rEUman research project: digital solutions for human-centred remanufacturing of the future
The rEUman research project (Digitally-enhanced multi-level solution for smart human-centric remanufacturing) aims to transform European industry with a novel, digitally-supported and human-centred approach to remanufacturing. Led by the Politecnico di Milano, an international consortium is developing innovative concepts and technologies that strengthen the circular economy and resource conservation while promoting the competitiveness of European industry.
Motivation and significance of the project
The demand for high-tech products with embedded sensors and intelligent functions places additional demands on the implementation of a safe, economical and ecological circular economy. In this context, remanufacturing is one of the most sustainable options for creating economic advantages, securing jobs and minimising environmental impacts. Remanufacturing can reduce material consumption by an average of 80% and CO₂ emissions by up to 90%.
Technical challenges in remanufacturing
Remanufacturing used products is a complex task involving manual disassembly, automated cleaning and semi-automated processing steps. Some of the biggest challenges include the high dependency on human activities, low digitalisation and low traceability of components. To address these challenges, rEUman is developing innovative, digitally supported tools and processes that increase the efficiency of remanufacturing and improve the safety of employees.
Industrial applications and project goals
The rEUman project takes a holistic approach at two levels:
- Value chain level: The goal is to ensure stable return rates of high-quality post-use products and to develop economical return strategies. This is supported by digital tools for planning and optimising return logistics.
- Factory level: The development of a human-centred, hybrid remanufacturing factory should improve the traceability of the entire process. New inspection solutions and cyber-physical systems enable improved quality assurance and flexibility in remanufacturing.
Pilot applications and outlook
rEUman will be tested in various industrial sectors, including the automotive industry, the home appliance industry and optoelectronics. The results of these pilot applications will provide valuable insights for the development of standardised, sustainable remanufacturing models. With rEUman, the consortium is taking an important step towards a sustainable and resource-efficient industry and making a valuable contribution to the European innovation strategy in the field of the circular economy.
SimPlan as a driver for digital twins in the circular economy
Our motivation for participating in the rEUman project is to advance in developing digital twins of factories and value streams for circular remanufacturing processes.
Within the rEUman project, SimPlan acts as an innovation partner, contributing simulation expertise. We will enable our value stream simulation tool to support value stream modelling and simulations for remanufacturing and circular economy processes. And we will also provide dedicated simulation and modelling tools for circular supply (value) chains and dedicated digital twinning support on the level of re-manufacturing hubs or workstations.
Project partners
The research project is funded by the European Union:
GA no. 101138930 – HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01
The funding started in September 2024 and will last for four years.