AFM CLUSTER COORDINATES MISIONES MHAYA PROJECT APPROVED BY CDTI

AFM Cluster coordinates the MISIONES project, approved by the CDTI in late 2022 and led by Burgos-based company Nicolás Correa. Under the acronym MHAYA (2022-2025), a consortium has been formed comprising seven machine tool manufacturers, with the purpose of undertaking a R&D&i project which has received a grant of 4.5 million euros from the CDTI (Centre for Technological Industrial Development), out of a total of 6.7 million euros. The aim of the programme is to transform current machine tools into smart and autonomous production centres capable of automatically adapting to the changing conditions of production processes and settings.

It therefore seeks to achieve significant progress in the intelligence levels of the machines and their capacity to adapt both to the operator and the rest of the production surroundings. The new generation of machines resulting from this project will be capable of learning from previous experiences, self-programming and increasing productivity. Should unexpected situations arise, such as tool breakages, they will be able to operate autonomously and avoid worse damage. These actions will not be carried out independently, but rather they will be integrated into the company's collective intelligence, communicating with other machines and the staff responsible for the different stages of the production process.

Nicolás Correa has six travel companions on this journey: Nidec Arisa, Danobat, Ibarmia, MTorres, Ona and Zayer. All of these are international leaders in machining solutions, grinding, unconventional processes and metal forming, with a high rate of exports in excess of 90%. Also taking part is ATS-Global, leading supplier of software solutions for smart digital transformation. The technological suppliers involved are the Tecnalia Foundation, the University of the Basque Country (particularly CFAA, the Centre for Advanced Aeronautics Manufacturing) and the University of Burgos.

The project falls within the framework of the Industry 5.0 guidelines currently taking shape in Europe. They are grounded in the concept of Industry 4.0 which was developed in the first two decades of this century (highly sensory machines with first-rate intelligence and cloud connection to simulate processes and transfer data), but offer a broader scope that includes human focus, sustainability and resilience. The goal of Industry 5.0 is responsible innovation, not only or mostly aimed at increasing profitability or maximising gains, but also to increasing prosperity for all persons involved: investors, workers, consumers and society as a whole.