Startup communities learn the hard way that technology development is the most dynamic challenge, requiring constant updates flow from both the market needs and cutting-edge R&D findings. To keep this pulse, an international team of business communities and universities Erasmus+ Planet 4 has developed a Taxonomy Explorer as a database of Industry 4.0 problems and currently researched technologies.
“We are bridging the gap between what we teach in universities and what companies know and need. From an academic perspective, everyone is saying that many subjects are not directly applicable to the challenges of the digitalisation of industry in terms of robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning trends. In this case, together with companies, we have selected what applies to today’s challenges”, says an entrepreneur, a researcher in Human-Computer Interaction design Daniele Mazzei from the University of Pisa (Italy).
By using this tool industrial experts can identify which are the technologies that have been demonstrated to be usable for addressing similar problems. “For instance, it helps to better understand in which direction to start the digitalization process for industrialization”, explains D. Mazzei.
The database supports industrial experts to identify technologies that have been demonstrated to be effective in addressing Industry 4.0 problems. This saves time and effort in researching and evaluating various technologies individually.
The Taxonomy Explorer allows businesses to match their specific problems or challenges with similar problems that have already been addressed. By finding appropriate technological solutions that have been proven to work in similar contexts, companies diminish their costs and refrain from investing in technologies that may not be suitable or effective for their specific problems.
“Business communities are the ones most benefiting from this centralised and curated resource for understanding, exploring, and selecting technologies that can effectively address Industry 4.0 problems. It streamlines the technology adoption process, enhances decision-making, and facilitates collaboration, ultimately driving business efficiency and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving digital landscape”, emphasises one of the Planet 4.0 partners from one of the most significant innovation communities in the Baltics, Tech-Park Kaunas representative Irma Bagdonienė.