REGIONALE 2025: University project on AI assistance in production receives third star
The University of Siegen, together with BIKAR METALLE GmbH in Bad Berleburg-Raumland, a specialist in cutting aluminum and non-ferrous metals, and other partners in the "COPP: Co-Pilot in Production" project, is researching how artificial intelligence can make the increasing complexity of industrial production more understandable for employees. Automation and digitalization pose growing challenges for operating personnel. This is precisely where an innovative AI assistance system comes in. The REGIONALE 2025 committee awarded the project the third star for this research approach. The project is being funded with a total of 2.16 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia via the "NEXT.IN.NRW" call.
How artificial intelligence can support employees
The demands on employees in South Westphalian production companies are constantly growing: processes are becoming more digital and automated - at the same time, the people who operate the machines must be able to process many data sources and understand complex IT processes. This is where the "COPP" project comes in: it stands for "Co-Pilot in Production: Human-Machine Collaboration in Automated Manufacturing" and aims to combine human expertise with artificial intelligence in order to support employees in production companies.
The University of Siegen is working with BIKAR METALLE GmbH from Bad Berleburg-Raumland, OpenINC GmbH and Vago Solutions to develop an adaptive, AI-supported assistance system for production. Employees should be able to contact the system and ask questions and receive comprehensible answers in return. The AI supports error diagnosis, optimizes processes and provides a better understanding of how systems work together. By giving employees feedback, human-technology interaction is continuously improved. The aim is to minimize errors and make companies more competitive for the future.
"For us, the award is a valuable confirmation of our project approach," explains Dr. Jan Wolf, Chief Information & Technology Officer at BIKAR METALLE in Bad Berleburg-Raumland. "It underlines the fact that the direct use of AI-based assistance systems in industrial production is a relevant and forward-looking step. For our team, it is a sign that practical innovation and constructive collaboration are recognized and supported in the region. It encourages us to continue advancing COPP and to make targeted use of the potential of AI for industrial applications."
Background
The ERDF/JTF program NRW 2021-2027 provides EU funding of 1.9 billion euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF) for forward-looking, sustainable and innovative projects in North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition, there is co-financing from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the projects' own contributions. Support is provided for projects in the areas of innovation, sustainability, SME promotion, quality of life, mobility and structural change in coal mining regions.
