eXtended Intelligence for Rapid Cognitive Reconfiguration

Overview

XIRCON is an advanced research initiative led by KIT and Arts et Métiers ParisTech, aimed at enhancing the flexibility of modern manufacturing systems. Through the integration of Digital Twins (DTs), eXtended Reality (XR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), XIRCON aims to reduce reconfiguration time by up to 58%, while ensuring efficient and error-free production processes. Our goal is to create a human-centered cognitive support system that accelerates system reconfiguration while minimizing downtime.

Why XIRCON?

Manufacturing environments are becoming increasingly dynamic due to shorter product life cycles and volatile customer demands. Traditional reconfiguration methods are time-consuming, prone to errors, and require highly specialized personnel. XIRCON tackles this challenge by providing intelligent, digitalized tools to streamline and optimize reconfiguration processes, making production systems more flexible and resilient.

Key Technologies

• Digital Twins (DTs): XIRCON utilizes DTs for real-time emulation and simulation of production systems, allowing engineers and operators to visualize reconfiguration scenarios before implementing them. This leads to faster decision-making and more accurate reconfiguration.
• eXtended Reality (XR): XR technologies provide immersive environments that make complex digital data more intuitive and accessible. Operators can interact with digital twins using VR and AR, improving training and operational efficiency.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI enhances the reconfiguration process by analyzing system data to optimize performance, predict errors, and ensure smooth transitions during system reconfiguration.

Key Features of the XIRCON System

• Real-time Visualization: Digital twins enable real-time visualization of manufacturing systems, supporting faster analysis and decision-making.
• Human-Centered Design: XR technologies provide operators with an intuitive interface to interact with the system, improving overall usability.
• AI-driven Optimization: AI optimization can be implemented based on the data provided by the XR and Digital Twin components to optimize reconfiguration processes.

Use Case

XIRCON is being validated on a cutting-edge production system known as value stream kinematics at the wbk Institute for Production Science at KIT. The system's adaptability makes it ideal for testing the cognitive support system developed within XIRCON, ensuring real-world applicability and relevance.

Impact

XIRCON has the potential to transform manufacturing systems by reducing reconfiguration times from several weeks to less than a day, drastically improving operational efficiency and system adaptability. Our system is designed to reduce human error, increase flexibility, and support a wide variety of production environments.

International Activities

XIRCON actively engages in international collaboration through a variety of partnerships, lab exchanges, and participation in global conferences. The project’s research in Digital Twins (DTs), eXtended Reality (XR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been showcased at international conferences and industrial fairs, such as the CIRP CMS Conference, IEEE CECON, EMO Hannover, VivaTech Paris, and more.

In addition we are organizing two international symposia that bring together researchers and industry experts to explore how DTs, XR, and AI can revolutionize reconfigurable production systems. These symposia facilitate knowledge exchange and promote collaboration on future innovations in manufacturing. 

Link to the current symposium: 2nd Franco-German Symposium on eXtended Intelligence for Rapid Cognitive Reconfiguration

XIRCON maintains strong regional and international ties through lab visits and exchanges. During the Interregional XR Days, project members visited labs across the region, engaging with cutting-edge XR research. Beyond the region, the team has also participated in lab visits and doctoral schools in France and Spain, further strengthening collaborations. Additionally, XIRCON hosted a visiting researcher from Uni Burgos in Spain at KIT, facilitating deeper academic exchange and research collaboration.

By participating in these international collaborations and global events, XIRCON continues to drive innovation in reconfigurable manufacturing systems, leveraging global expertise to tackle complex challenges in production technology.

Project Partners

• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - Institute for Information Management in Engineering (IMI)
• École nationale supérieure d'Arts et Métiers (ENSAM) - laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Physiques et Numériques (LISPEN)
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - Institute for Production Science (wbk)