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TF KnowNet+

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Teaching Factory Knowledge Sharing Network+

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Context: how the European project was born

The development of key and emerging technologies is changing the way we define digital skills and the extent to which we rely on technology. COVID-19 has highlighted the current shortage of digital experts in Europe. Europe faces a significant and systemic gap between market needs and the supply of skills related to advanced digital technologies.

53% of companies looking to hire ICT specialists face difficulties, and only 65% possess digital skills “above basic levels.” This contributes to slowing the adoption of advanced digital technologies, which are essential for both the workforce and job seekers needing to upskill.

The Digital Europe Programme supports strategic projects to address these challenges, promoting the development of a qualified pool of European digital experts, encouraging cooperation between higher education, research, and businesses, stimulating interest in digital careers among European citizens, and attracting top talent.

The goals

The objective of TFKN+ is to develop an innovative and scalable modular training network aimed at providing advanced skills in sustainable and circular manufacturing through remanufacturing and hybrid additive technologies. It promotes professional development and knowledge transfer between industry and academia to tackle real-world challenges in high-value sectors.

The specific objectives are:

Equip engineers and designers with technical, innovative, and entrepreneurial skills to meet the reskilling and upskilling needs in advanced manufacturing sectors.

Promote sustainability and the circular economy by training participants in remanufacturing and hybrid additive manufacturing (Hybrid AM) technologies to extend the lifecycle of high-value components.

Develop and implement a modular training program that combines theoretical knowledge with challenge-based practical learning, ensuring the effective application of advanced manufacturing techniques.

Scale the program across Europe through commercialization, expanding the TF KnowNet+ network and establishing training centers to provide accreditation and hands-on training opportunities.

Discover our training courses on digital technology topics!

Many initiatives and courses will be available soon

Related insights

Fundings

Courses

Projects

Technologies

All fundings

AI-MATTERS:

Experience artificial intelligence solutions

On-demand training Basic Online

Training pill – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Industry 4.0

Course on AI, machine learning, neural networks, data, evaluation, and industrial applications.

Contenuto on-demand Base Online Cyber security industriale

Training pill – Cybersecurity industry 4.0

Complete course on IT and industrial security, with theory, models, and real-life examples.

Contenuto on-demand Base Online Big Data Analytics

Training pill – Big Data & Analytics

Tools for analyzing, managing, and selecting vendor-independent Big Data solutions.

Innovation Consulting Collaborative robotics Intelligent operator assistance systems Manufacturing/production

Autonomous UGV for advanced subsurface mapping

Intelligent Level-2 Autonomous UGV for Advanced and Safe Data Acquisition on Subsoil, Infrastructure, and Environment.

Logistics Smart product and process Small company Consulting Logistics 4.0 Monitoring and control Manufacturing/production

Traceability and Digital Control for Industry 4.0

Development of a digital system for real-time tracking and monitoring of production and logistics processes, aimed at improving efficiency, quality, and competitiveness.

Artificial intelligence Large enterprise Consulting AI for quality control Manufacturing/production

AI for automatic quality control and defect correction

The project automates quality control to monitor defects and correct production line deviations.

Smart product and process Large enterprise Consulting IoT – Smart Connected Product Monitoring and control Retail and Wholesale

Definition of field and measurement tools

Development of an advanced monitoring system to optimize axle alignment of company vehicles, improving their safety.

Quality Medium enterprise Consulting Quality 4.0 Manufacturing/production

Development of advanced semi-solid die casting processes for zinc alloys

Introduction and testing of semi-solid die casting technology (rheocasting) for zinc alloys in a hot chamber, with the aim of improving the aesthetic quality and mechanical properties of castings.

Health and safety Logistics Large enterprise Consulting Digital twin Lean manufacturing Utility/Energy

Digital Twin for Industrial Safety and Efficiency

Implementation of a Digital Twin at the Sicon S.r.l. plant to optimize safety and efficiency.

Product and process development

Product and Process development can be optimized through the combined use of advanced digital technologies, which improve design and industrialization. The digital twin allows for the creation of a virtual replica of the product or production process to analyze performance and identify issues before physical implementation. Virtual commissioning enables the digital testing of production systems, reducing startup times and the risk of malfunctions. Advanced simulation and virtual reality enhance design and testing, allowing for more accurate planning. With PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), it is possible to manage the entire product lifecycle in an integrated manner, optimizing resources and reducing waste.

Smart Production

Modern industry requires flexible and optimized production systems. Smart Manufacturing integrates advanced digital solutions to improve performance and efficiency. Cobots support operators in repetitive tasks, reducing errors and fatigue. 3D printing enables on-demand production and material optimization. Digital machine monitoring, thanks to IoT and AI, allows anomalies to be identified and consistent quality to be guaranteed. The digital twin of the process allows production scenarios to be simulated and informed decisions to be made. Thanks to these tools, production becomes more responsive, efficient, and sustainable.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence optimizes every stage of production, reducing costs and improving operational quality. In quality control, artificial vision systems and machine learning detect defects before they impact production. Predictive maintenance analyzes critical parameters to reduce machine downtime. Autonomous guided systems manage material handling with optimized routes. Advanced industrial data analysis improves planning, energy efficiency, and supply chain management. Indeed, AI for operator assistance provides support with intelligent chatbots and augmented reality, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Connected Infrastructure

The Connected Infrastructure is the cornerstone of industrial digital transformation, enabling the collection and utilization of data from machines, sensors, and software. The digital backbone ensures a continuous flow of information between departments and plants, allowing for predictive analytics and faster decision-making. The use of Big Data Analytics transforms large volumes of data into actionable insights to improve quality, energy efficiency, and productivity. Industrial cybersecurity protects sensitive data from cyber threats, ensuring operational continuity. With this digital infrastructure, companies can reduce waste, anticipate failures, and make processes more sustainable.

Logistics

The digital transformation of logistics and production enables intelligent control of the supply chain and production processes. Thanks to IoT and smart sensors, it is possible to collect real-time data to optimize transportation routes and inventory management. Cloud platforms and predictive analytics support dynamic planning, reducing operational costs. The process Digital Twin allows for the simulation of production scenarios and the identification of inefficiencies before they occur. This integrated approach enables more flexible, responsive production that can quickly adapt to market demands.

Quality

Quality 4.0 represents an evolution in industrial quality control, leveraging advanced digital technologies. Computer vision systems and AI monitor every stage of production, detecting anomalies before they become critical defects. Integration with IoT sensors ensures complete product traceability throughout the supply chain, enhancing the safety and reliability of supplies. Techniques such as X-ray tomography and other non-destructive inspection methods allow for the verification of internal quality without compromising component integrity. This approach reduces waste and rework, optimizing production processes.

Smart Maintenance

Smart Maintenance represents an innovative approach to industrial plant management, leveraging digital tools to prevent failures and reduce operational costs. Predictive maintenance uses IoT sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms to monitor machine conditions and anticipate potential anomalies. Augmented Reality (AR) supports operators with detailed visual instructions, making repairs faster and more accurate. Maintenance planning, based on data analysis and predictive models, optimizes resource usage and reduces downtime. These technologies improve operational continuity and enhance plant safety.

Smart Product and Process

The Intelligent Product and Process enables a new industrial paradigm, where products and machinery are connected and capable of exchanging information in real-time. Thanks to IoT and Smart Connected Products, companies can collect operational data, monitor product conditions, and improve predictive maintenance. Advanced process monitoring allows for the optimization of production and the reduction of waste, while servitization transforms business models, shifting from product sales to the provision of services based on actual use. These technologies enhance operational efficiency and promote more flexible and sustainable production.