AUDIo

Audit solution for ML-based, data-driven services

Application industry: Production
Technology area: Blockchain/distributed-ledger technology; VR/AR

AUDIo is developing an auditable service platform for the mechanical and plant engineering industry. Such a platform enables the legally compliant exchange of measurement data between machine operators and, for example, a maintenance contractor. This means that the data exchanged on the platform can be verified and is secure and traceable. Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is used to ensure this.

The baseline
In recent years, increasing digitalization has especially added to the complexity of mechanical and plant engineering impacting the development of machine maintenance and repair. Small and medium-sized companies often have neither the human resources nor the expertise to carry out these tasks on their own and therefore commission specialized maintenance contractors. Up to now, there has been no practicable solution for the encrypted, secure, and digital exchange of measurement data between asset owners and service providers. Measurements must, therefore, be carried out by service technicians on-site, making maintenance a complex and expensive task.

The project goal
Using the example of a procedure for calibrating machine tools, the AUDIo project is developing and testing a holistic measurement system. This system allows the machine operator to independently carry out measurements on the machine ─ supported by Augmented Reality (AR) –, to subsequently save the measurement report and distribute it via a digital platform. The maintenance contractor calibrates the machine regardless of the contractor’s location using machine learning methods, then makes the data available to the machine operator again via the same platform. To ensure a traceable and tamper-proof exchange of data, the platform uses distributed ledger technology (DLT).

Application and practical benefit
AUDIo supports service and maintenance technicians in mechanical and plant engineering and creates legal certainty for both asset owners and service providers. The solution also reduces the time spent traveling and thereby improves the work-life balance of employees. At the same time, AUDIo enables new business models. This is because the DLT-based platform developed by the project can be used in various ways in mechanical and plant engineering. For instance, if equipment or machines are provided whose use can be coordinated via the platform.

Term: 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2022

AUDIo is a joint German-Austrian project.

Consortium: METROM Mechatronische Maschinen GmbH (lead partner), Fraunhofer-Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU, Technische Universität Dresden, Software AG

Further partners: Vienna University of Technology (Austria), 5 pm

Contact:
Dipl.-Medieninf. Gordon Lemme
Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU

E-Mail:
Gordon.Lemme@iwu.fraunhofer.de

Website:
www.iwu.fraunhofer.de