Adaptive Remanufacturing for life cycle optimization of networked capital goods
Kick-off of the ReziProK joint research project "ReLIFE" funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research
On Friday, September 20, 2019, the kick-off of the joint research project "ReLIFE - Adaptive Remanufacturing for the Life Cycle Optimization of Networked Capital Goods" took place in Aachen with representatives of the consortium partners and the networking and transfer project "RessWInn". ReLIFE is one of a total of 25 collaborative research projects of the funding measure "Resource-efficient environmental service branch – innovative product cycles (ReziProk)" of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University is involved in the project as consortium leader in cooperation with the Chair for International Production Engineering and Management (IPEM) of the University of Siegen and Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH & Co.KG.
The ReziProK research projects pursue different approaches to close product cycles by developing resource-saving business models, design concepts and digital technologies and thus contribute to the implementation of a resource-efficient recycling economy. Against the background of globally increasing resource consumption, ReLIFE is pursuing the goal of Adaptive Remanufacturing with the aim of increasing resource efficiency by extending the life cycle of capital goods. Adaptive Remanufacturing describes an intelligent maintenance strategy based on sensor data for the technical, economic and ecological optimization of the timing and scope of maintenance measures. Based on the sensor-monitored wear condition of components, preventive measures are proposed via a decision model.
Adaptive Remanufacturing for increased resource efficiency and long-term productivity
Based on the performance of capital goods ensured by Adaptive Remanufacturing, innovative business models are developed to ensure long-term productivity. This creates the economic prerequisites for the successful implementation of the approach in industry.
For the prototypical application of Adaptive Remanufacturing, a production machine with digitally networked sensors will be upgraded to a demonstrator. The decision model to be developed is implemented in a software application. The combination of physical demonstrator and software application enables comprehensive validation. The business models are developed in parallel and documented in a business model canvas.
The results will be developed jointly by the consortium partners: The WZL focuses on the development of intelligent remanufacturing approaches as well as the conception of the decision model for the application of these measures. The IPEM of the University of Siegen focuses on the development of remanufacturing-based business models and Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH & Co. KG is significantly involved in the development of a demonstrator with integrated sensor technology.
The results of the ReLIFE joint research project are to be used in research, but in particular also by small and medium-sized enterprises, in order to raise the economic potential of their capital goods through proactive life cycle optimization.
The ReLIFE research project will run from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022.