Batch size one, networked production or cloud-based systems: there are numerous buzzwords circulating around the implementation of Industry 4.0. It is undisputed that many SMEs have understood that they need to digitize their production if they want to remain competitive in the future. However, the implementation of the digital transformation is associated with many challenges. After all, how can companies join together to form value creation networks and work even more efficiently? How can machines be networked across devices and manufacturers? How can companies overcome the challenges of small-scale production? These are just some of the questions that arise in connection with digitalization in production. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) is providing support here. As part of technology programs, funded projects are developing digital solutions that contribute to the future viability of the German economy. These lighthouse projects will be presented at the BMWi's joint stand at the Hannover Messe, where visitors can experience the various technology programs and Mittelstand Digital at first hand.

Projects relating to networked production
Specifically, visitors can expect to see the PAiCE technology program with four funded projects on site: Add2log, Emudig, Roboport and Seronet. The projects will use demonstrators to clearly show how current challenges of networked production can be mastered in the future with additive manufacturing, engineering and robotics. For example, Seronet uses the programming of a robot arm to show how software applications can be created collaboratively from individual, existing components. The IT platform provides the environment in which individual software modules can be selected and combined across manufacturers.

Smart home made from Lego bricks
The Smart Service World I and II technology programs support projects that deal with the development of intelligent internet-based services. This is also the case with Smart Orchestra: in the Smart Service World I project, a cloud-based service platform is being developed that enables digital products and services to be networked and marketed. With the help of the platform, for example, sensors from several manufacturers can each transmit different data, which can then be merged, jointly analyzed and evaluated. Isolated solutions that are not compatible with each other - currently a central problem in comprehensive digitalization and networking - are now a thing of the past. At the BMWi stand, the project will showcase exemplary smart home scenarios, illustrated by a Lego house equipped with various sensors.

New models for power generators
Two projects from the Smart Service Welt II technology program are also represented at the BMWi stand: SMECS is researching and testing new ways of trading energy from renewable sources based on blockchain and the Internet of Things. This should enable small electricity producers and energy cooperatives to produce their green electricity economically even after the abolition of the statutory feed-in tariff from 2021, for example by selling it directly to consumers in the neighborhood. This is an issue that is also becoming increasingly important for energy-intensive industrial companies, as many of them are now electricity producers themselves.

The results of BIMSWARM will also be helpful for companies - for example for their next construction project. The project is creating an open platform that will enable end-to-end digital project processing in the planning, execution and operation of buildings.

You will find the stand of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in Hall 2, Stand C28. Further information on the technology programs can be found at: https://www.digitale-technologien.de, on Mittelstand-Digital at: https://www.mittelstand-digital.de

The possibilities of internet-based services for the living and working environment can be experienced at the Hannover Messe through an interactive exhibit of the two technology programs using augmented reality and videos.

Information for SMEs
The work of the funding projects shows the variety of topics that companies have to deal with when it comes to digitalization - a considerable challenge, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. The Mittelstand-Digital funding priority will therefore also be on site. Through its nationwide network of competence centers, Mittelstand-Digital offers small and medium-sized enterprises free information. At the BMWi stand, three of the centers will be showcasing digital possibilities, for example for the technology-based optimization of order or energy management, for the gradual implementation of digitalization in production or for the manufacture of individual products. pb

Hall 2, Stand C28