Advanced Management Systems

Innovation in stamping processes for high-strength steels. The SHIFT project develops an innovative semi-hot stamping process for Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P) steels. The solution combines advanced experimental techniques, microstructural analysis, and tool development to understand and control the key material transformation mechanisms during the forming process. This advancement revolutionizes the manufacturing of lightweight automotive parts for safety applications. By maintaining the high mechanical performance of Q&P steels while improving their formability, it effectively minimizes the springback effect under real industrial conditions. The initiative ranges from improving the warm forming of Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS) to analysing [...]

3D printing and hydrogen innovation for GigaCasting optimization. IMAGiC develops additive manufacturing solutions and new thermal processes to improve the production of large-format components for the automotive sector. The project aims to make the manufacturing of structural parts more efficient, reducing cycle time and environmental impact. The project focuses on GigaCasting, a technique that allows the manufacturing of vehicle chassis sections in a single large piece of aluminum. This method replaces the traditional assembly of stamped sheet metal parts that had to be joined individually, which reduces vehicle weight, saves raw materials, and simplifies the production [...]

High-immersion holographic platform for the next generation of extended reality devices. The InXR project addresses one of the main barriers to the widespread adoption of extended reality (XR) and the metaverse: the lack of XR devices that successfully combine immersion, ergonomics, and affordability. Despite significant progress in virtual and augmented reality technologies, current solutions remain bulky, expensive, or simply not immersive enough for everyday use. To solve these challenges, the project is developing a three-dimensional holographic platform that integrates augmented reality and virtual reality into a single, lightweight, and compact device: the InLens smart glasses. These [...]

AI training and guidance to accelerate the digital transformation of companies and public administrations in Catalonia. DIH4CAT AI Connect is a regional innovation ecosystem that aims to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among Catalan SMEs, start-ups, industrial companies, and public administrations. The initiative acts as a one-stop shop for a set of advanced technological services: diagnosis and consultancy, testing with high-level infrastructures, training, business model advice, and connection with European funding. This project continues the work started by the Digital Innovation Hub of Catalonia (DIH4CAT), launching a new strategic phase to drive advanced digitalisation, [...]

Advanced dialysis monitoring system that measures key biomarkers in real time to improve treatment safety and control. The SIMDAC project develops an innovative system that enables real-time monitoring of dialysis treatment through the continuous measurement of key blood biomarkers, such as sodium, calcium, urea and phosphate. This information supports healthcare professionals in precisely adjusting treatment and enhancing patient safety. The solution combines electrochemical sensors with a technological module designed for integration into dialysis machines and operation under real clinical conditions. The objective is to validate the technology in a hospital environment and advance towards its practical [...]

New technologies for obtaining reinforced metallic materials through oxide dispersion strengthening. The nODS project develops and demonstrates alternative production routes for metal matrix composite materials reinforced by ceramic particles. The solution combines the fundamental knowledge of powder metallurgy with two innovative tools: severe plastic deformation and additive manufacturing. The study contemplates the modification of the raw material through three different routes: the processing of metal powder in a reactive atmosphere, its coating through acoustic mixing, and modification during sintering. These three procedures enable the production of metallic powder with ceramic particles of different characteristics and with [...]

Comprehensive methodology to design, manufacture, characterize, and simulate high-performance plasma actuators for industrial applications, with a focus on electronic device cooling and aerodynamic system optimization. Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma actuators have emerged as an innovative technology with great potential, thanks to the absence of moving parts, their high response speed, and design flexibility. However, their development is still limited by the lack of holistic studies analysing the effect of multiple design, material, and control variables, as well as by the absence of accurate simulation models capable of reliably predicting their behaviour. In this context, the [...]

Program of technological and innovative entrepreneurship of proximity. Local Products Hub supports entrepreneurs through specialized training and mentoring to foster the creation and growth of companies based on innovation, technology, and new business models in the agri-food sector. The program promotes food production using local resources, linked to the values ​​of the region, and fosters new, more innovative, digital, and sustainable business models. Specifically, the program addresses the entire value chain of the agri-food sector, including agricultural production, food processing, marketing, and logistics of agri-food products in the Empordà region. The program offers 100 hours of [...]

Disruptive carbon-fibre sternal closure system for fast and secure fixation of a sternotomy. CarbonSC develops and clinically tests a disruptive sternal closure compatible with mini-sternotomies that solves the main drawbacks of current technologies. In this sense, CarbonSC is the first cost-effective solution that fixes the sternum in a safe, fast and error-proof way, while avoiding bone damage. The main clinical innovations of the CarbonSC system are, on the one hand, designing a unique mechanism, integrated into the device itself, that ensures the application of a precise tightening force to close the sternum, and on the other [...]

Revolutionising sustainability in additive manufacturing processes. REPAM addresses inefficiencies in additive manufacturing, focusing on enhancing material recycling and optimising processes for greater sustainability. Current production methods, such as metal powder production, suffer from low yields (30-50%), with significant energy losses due to remelting and limited recycling options for advanced alloys. REPAM transforms the entire process chain through innovation, from material production to recycling and reuse. The project develops advanced sensors and artificial intelligence models to monitor and optimise powder production processes, enabling real-time process control and the use of a broader range of recycled materials. Scrap [...]

A microwave plasma system to decompose hydrogen sulphide generated in foundries and valorise the sulphur and hydrogen produced. The PRIM-ROCK project improves the resource efficiency of the calcination and roasting processes, that are commonly used in the mineral and cement industries. To this end, process simulations in collaboration with AI data-driven models are used, and a digital twin for each process is developed. PRIM-ROCK addresses process efficiency through a multifaceted strategy addressing industrial processes from input to output, supported by an ambitious digital framework and transversal supporting activities. In particular, advanced techniques for the pre-processing of [...]

Enhancement of road safety across Europe. The EvoRoads project accelerates the attainment of the Vision Zero EU goal through a holistic framework of innovative models, tools and services that enable data-driven evolution of safety assessment frameworks, facilitate dynamic monitoring of cyber-physical infrastructures and promote the proactive warning for safety risks in complex environments. At the operational level, EvoRoads defines safety criteria and KPIs quantification methodologies covering the entire spectrum of the “Safe System” approach and develops a connectivity platform where transport infrastructure assets are digitalised and safety assessment services are functioning in a harmonious way. The [...]

Next-generation battery management system (BMS) platform to overcome critical challenges limiting the performance of existing solutions. The iBattMan project revolutionizes battery management for Li-ion technologies, crucial for replacing Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) vehicles by 2050. iBattMan, through an innovative, modular, and scalable BMS, improves the performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness of Li-ion technologies, contributing to its full market penetration.​ The project incorporates novel sensors and methodologies for monitoring the State-of-Health (SOH) of the cells during operation and in charging, together with cutting-edge technologies and tools for Vehicle-to-everything (V2X), second-life applications. Moreover, iBattman uses advanced physics and data-based models implemented on-board and on-cloud for performance evaluation, diagnosis, health management and safety evaluation tools, to address safety [...]

Creation of a cyber-physical device that monitors and optimizes the plastic injection process. The DASIT project develops a cyber-physical prototype that allows real-time and remote monitoring of the injection process, obtaining direct data from sensors embedded in the mould and indirect data through a device connected to the mould. The device powered by DASIT is energy efficient, by integrating an energy harvesting system, and has a geolocation system through the implementation of advanced technologies to track the location of the molds. It is a cloud-connected wireless device with a low-cost approach. In addition, data quality validation [...]

Development of a new generation of eco-designed and automated circular knitting machines. The EcoTex project focuses on reducing the environmental impact in the production of circular knitting machines, implementing a sustainable design and optimizing the use of materials. EcoTex improves the ergonomics of the operator with a solution that contemplates the redesign of the machine in order  to reduce its environmental impact, the development of specific sensors, predictive maintenance, and improving the ergonomy throught automated needle feeding and loading systems. This initiative arises as a response to the urgent need to reduce the environmental impact in [...]