LÜDECKE has joined forces with the Amberg-Weiden University of Applied Sciences as a regional partner as part of a pioneering research project for the development of smart, adaptable production structures for device assembly. Together, the partners came up with a modular production concept based on autonomous function modules that can be flexibly adapted to changed market conditions.

Smart Technolgies for an Adaptable production
The aim behind the research project was to research the flexibility and adaptability of modern production systems. Headed by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Matthias Wenk, innovative concepts such as digital twins and a robot-based material flow were developed. These technologies make it possible to virtually simulate production processes before they are rolled out in the real factory. 
The project was based on various function modules, including value creation, material flow and worker modules, which were controlled autonomously and decentrally. LÜDECKE provided quick connect couplings as model products to test the variant flexibility of the production modules. The couplings are known for their wide range of variants, making them the ideal test objects for validating the efficiency and adaptability of the newly developed production structures under real-world conditions.
Another focus was the implementation of a modern data infrastructure to ensure continuous communication between the modules. Industry 4.0 standards such as asset administration shells and a consistent Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) were employed to manage and optimise production in real time. 

Strong regional partnerships for global competitiveness 
The partnership between LÜDECKE and the Amberg-Weiden University of Applied Sciences demonstrates the importance of regional partnerships when it comes to technological innovations and economic strength. Projects like this one help Bavarian SMEs achieve long-term growth and stay relevant in international competition long into the future.