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SHOP4CF · Project

Open Platform That Helps Factories Automate Smart While Keeping Workers in the Loop

manufacturingPilotedTRL 7
shop4cf.eu

Imagine a factory where robots handle the boring, repetitive stuff — moving boxes, tightening screws, checking welds — while the humans focus on the creative problem-solving that machines just can't do. SHOP4CF built an open-source platform with 30 ready-made digital tools that factories can plug in to connect their robots, sensors, and workers on one system. Think of it like an app store for factory automation — companies pick the tools they need, test them, and scale up. The whole thing was tested in 4 major factory pilots across Europe and another 30 smaller experiments through open calls.

By the numbers
30
plug-and-play components developed for factory automation
4
large-scale industrial pilots with European industry leaders
30
additional FSTP pilot experiments through open calls
23
consortium partners across Europe
11
countries represented in the consortium
5
competitive open calls for SME experiments
EUR 15,008,467
total EU investment in the platform
55
project deliverables completed
The business problem

What needed solving

European manufacturers — especially SMEs — are stuck between two bad options: expensive custom automation that replaces workers, or manual processes that can't compete on cost. Most off-the-shelf factory software doesn't connect well with existing equipment, and smaller companies can't afford the integration consultants that large corporations use. The result is factories sitting on mountains of unused sensor data while workers burn out on repetitive tasks they shouldn't be doing.

The solution

What was built

An open-source factory platform with 30 ready-to-deploy components covering collaborative robotics, AGVs, IoT connectivity, augmented reality, and virtual reality — all built on RAMI 4.0 and FIWARE standards. The platform includes a marketplace for SMEs to access digital transformation services, and was validated through 4 large-scale industrial pilots and 30 FSTP experiments.

Audience

Who needs this

Mid-size manufacturers looking to automate repetitive tasks without replacing their workforceSME factory owners who need affordable, modular automation they can deploy incrementallySystem integrators building Industry 4.0 solutions for manufacturing clientsOperations managers at plants with legacy equipment needing IoT connectivityTechnology parks and digital innovation hubs supporting manufacturing SMEs
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Automotive Manufacturing
mid-size
Target: Mid-size automotive parts manufacturers

If you are an automotive parts manufacturer struggling to automate quality inspection without laying off experienced workers — this project developed a platform with 30 plug-and-play components for collaborative robotics and IoT-connected shopfloors. The system was tested across 4 large-scale industrial pilots in Europe. It lets you automate repetitive tasks while redeploying skilled workers to higher-value roles like process optimization.

Electronics Assembly
SME
Target: SME electronics assemblers

If you are an electronics assembler dealing with high error rates on repetitive assembly tasks and cannot afford a full custom automation system — this project created a free, open-source platform based on FIWARE and RAMI 4.0 standards. It includes augmented reality guidance and collaborative robotics components. Through 30 FSTP experiments funded by 5 open calls, SMEs like yours already tested and validated these tools.

Consumer Goods & Packaging
enterprise
Target: Enterprise consumer goods producers

If you are a consumer goods manufacturer running multiple production lines and struggling to connect legacy equipment with new IoT devices — this project built an open architecture platform that taps into factory data streams from sensors, robots, and AGVs. The marketplace model offers one-stop access to digital transformation services including business modelling and technical support, tested by 23 partners across 11 countries.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does the platform cost to implement?

The core platform is available as a free, open-source solution. Additional components and services (business modelling, technical support, access to skills and finance) are accessible through the SHOP4CF marketplace. Implementation costs would depend on which of the 30 available components you choose to deploy.

Has this been tested at industrial scale?

Yes — 4 large-scale pilots led by industrial leaders in Europe validated the platform in real factory settings. Additionally, 30 FSTP pilots were selected through 5 competitive open calls, each receiving technical, business, and investment support. Final pilot demonstrations confirmed the prototypes work in production environments.

What about IP and licensing?

The platform is built on open-source architecture using established RAMI 4.0 and FIWARE standards. The basic implementation is free and open-source. Individual components developed by the 23 consortium partners may have separate licensing terms — contact the coordinator for specifics.

Will the platform continue to be supported after the project ended?

SHOP4CF established a self-sustainable non-profit association with members across Europe to continue operations. This association may integrate with the one created by the DIH2 project, ensuring long-term community support and platform maintenance beyond the project's December 2023 end date.

Can this integrate with our existing factory systems?

The platform was specifically designed on open architecture using RAMI 4.0 and FIWARE standards, which are widely adopted in Industry 4.0 environments. The 30 components cover collaborative robotics, AGVs, and IoT devices on the shopfloor, with pre-standardization work done in these areas.

How long does deployment take?

Based on available project data, the project ran early prototype demonstrations followed by final pilot demonstrations over its 4-year duration. The marketplace model is designed as a one-stop-shop to accelerate SME adoption, but specific deployment timelines would depend on factory size and chosen components.

Is this compliant with EU manufacturing regulations?

The project led pre-standardization activities in collaborative robotics, AGVs, and use of IoT devices on the shopfloor. Built on RAMI 4.0 — the EU reference architecture for Industry 4.0 — it aligns with European industrial digitalization standards. Specific regulatory compliance would need verification for your jurisdiction.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a heavyweight consortium: 23 partners from 11 countries, backed by EUR 15 million in EU funding. Led by Technical University of Munich, it brings together 8 industry partners (35% industry ratio) and 4 SMEs alongside 5 universities and 8 research organizations. The mix of industrial heavyweights running the pilots and research institutions developing the technology means the platform has been stress-tested in real production environments, not just labs. The 30 additional FSTP experiments through open calls extended validation well beyond the core consortium, proving the platform works for companies that weren't involved in building it.

How to reach the team

Coordinator is Technische Universitaet Muenchen (Germany). SciTransfer can facilitate an introduction to the project team and help you evaluate which of the 30 components fit your factory setup.

Order a report on this consortiumSee TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN profile →
Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to know which SHOP4CF components match your production line? SciTransfer can arrange a technical briefing with the project team and help you plan a pilot deployment.

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