Abstract:

The European manufacturing sector faces a critical juncture, balancing the need for enhanced efficiency and competitiveness with the imperative of sustainability. In response, the Collaborative Robotics for Circular Economy in Manufacturing Sectors (CROCEMS) initiative emerges with a comprehensive training program aimed at fostering innovation, skill enhancement, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.

At its core, CROCEMS (2021-1-ES01-KA220-VET-000034799) seeks to address the pressing challenges of the Circular Economy and the emerging field of collaborative robotics. By developing tailored curricula and flexible learning pathways, the project aims to empower workforce quality and adapt Vocational Education and Training (VET) provisions to the evolving needs of the manufacturing sectors. CROCEMS strives to democratize access to education and training across Europe through the development a e-learning platform which integrate innovative didactic tools.

By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, CROCEMS seeks to catalyse the adoption of collaborative robotics and Circular Economy thereby enhancing waste management practices and resource utilization across the continent.

Through targeted training initiatives encompassing collaborative robot (hereinafter, cobot) installation, design methodologies, lean robotics, circular business models, and ecodesign principles, CROCEMS aims to equip industry stakeholders with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate this dynamic landscape.

In this sense, the main outputs of CROCEMS initiative are the following:
- An Educational Philosophy and a Joint Curriculum corresponding to the manufacturing sectors needs, focused to automate waste management and improve awareness and circular business models across EU by the installation of cobots and the application of the Lean Robotics Methodology.
- Training content addressing the following topics:
a) design of different robot modules and behaviours to address production needs,
b) cobots integration in the assembly line,
c) product development cycle,
d) Lean Robotics Methodology and
e) Circular Business Models and waste management.
- A Collaborative Platform where all the content produced will be integrated.
- A Pilot Action, where target users will manage, check and assess training content.
- A Blueprint for the sustainability of manufacturing sectors and the implementation of waste management.

By achieving these outcomes, CROCEMS represents a concerted effort to empower European manufacturing sectors, enhance their competitive edge, and foster sustainable growth in alignment with the principles of Circular Economy and collaborative robotics.

Keywords:

Circular Economy, Manufacturing sector, Collaborative robotics, Training.