RAMPup · Project

Plug-and-Play Robot Modules That Make Automating Small Production Lines Affordable

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Imagine you run a small factory and want to add a robot to your production line, but every setup needs expensive custom engineering — like hiring an architect just to install a kitchen cabinet. RAMPup built a set of standardized, plug-and-play robot modules that snap together like LEGO bricks. They tested 8 different robot workcells at 4 real factory sites across Europe, proving the modules work in actual production. The goal is to make automation affordable enough that small manufacturers can finally compete with the big players.

By the numbers

robot workcells built and deployed at end-user sites

real factory demonstrators brought to TRL7

European end users with live installations

consortium partners across 4 countries

80%

industry partners in the consortium

total project deliverables produced

The business problem

What needed solving

Small and mid-size manufacturers want to automate their production lines but the cost of custom robotics integration makes it financially unviable. Every new installation requires expensive one-off engineering, and when product lines change, the entire setup needs costly rework. This keeps SMEs stuck with manual processes while larger competitors automate and pull ahead.

The solution

What was built

RAMPup built a set of manufacturer-independent, plug-and-play robotic automation modules — self-contained units combining hardware, software, and process logic. They delivered 8 functioning robot workcells at 4 factory sites, a GUI for managing the modules, and demonstrated integrated hardware-software systems at TRL7 in real production environments.

Audience

Who needs this

SME manufacturers looking to automate small-batch production affordablyRobotics system integrators wanting to reduce custom engineering per clientContract manufacturers with frequent product changeoversRobot and automation solution developers seeking a distribution platformProduction managers at mid-size factories evaluating their first automation investment

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Metal and Plastics Manufacturing

SME

Target: SME contract manufacturers producing small-batch metal or plastic parts

If you are a small contract manufacturer dealing with high labor costs and the inability to justify expensive custom automation for short production runs — this project developed plug-and-play robotic modules that were demonstrated at TRL7 in 4 real factory environments. The modular design means you can reconfigure the same robot workcell across different product variants without starting from scratch each time.

Food and Consumer Goods Packaging

mid-size

Target: Mid-size packaging companies with frequent product changeovers

If you are a packaging company dealing with constant line changeovers every time a new product format arrives — this project built manufacturer-independent process modules that are self-contained with hardware, software, and process logic. With 8 use-cases tested across 4 end users, the system proved it can be physically reconfigured and reused across very different product variants.

Robotics System Integration

any

Target: System integrators and robot solution developers looking for new distribution channels

If you are a robotics system integrator spending most of your time on custom engineering for each client — this project created a repository of standardized modules that reduce the customization needed for new automation installations. RAMPup was specifically designed to open a new market for robot developers to deploy and commercialize their solutions through a shared module ecosystem.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

How much does it cost to implement these modular automation systems?

The project does not publish specific module pricing. However, the core value proposition is reducing the integration cost that currently makes automation unviable for SMEs. By using pre-built, standardized modules instead of custom engineering, the total cost of a new automation installation drops significantly because customization effort is minimized.

Can this scale to full production environments or is it still a lab demo?

This is not a lab demo. RAMPup brought 4 demonstrators to TRL7 — meaning they were proven in real operational environments at actual end-user factory sites. The project delivered 8 functioning robot workcells at these sites, working with real production processes.

Who owns the IP and can I license these modules?

The IP is held by the 10-partner consortium led by Teknologisk Institut (Denmark). With 8 industry partners and 4 SMEs in the consortium, the project was explicitly designed to commercialize modules through a new market for automation solution developers. Licensing terms would need to be discussed with the consortium partners.

How long does it take to set up a new robotic workcell with these modules?

The project does not provide specific setup time figures. The key design principle is plug-and-play: modules are self-contained with hardware, software, and process logic, so they connect to each other and the platform without extensive custom integration. This is meant to dramatically reduce deployment time compared to traditional custom automation.

Does this work with robots from different manufacturers or am I locked into one brand?

RAMPup modules are explicitly manufacturer-independent. The process modules are designed to be self-contained and wrapped to be plug-and-play with all other modules in the set and with the platform, regardless of which robot brand you use. This was a core design requirement.

Is there ongoing technical support or a community maintaining these modules?

The project ran from 2016 to 2019 and is now closed. A module repository was created during the project for system integrators to use. For current status of the technology and any commercial offerings that emerged, contacting the consortium lead Teknologisk Institut in Denmark would be the best path.

What industries were the 8 use-cases tested in?

The 8 use-cases were selected from 4 European end users to require a broad range of processes. The project delivered hardware and software demonstrations as well as a final GUI in use at industrial partner sites. Specific industry details for each use-case are available through the project deliverables.

Consortium

Who built it

The RAMPup consortium is heavily industry-driven: 8 out of 10 partners come from industry, with 4 SMEs — a strong signal that this project was built to deliver commercial results, not just papers. The 4 countries involved (Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands) represent Europe's automation heartland. Led by Teknologisk Institut, Denmark's applied research powerhouse, the project had 2 research organizations providing the technical backbone while 8 industry players ensured the modules were tested against real manufacturing needs. This 80% industry ratio is unusually high even for Innovation Actions and suggests the outputs are close to market-ready.

TEKNOLOGISK INSTITUTCoordinator · DK
TECHNICON APSparticipant · DK

How to reach the team

Teknologisk Institut, Denmark — leading applied research institute. Contact their robotics and automation division for technology transfer inquiries.

Order a report on this consortium See TEKNOLOGISK INSTITUT profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore whether RAMPup's modular automation approach fits your production line? SciTransfer can connect you with the right consortium partner and prepare a tailored technology brief.

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