The manufacturing sector is in desperate need of digitally skilled staff. Together with other knowledge institutions, SAM XL is committed to fostering versatile expertise in digitalisation and automation.
Through this project, we are providing an approach to one of the most persistent impediments to the growth of the manufacturing industry in the Western Netherlands: the shortage of qualified personnel. Digitisation and automation offer solutions but there is a lack of personnel to realise and maintain these steps. That is partly because education can barely keep up with the rapid developments in technology and cannot afford to make the associated investments in robotics.
This project will help achieve the following European objectives:
SAM XL aims to apply its expertise in robotics and automation to education and the SME sector. Both teachers and students are trained through SME projects. This collaborative development strengthens the link between education on the one hand and the market on the other. This provides students with a job guarantee, whilst helping SMEs with the digitalisation of their production chains. In addition, companies receive the trained staff at the right time to make, maintain and continue the transition to digitalisation and automation.
This project is being co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is made possible by provincie Zuid-Holland.
Find more information at www.kvw3.kansenvoorwest.nl.
The next generation of aircraft will need to reduce their CO₂ emissions in many areas. In this project, we are focusing on improving the leading edge of aircraft wings.
We are developing a new technology to bond different types of composites together. This hybrid technology bonds thermoplastic composites with thermosets. The aim is to make aircraft and other large structures lighter and more sustainable.
SAM XL develops smart robotic solutions for welding ship panels together. This is currently mainly done manually.
Carrying out maintenance quickly and efficiently is essential in the aviation industry. We develop smart software and robotics solutions for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of existing aircraft components.
The digital knowledge of employees in the manufacturing industry is often limited. This project will focus on speeding up the development, broadening and deepening of that digital knowledge.
Research institutions and companies are collaborating to enable the production of lightweight aircraft. The innovative technologies focus on the machining of thermoplastic composites.
SAM XL is advancing new technologies for continuous ultrasonic welding and – together with partners – thermoforming of thermoplastic composites so they can be applied in industrial manufacturing of large, lightweight aircraft structures.
SAM XL is developing future production technology using smart robots. These robots can be deployed flexibly: they adapt their operations quickly, without the need for additional programming. This makes variable production straightforward.