also examine robotic platforms, real-time connectivity, data exchange and sensors for monitoring the process performace. Together, these technologies could enable more adaptive and intelligent surface-finishing processes.
Developing digital twins for abrasive processes
Another focus is a predictive digital twin for grinding operations. Industrial process data will be combined with laboratory testing to study the behaviors of critical process and product parameters and how these affect abrasive performance.
The aim is to simulate and optimise grinding processes, reduce consumption, improve efficiency and shorten R&D cycles.
Supporting future materials and manufacturing
CompSTwins will also explore how computational design and AI can support new materials, product concepts and manufacturing methods. Areas of investigation include material properties, 3D-printing and energy demand modelling.
In addition, by connecting data from internal and external value chains with customer applications, the project aims to create basic knowledge of how to accelerate the development of solutions for smarter remanufacturing.
A broad research and industry collaboration
The project brings together expertise from Mirka’s abrasives, power tools, product development, automation and business development teams. It is connected to Nokia’s Digital Twins in Action co-innovation initiative coordinated by DIMECC and involves industrial and research partners including Nokia, Valmet Automation, Tampere University, Fastems, Pemamek, Vaski and others.
Through proofs of concept, demonstrators and validated models, CompSTwins will explore how emerging technologies can support more intelligent automation, feasible remanufacturing, extended product lifetimes and resource-efficient manufacturing.
“A highly important multidisciplinary project for Mirka, where focus and collaboration are key”, says André Norrback, technology manager at Mirka.