EU projects INVERSE & MAGICIANThe Human Factor in Industrial Automation – Robotic Solutions for Sustainable and Value-Based Human-Robot Collaboration
The EU projects MAGICIAN and INVERSE focus on robot applications used in the manufacturing industry that "learn" from humans to perform complex tasks, thereby relieving human workers. Both projects follow a human-centered approach, reinforcing the transition to trust-based human-robot collaboration in industry.
MAGICIAN is developing AI-driven robotic solutions for autonomously detecting and repairing aesthetic product defects in manufacturing. Two kinds of robots are developed, namely a Sensing Robot capable of detecting and classifying defects, and a Cleaning Robot, which can remove these defects. These solutions are designed in a modular way which allows industry customers to apply them independently from each other and decide what kind of tasks are executed by the robot(s) and which ones literally remain in human hands.
To execute these tasks, data is gathered from observing workers in real-world industrial settings. Eventually, the use of robots is intended to relieve workers from the physical strain involved in manual task execution (e.g. use of a heavy grinding tool for repairing defects) as well as reducing exposure to a hazardous working environment (dust, metal scraps etc.).
The four-year project has reached its halfway mark, making significant progress in the technical development of robotic solutions, as well as diving into the human factor of defects detection and repair by observing workers, and gathering first-hand perspectives from workers, developers, and managers from the automotive industry. These observations will eventually contribute to defining the user requirements. Technical progress includes the development of perception systems and human-robot interfaces, a first prototype of robotic components is expected by autumn 2025.
MAGICIAN has also launched its first Open Call focusing on extending the functionalities of MAGICIAN robotic solutions on 3rd February 2025 which invites European SMEs and Startups to submit their ideas and gain up to 200,000€. The first Open Call will select up to 5 projects with an implementation for up to 12 months, and is open for applications until 2nd May 2025.
INVERSE emphasizes task inversion. While algorithms currently enable robots to perform tasks in one process direction, robots reach their limits when they need to perform the same tasks "backwards" or apply them in a different environment due to insufficient data.
INVERSE will therefore expand robots' abilities to execute complex processes in new work environments or areas. Humans continue to play a central role here: firstly, to gather data from observing work processes, and secondly, for monitoring and improving the robots. In turn, robots facilitate physically and cognitively demanding tasks for humans, potentially reducing stress and accident risks.
During a recent project meeting in Vienna, a face-to-face workshop on human-robot collaboration took place including assessing recent technological developments, defining key human factors, and discussing how to evaluate future progress. A key element of workshop discussions centered around finding a balance between automation and workload for human operators, considering that while physical workload is reduced, cognitive workload is likely to increase. These discussions will inform the development of performance indicators, thus ensuring a focus on human needs throughout project activities.
Project partners INVERSE
In both projects, developed solutions are tested in real-world applications. For MAGICIAN, the robot modules for identifying and correcting aesthetic defects will initially be used in automotive production and expanded to include further use cases through open calls. The solutions developed in INVERSE will be demonstrated in two use cases: the production and recycling of batteries for electric vehicles and supporting crane operations in logistics.
INVERSE and MAGICIAN employ a human-centered approach in developing robotic solutions with special emphasis on a deeper understanding of human needs, motivations, and experiences. Ultimately, both projects aim to strengthen the perception of automation as a value-based interaction between humans and robots, while reducing the impression of technological coercion.
As a project partner, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum is responsible for project communication and supports the exploitation of project progress and results. In both projects, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum works closely with the University of Trento as a trusted and experienced coordinator, joining efforts for a broad promotion of human-robot collaboration based on trust, human needs, and social values in manufacturing.
For more information on MAGICIAN and INVERSE:
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