SciTransfer
DIH² · Project

Pan-European Network Helping Manufacturing SMEs Adopt Affordable Robotics for Agile Production

manufacturingPilotedTRL 7
dih-squared.eu

Imagine you run a small factory and want robots on your floor, but the cost is scary and you don't know where to start. DIH² built a Europe-wide network of 26 regional tech hubs — growing toward 170 — that act like local guides, walking SMEs through picking, testing, and installing robotics solutions. They created an online marketplace where manufacturers can browse ready-made robot software modules, get training, and even apply for funded experiments to try robotics risk-free. Think of it as an app store plus coaching service specifically for factory robots.

By the numbers
300,000+
Manufacturing SMEs and mid-caps targeted across Europe
50%
Targeted cost reduction for advanced robotics solutions
50%
Targeted increase in productivity through agile production
260
Agility Audits conducted with SMEs
26
Cross-border Technology Transfer Experiments completed
170+
Digital Innovation Hubs targeted in the network
€26M+
Public and private funding leveraged for robotics solutions
€5M
Additional regional funding on top of EU funds
28
Countries represented in the consortium
The business problem

What needed solving

Most manufacturing SMEs in Europe know they need robots to stay competitive, but the upfront cost is too high, the technology is too complex, and they have no idea where to start. Off-the-shelf industrial robots are designed for large-volume production, not the small-batch, frequently-changing orders that SMEs typically handle. Without local expert guidance and affordable, modular solutions, over 300,000 European manufacturers risk falling behind.

The solution

What was built

A marketplace (3 versions) offering plug-and-play robotics software modules (ROSE-APs) built on open FIWARE standards, plus a network of 26+ Digital Innovation Hubs providing local agility audits, training courses, technical support, and access to finance. Two full rounds of technology transfer experiments produced documented commercial success stories with real SMEs.

Audience

Who needs this

Small and mid-size manufacturers with high product mix and low batch volumesSystem integrators looking for open-standard robotics components to offer clientsRegional development agencies wanting to boost local SME digitalizationEquipment suppliers seeking access to a pan-European SME customer baseTechnology parks and clusters supporting manufacturing innovation
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Discrete Manufacturing
SME
Target: Small and mid-size manufacturers producing in low-volume, high-mix batches

If you are a contract manufacturer dealing with frequent product changeovers and rising labor costs — this project developed ROSE-AP software modules and a marketplace where you can find plug-and-play robotics solutions designed for agile production. The network ran 26 cross-border technology transfer experiments with real factories and documented commercial success stories, targeting a 50% increase in productivity.

Logistics & Warehousing
mid-size
Target: Warehouse operators and intralogistics firms looking to automate picking and packing

If you are a logistics company struggling with seasonal demand spikes and manual handling bottlenecks — DIH² created a one-stop-shop marketplace with robotics enablers built on open standards (FIWARE-based). The platform includes business modelling support, technical integration guidelines, and access to finance, helping you adopt automation without building everything from scratch.

Food & Beverage Processing
SME
Target: Food processors needing flexible automation for short production runs

If you are a food manufacturer dealing with small lot sizes and strict hygiene requirements that make traditional automation too expensive — DIH² aimed to cut the cost of advanced robotics solutions by 50%. Their network of local Digital Innovation Hubs provides hands-on agility audits (260 were conducted across Europe) to assess your specific needs before committing to any technology investment.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

How much does it cost to access DIH² robotics solutions?

The project aimed to cut the cost of advanced robotics solutions by 50%. SMEs could access the marketplace, agility audits, and technology transfer experiments through funded open calls leveraging over €26M of public and private funding. Specific per-unit pricing for individual ROSE-AP modules is not stated in the project data.

Can these robotics solutions work at industrial scale in my factory?

Yes. DIH² ran two rounds of Technology Transfer Programs with real manufacturing SMEs across Europe, producing documented commercial success stories in both rounds. The 26 cross-border experiments were conducted in actual production environments, not labs.

What about intellectual property and licensing for the software modules?

The ROSE-AP modules are built on open standards — specifically the Industrial Data Space Reference Architecture and FIWARE technologies. This suggests open-source or open-standard licensing, though specific IP terms for individual modules would need to be checked on the DIH² marketplace.

Is the network still active after the project ended?

DIH² was designed to transform into a self-sustainable non-profit association with members all over Europe. The project closed in June 2023, and the marketplace reached version 3.0 with third-party services integrated. Check dih-squared.eu for current status.

How do I know which robotics solution fits my production line?

The network conducted 260 Agility Audits specifically designed to assess individual SME needs before recommending any technology. Each of the 26 regional Digital Innovation Hubs provides local, hands-on support in the SME's own language and working distance.

Does this work only for large companies or also for small manufacturers?

DIH² was built specifically for manufacturing SMEs and mid-caps. The entire network targets over 300,000 such companies across Europe. With 14 SME partners in the consortium itself, the solutions are designed for smaller operations, not just enterprise-scale factories.

Consortium

Who built it

The DIH² consortium is unusually large with 38 partners spanning 28 European countries — one of the broadest geographic coverages in Horizon 2020. Coordinated by VTT, Finland's top technical research centre, it brings together 14 research organizations, 10 industry players, 3 universities, and 11 other entities (likely regional development agencies and DIH operators). With 14 SMEs in the consortium itself and a 26% industry ratio, this is a network built for practical deployment rather than academic publishing. The presence of partners in 28 countries means local support infrastructure exists across nearly all of the EU, which is critical for SMEs that need hands-on, nearby assistance when adopting robotics.

How to reach the team

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland — reach out through their robotics and autonomous systems division

Order a report on this consortiumSee TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY profile →
Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to find out if DIH² robotics modules fit your production line? SciTransfer can connect you with the right consortium partner for your sector and region.

Order a report on this topicMore in Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
More in Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
See all Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 projects →
Prediction Software That Tells You How Polymers Behave Before You Make Them
PolySolv
Open →
Unbreakable Pivot Pins That Eliminate Heavy Machinery Downtime and Joint Failures
BTPin
Open →
First Large-Scale Plant Turning Wood Pulp Into High-Performance Bio-Based Material
EXILVA
Open →