Against the backdrop of an industrial scenario that is becoming increasingly competitive and globalised, the task of improving accuracy in handling and production processes poses a significant challenge with regard to guaranteeing zero-defect manufacturing. This accuracy, when enhanced in the resources and tools used in these processes, together with the digitisation and automation of manufacturing processes, facilitates progression towards a smart industry model. 

In this regard, the PRECITEK project, that has been coordinated by the Tekniker technology centre (a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance – BRTA) since 2021, has not only focused on handling and production resources but also on how to improve and stabilise the accuracy of equipment during manufacturing processes to avoid errors and improve system efficiency. 

In addition to leading the initiative, Tekniker will also apply its know-how in the area of precision technologies and apply virtual models (digital twins) to optimise the mechatronic systems to be analysed within the scope of the project, namely, handling systems (industrial robots) and production resources (machine tools). 

As regards production resources, the initiative focuses on very large machine tools for which it is absolutely critical to improve and maintain accuracy over time to enable complex and high-added value production processes.

Tekniker’s work will focus on modelling and characterising the behaviour of these systems. It will also attempt to optimise their accuracy by designing virtual models (digital twins) to analyse their behaviour and develop a user interface and technological demonstrators to transfer all project knowledge to the industrial fabric and allow precision technologies to be transferred to Basque companies. 

Consequently, self-calibration techniques based on traceable measuring systems shall be developed and integrated; virtual models will be adjusted by using real data and predictive models will be set up to assess the scope and operation of solutions developed throughout the project.  

PRECITEK is an initiative funded by the Basque Government’s Elkartek programme, currently under the leadership of Tekniker, and in which other technology centres members of BRTA are also involved such as Ideko, Tecnalia and Vicomtech, UPV/EHU and the IMH Campus of Advanced and Digital Manufacturing.