InterQ project proposes a new generation of digital solutions based on intelligent systems, hybrid digital twins and AI-driven optimization tools to assure the quality in smart factories in a holistic manner, including process, product and data (PPD quality). The broad vision of InterQ project will allow controlling the quality of a smart manufacturing environment in an end-to-end approach by means of a PPD quality hallmark stored in a distributed ledger. The concepts of InterQ will be applied in three high-added value industrial applications. The main objective of InterQ project is to measure, predict and control the quality of the manufactured products, manufacturing processes and gathered data to assure Zero-Defect-Manufacturing by means of AI-driven tools powered with meaningful and reliable data. The project develops five modules: 1) Thanks to the InterQ PPD quality hallmark, the quality of the process, product and data are interlinked, integrated and time stamped. A hallmark will be created after each stage, and the quality will be traced across the supply chain. A trusted framework will be implemented using distributed ledger (InterQ-TrustedFramework module) to exchange quality information. 2) The InterQ-Process module of the project will obtain more meaningful process data for quality optimization. This data will be obtained using new sensors close to the tool and by AI-driven virtual sensors. 3) The project presents new solutions (InterQ-Product module) to predict the final quality of the processes using digital twins fed by experimental data and new digital sensors to measure the product quality. 4) The reliability of data will be checked in two layers: in real time and based on historical and statistical analysis of the data streams (InterQ-Data module). 5) Finally, InterQ-ZeroDefect module will use the reliable information about the process and product quality to improve the production for Zero-Defect-Manufacturing by means of AI-driven applications.

QU4LITY will demonstrate, in a realistic, measurable, and replicable way an open, certifiable and highly standardised, SME-friendly and transformative shared data-driven ZDM product and service model for Factory 4.0 through 5 strategic ZDM plug & control lighthouse equipment pilots and 9 production lighthouse facility pilots. QU4LITY will also demonstrate how European industry can build unique and highly tailored ZDM strategies and competitive advantages (significantly increase operational efficiency, scrap reduction, prescriptive quality management, energy efficiency, defect propagation avoidance and improved smart product customer experience, and foster new digital business models; e.g. outcome-based and product servitisation) through an orchestrated open platforms ecosystem, ZDM atomized components and digital enablers (Industry 4.0 digital connectivity & edge computing package, plug & control autonomous manufacturing equipment, real-time data spaces for process monitoring & adaptation, simulation data spaces for digital process twin continuity, AI-powered analytic data spaces for cognitive digital control twin composable services, augmented worker interventions, European quality data marketplace) across all phases of product and process lifecycle (engineering, planning, operation and production) building upon the QU4LITY autonomous quality model to meet the Industry 4.0 ZDM challenges (cost and time effective brownfield ZDM deployment, flexible ZDM strategy design & adaptation, agile operation of zero defect processes & products, zero break down sustainable manufacturing process operation and human centred manufacturing).

The final aim of Wheel Watcher project is to boost the profitability of the railway sector by means of an advanced wheel status monitoring and control system, providing railway operators with accurate and real-time information on wheel wear to drive preventive maintenance actions thus avoiding premature replacement of this equipment. Main industrial impact of the project is to achieve a wheel life increase of 50%, and an increase of 25% of distance between wheel reprofiling actions, allowing the railway operator for conducting a remote but in-depth inspection of wheels. This industrial impact involves a subsequent relevant economic impact, targeting a cost reduction of 25% in maintenance-related costs as a result of less spare wheels and less low value-added works needed. These industrial impacts rely on relevant technical progresses: a high precision mechatronic platform addressing mechanical challenges derived of its wayside placement, a remote measuring unit comprising an ad-hoc thermoelectric cell guaranteeing thermal stability under potential extreme weather conditions, and a novel laser system doubling current power density available, able to measure trains moving at high speeds in outdoor locations, and a user-friendly control software including a self-diagnosis tool. WheelWatcher will have a deep impact on project’s partners, producing an aggregate profit of 23 M€ with more than 35 new jobs expected to be created, and a positive environmental impact due to less CO2 and less scrap. Excellence of the project will allow for dramatic improvements regarding the more relevant challenges faced by railway operators, as compared to the current state-of-the-art: automated high frequency wheel measuring, enhanced quality of measurements at normal speed (100 km/h) irrespective of weather conditions, remote monitoring without costly displacements to the tracks, no need of service disruption during measuring processes, and as consequence of all, a cut on operating costs.