Competence Centers as an Element of Digital Innovation Hubs
Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) is one-stop-shop that help companies to become more competitive with regard to their business/production processes, products or services using digital technologies.
DIH is based upon technology infrastructure (Competence Centre - CC) and provide access to the latest knowledge, expertise and technology to support their customers with piloting, testing and experimenting with digital innovations.
DIH also provide business and financing support to implement these innovations, if needed across the value chain. As proximity is considered crucial, they act as a first regional point of contact, a doorway, and strengthen the innovation ecosystem.
DIH is a regional multi-partner cooperation (including organizations like RTOs, universities, industry associations, chambers of commerce, incubator/accelerators, regional development agencies and even governments) and can also have strong linkages with service providers outside of their region supporting companies with access to their services.
We help people understand the opportunities brought about by digital technologies to overcome the business challenges, facilitate the adoption of those technologies and make the best from them in their application.
We support companies in searching for information on recent available innovations and identifying and engaging innovation partners.
We support companies shape their vision and strategy from a digital perspective and adjust their direction in response to a changing environment.
We strengthen collaborative mechanisms by bringing together professionals from different background and engaging them in a collective effort.
We provide access to knowledge and facilities to deliver excellence in all our services and increase companies’ competitiveness in the global market.
We operate in a network and facilitate the innovation of organizations by connecting different actors of the ecosystem and with external entities.
We grow a community of experienced and committed professionals who build businesses together and support each other in unlocking performance improvements.
We deliver training on digital skills to meet the needs and preferences of companies and enhance their digital transition in the innovation ecosystem.
We identify funding opportunities for our members and bring in contact all the stakeholders that can contribute to the purpose in order to facilitate the implementation of a large-scale investments.
22-12-2020: To present our vision and strategy building sustainable interregional corridors with the help of the experiments
BOWI second open call aims to select 9 developing hubs to activate cross-border technology transfer programmes together with mature DIHs.
More detailsSTART: 15 December 2020 at 00:00 (Brussels time)
END: 01 March 2021 at 13:00 (Brussels time)
BOWI project will offer mature hubs (mature DIHs) media exposure and networking opportunities. Additionally, the mature hubs will be invited to become a long-term member of the BOWI Network, having the opportunity to join the activities planned beyond the project.
More detailsSTART: 15 December 2020 at 00:00 (Brussels time)
END: 01 September 2021 at 13:00 (Brussels time)
In Czech Republic’s Jihozápad region, the following 4 applicants and experiment topics were chosen:
1st call for technology transfer experiments
Deadline: 15.09.2020
Opportunity for SMEs and mid-caps to receive research and business support, and EU funding…
1st call CLOSED!
BOWI stands for Boosting Widening Digital Innovation Hubs. BOWI aims to build a digital innovation hub (DIH) network based on experience and practice sharing. A network that will support companies in turning their most innovative projects to life, aid investors in discovering the leaders of digital revolution and help development agencies understand the needs of industry.
More detailsVirtual prototyping is a method in the process of product development. It involves using computer-aided design (CAD), computer-automated design (CAutoD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software to validate a design before committing to making a physical prototype.
Topics: 3D scanning, product digital twin
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a process where a three-dimensional object is created from a CAD model with the use of 3D printer. By this printing process the core material is deposited, joined or solidified under computer control typically layer by layer.
Topics: composite printing and steel printing
Automation or automatic control is the use of various control systems for operating different equipment with minimal or reduced human intervention.
Topics: collaborative robotic, industrial robots, digital twins
Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that simulates virtual environment similar to or completely different from the real world with which the user can interact.
Topics: virtual reality, augmented reality
Digitisation of products of buildings is crucial for further utilisation in advanced manufacturing processes. Most common technology for digitisation in these days is laser scanning.
Topics: laser scanning, photogrammetry
Additive manufacturing commonly known as 3D printing is a term to describe a set of technologies that create 3D objects by adding layer-upon-layer of material. Materials can be different from technology to technology. The development in this area in the last 10 years is so rapid that slowly it is being hard to orient in many kinds of additive technologies. That’s why we have prepared this overview Additive manufacturing document, where you will find on twelve pages currently mostly used 3D printing technologies, properties of utilised materials and also prices for materials and printers. | |
Prototype development | |
![]() | The main aim of the project was to technically develop an adaptor that can be fixed to the aerosol bottle and to develop a suitable ergonomic mask in line with the ideas of our partner. The developed product consists of several components (adapter, ergonomic mask and silicone padding for comfort). The design of these components had to consider the manufacturing technology and dimensions of the cylinders. A functional adaptor was created where the used material and its mechanical properties (e.g. flexibility) were crucial. The mask and silicone part attached to it had different material properties, which have been tested and implemented in different versions. Video : ![]() |
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Robotization is a process involving robots in manufacturing and other industrial areas. Recently, the number of robots being used by companies to boost the productivity has rapidly increased. More and more human jobs are being replaced by robots. Where human creativity is crucial and can’t be simply replaced by a robot, collaborative robots step in and ease the hard or monotonous work. The following document Robotics will help you with orientation in collaborative robotics area. European mostly used cobots manufacturers are listed, with robot properties and also possible end-effectors. | |
Collaborative robot implementation in production | |
![]() | The client was a manufacturing company located in the Karlovy Vary region. The company is a manufacturer of electro technical components, mainly contacts and connectors for automobiles. The customer wanted to explore the possibility of implementing collaborative robots on several workplaces characterized by heavy monotonous work. Specific technologies (robots, grippers, vibration buffers, etc.) were selected for specific needs of the workplaces based on technological suitability and compliance of process parameters with workplace requirements. For each conceptual design of the workplace a digital twin was created in Siemens Tecnomatix Process Simulate programme. This digital twin model was used to elaborate performance, safety or special requirements. The performed simulations provided the possible operation times. The costs for the new workplace concepts and ROI were also given. Video : ![]() |
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Palletizing station | |
![]() | For several years, the logistics, food and beverage industry has been more and more willing to use the opportunities offered by collaborative robots (cobots). In the presented case of the palletizing station, IO-Link system solutions were implemented - communication, signalling columns, masters and concentrators, as well as sensors connected via IO-Link with the controller. Additionally, a handheld scanner has been used, which allows for automatic tuning of station. By reading the label code with a handheld scanner, we are able to change the way of packing. If there is a new product, item or package saved in the system, the palletizing station will automatically tune to the change after reading the logistic label. The station is fully automatic, easily configurable and mobile. If the company intends to change production and thus relocate and run the station on a different line - it can be done in a simple and quick way. Another benefit is relieving employees from monotonous and unhealthy work and the possibility of redirecting them to other, more interesting activities. Such action translates into increased efficiency of the company and savings. * Article (PL) Video : ![]() |
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Automation identifying by RFID tags | |
![]() | In an automated production processes an industrial identification systems ensure the right parts arrive at the right place at the right time and in the right quantity. The data is transferred between the data carrier and the read/write head, via the processor unit to the controller. In the dairy industry we implemented RFID UHF for vehicle detection. The milk transport vehicles are equipped with RFID tags. This allows every transport step to be tracked: from the laboratory test to the quality inspection, to the pumps, moving milk from the vehicle tank to the storage containers, to the cleaning of the vehicle tank. This optimizes transport and ensures reliability. Due to the data being transmitted directly, the time for the laboratory to confirm the inspection is shortened. Information from the laboratory about the milk quality, transport time for the milk as well as the tank cleaning process can be retrieved at any time. * Article (PL) Video : ![]() |
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Project participant: Barrage | |
Application of software solutions to electric vehicle charging stations in the imme- diate vicinity of local shared storage | |
Proposed strategy for energy control at local distribution. The main goal is to enable an efficient, fair and favorable system of exchange between the elements on a local distribution network made up of buyers with own production, electric vehicles and the existing distribution network. -Local distribution consists of PV system, stationary local energy storage, i.e. battery sys- tems and consumers. -Stationary battery tanks work according to the set charging and discharging schedule, so the goal is to control the charging and discharging of electric vehicle batteries and sources of energy from which the electric vehicle is charged. -All energy produced from the PV system is used locally, and the surplus is stored in car bat- tery packs or stationary battery packs -In case of lack of energy on the side of producers with their own production, network en- ergy should be used only when the electricity tariff is low (charging of stationary batteries and car batteries preferably in case there is no energy from sustainable sources) -Software solution for energy management based on blockchain technology that is, a decen- tralized application Achieving the set goals will be possible depending on the parameters of all manufacturers with their own consumption and the nature of their work, the parameters of the local net- work and the way electric vehicles are used. | |
Contact: Marko Jović |
Project participant: BARREK | |
Smart waste disposal system | |
The proposed solution consists of five elements that make up a complete system. Customers are the typical person who uses the proposed solution. Those are the people who take care of environment and want to realize certain benefits and rewards for their efforts. Smart dumps feature advanced technology that provides complete insight into the occupancy situation and send that information to the application solution. Users in the Application can see the amount of digital currency they generated for the disposed waste and a map showing the locations of nearby smart dumps. The partners are shops that practice conscientious eco- logical business. Users have the option to use the realized amount of digital currency within the sales locations of the Barrek company partners and realize discounts on purchased prod- ucts or used services. Utility companies are companies that deal with cleaning and disposal of waste. With the application, they will have an insight into the state of occupancy of individual landfills, which will allow them to better resource allocation and planning more efficient waste collection routes. The application will enable companies to automatically create the most ef- ficient routes and waste collection schedule. Drones and electric trucks will, based on this data, dispose of waste efficiently while saving financial, time and human resources. In the process of waste disposal, the ecological footprint of utility companies will remain completely neutral and by using drones and electric trucks environmental damage will be completely eliminated while efficiency will increase. The mobile application serves to users to have an insight into the amount of waste disposed of and the generated amount of digital currency. Users will be able to view all available smart landfills using the application and will always know where they can properly dispose of their waste. When the user will be nearby a smart landfill, the app will send him a notification on his cell phone that will inform him that if he needs it, he can dispose of his waste in a smart landfill near him. | |
Contact: Marko Jović |
Project participant: Careesma X Galo Industries | |
Europeans will beat climate change by walking with virtual assistant | |
The proposed solution addresses the problem of global warming. According to the United Nations sustainable goals and Paris agreement, the goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. The Eu- ropeans can beat the climate change by increasing the active mobility which would signifi- cantly lower carbon footprints, even in European cities that already have a high incidence of walking. The proposed product or service would use artificial intelligence technology for vir- tual assistants. Business or revenue model: main methods are subscription, ads and transac- tions from purchasing eco-friendly products. | |
Contact: Marko Jović |
Project participant: David Burcar | |
SMART FACTORIES - PRODUCT MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - SPUP | |
The basis for advanced production and increase of productivity, employee effi- ciency and the flexibility of production itself is an investment in digitalization and informati- zation. The Product monitoring and management software contains, in the narrow sense, all the elements of production documentation (components, standards, machines, items….), monitors and processes production process and allows production planning. In a broader sense, the software takes over the entire material goods business: entry of goods, warehouse, production, finished goods warehouse and invoicing. The software connects machines and electricity meters with the help of microcontrollers for the purpose of monitoring the opera- tion of machines in real time, electricity and other energy consumption and shows the status of workstations in production. | |
Contact: Marko Jović |
Project participant: Davor Predavec | |
Flood monitoring - Why we need Early Warning System? | |
The Early Warning System has five types of assembly: Assembly 1 - water level monitoring - aims at solving the problem of rising water level that precedes to the flood event. The solution is to monitor the water level in a short time interval with a proper combination of sensors to preserve the device’s autonomy (low-maintenance, low-consumption, long bat- tery life). Assembly 2 - water level monitoring + satellite solves the problem of rising water level that preceedes to the flood event with the solution: Monitor the water level in a short time interval with a proper combination of sensors to preserve the device’s autonomy (low- maintenance, low-consumption. Send the data over satellite connectivity for the areas with- out any. Assembly 3 - basement monitoring - solves the problem of monitoring the humidity in basements or ground level for the water detection and prevent excessive moisture that creates mould, facade deterioration. Solution proposed is to monitor the water level in a base- ment along with the water presence in walls with a proper combination of sensors and use the RS485 Master/Slave port to attach up to 100 low-cost ceramic sensors that detects mois- ture in walls. Assembly 4 - cascade monitoring - Problem to solve: monitoring the water level on several locations with only one device and several sensors connected in cascade; monitor the river dam/embankment with the series of sensors to detect the related breach. Solution: monitor the water level with a series of sensors attached to the Unit; use the RS485 Mas- ter/Slave port to attach up to 100 low-cost ceramic sensors that detects moisture in walls. Assembly 5 - water level monitoring (street poles) - Problem to solve: monitor the water level in urban (dense) and sub-urban areas to detect the flash flood and warn emergency staff and citizens down the water stream; initiate (automatic) flood barriers placement to save lives and mitigate damages to cultural heritage, infrastructure, etc.; map the flood zones with priorities > set the optimal and safe routes for emergency vehicles > save people/animals asap.
Solution: monitor the water level with provided sensors attached to the Unit; calculate the water speed/level by analysing data from the series of sensors attached to the street poles and map the priority zones using the data from sensors > define the safe routes. | |
Contact: Marko Jović |
Project participant: DDK | |
Sustainability as an energy problem | |
There are a few elements of energy system, one of which is production. Theme is how to optimize consumption. Question is how to make a simple system for electric energy consumption among people. Strategy is consumer animation to align behaviour with forecasts since the energy production is unstable. The producer thus can have direct information from the consumer whether he wants to consume energy when it is available or to consume it when it is not. The whole system is rounded: producers bring the energy to distributors, distributors measure the consumption of end users who can give feedback to the producer to make the system rounded. Distributors can be proactive towards the consumers, meaning that, with regard to the closeness of the whole system, can have benefits and can present them in the form of different price calculation for end users. Thus, the synchronization of consumption and production of electrical energy would be stimulated. The solutions are created in the form of three applications: server's part, as an application in which a distributor and a consumer can follow information which is ideated very simply, consumers can give points to producers. The distributor also has a list of his consumers to whom he can give benefits and can inform his consumers - subscribers - about, for example, existing big surplus of energy which consum- ers can use. With social manipulation we can influence on efficiency and energy sustainability. | |
Contact: Marko Jović |
Project participant: DIGITALI | |
Računko | |
Računko is a software application which allows easy entry and logging of invoices by smartphone photography, as well as the export of structured, isolated, only those data that are important to user. Računko is an application based on artificial intelligence, which enables organized extraction of important details of the document, invoices, pro forma invoices from a photo or pdf, which can be exported in a structured way. Računko programme allows users to link costs and financial data and taking control of costs. Solution: entering an invoice by taking a photo; exporting of data in a format that suits the user for payment or import into another program, without manual rewriting. Računko enables recording, control and approval of consumption: at the same time as it arises, users don’t have to wait for a report at the end of month from anywhere, in business premises, from home, on the road. It reduces errors, saves time, there is less copying, less paper. It enables supply chain optimization, for resilience and sustainability. Advantages and results: organization of accounts and saving time for reg- istration, real-time cost recording and control, reduction of errors, reduction of paper use, sharing accounts with authorized persons, possibility of analytics and cost forecasting, supply chain optimization and greater sustainability and resilience. | |
Contact: Marko Jović |
Project participant: Emasys Team | |
Remote reading of energy and water consumption in the manufacturing industry | |
The solution deals with energy management - systems for remote reading of all energy and water consumption. Emasys Ami is a fully developed web application that adapts to all user needs. Responsible persons gain access to the application which they can access from any computer or smartphone that has Internet access. Advantages of IoT technology equipment: -independence of the communication infrastructure of the facility / user -constant power supply (battery) -time, i.e. reading speed -possibility of remote communication with the device -optimal coverage of the production program System features: -insight into consumption at any time of the day -graphical representation of consumption -tabular display of consumption -analysis of consumption costs of individual energy sources comparison of energy and water consumption - by different time periods and different meas- uring places | |
Contact: Marko Jović |
Project participant: gipSoft | |
Advanced production of bakery products | |
It is a project of advanced production of bakery products, made with the help of iPlus-Mes tool. The tool iPlus-Mes is based on the iPlus framework.The focus of the project is on monitoring energy consumption (electricity, gas) with monitoring the sequence of products on each machine. The aim of monitoring is to be able to determine which products to produce in which order to achieve energy savings. Energy consumption reports are obtained in order to determine, for example, which machine consumes the most energy. The idea of machine learning / artificial intelligence is also proposed. It would be implemented via iPlus. It would provide the possibility of simulating future production with a display of energy consumption based on previous production data. Instead of producing according to a timeline, products would be produced according to how most energy will be saved. Example: baking (production) begins with products that are baked at lower temperatures, after that the products are baked at higher temperatures and there is no loss of energy when cooling the oven. The iPlus-frame- work and iPlus-MES are commercial tools owned by the company gipSoft d.o.o. | |
Contact: Marko Jović |
Project participant: Kodium Pro | |
KIES platform | |
Kodium Intelligent Energy Saver (KIES platform) is a solution which: receives any type of sensor data, processes it and gives valuable insight into business; uses an AI module to automatically find anomalies, detect correlated sensors and „learns as it goes”, provides regression analysis for production to predict future needs and provide indicators for business decisions. Key benefits: automatic AI insights through automatic anomaly detection and correlation anal- ysis; ISO 50001 certification made easy – easily track energy use, create and track targets; available on all devices – including mobile phones; user can receive notifications of anomalies instantly on his device; user can receive and act on data in real time: it allows receiving various kinds of data, regardless of vendor – system provides easy to use adapters for various data sources. Some of the available protocols: MODBUS, BACNET, OPC-UA, REST, ZIGBEE, MQTT, LORAWAN, SIGFOX. It can work in a hybrid mode – parts of the data can be collected manually using provided mobile application. KIES provides a powerful reporting engine that allows user to analyze data at the precision level he requires. Regression analysis offers a measurable method to track production efficiency of various machines, production lines or companies. The system allows immediate notications for critical indicators – for example critical temperature or detection of a burst pipe. It is intended for companies that want to control costs and improve efficiency and any company looking to improve insight into their production process. Companies imple- menting ISO 50001 with the need for a robust and capable reporting engine, municipal com- panies looking for remote metering solution and ecologically friendly companies wanting to reduce their energy and CO2 footprint can use KIES platform. | |
Contact: Marko Jović |
Project participant: TOUCH4SMART | |
CLOUDORDER - cloud software solution for supply chain integration and climate change mitigation | |
Cloudorder is a cloud software solution for supply chain integration and climate change mitigation. Mobileorder is a mobile software solution for smart ordering of goods from suppliers. The Mobileorder application is connected to the central database of suppliers and, by direct mobile entries of the actual items, a purchase order is automatically created. Upon completion of the purchase order by the customer, a message in SMS or e-mail form is auto- matically sent to the headquarters to a commercialist in charge of the client. The purchase order can be supplemented and changed until it is concluded at the headquarters and sent for delivery. After that, the date and time of delivery to the customer is determined via an SMS message that the customer receives directly to his mobile device. Purchase orders are automatically created for specific dates based on location distances of the customer from the headquarters, and delivery documents are generated for delivery drivers. Locations for deliv- ery can also be seen via Google maps on the mobile device. Upon delivery of the goods, by a digital signature on the collection of the same, in the headquarters an invoice for the client is automatically created. All documents are stored in digital format. The customer and the sup- plier have the ability to monitor the progress of purchase orders and deliveries at all times in real time. The solutions that the company strives to create are on the trail of reducing CO2 emissions, since Smart delivery planning connects customers and suppliers on economical and environmentally friendly yielding way. | |
Contact: Marko Jović |
Project participant: VoodooTrex | |
SURFACE POLLUTION DETECTION OF WATER USING SATELLITE IMAGE AND AUTON- OMOUS BUCKET FLEET | |
Proposed is a solution for automatic detection of surface contaminations using a fleet of autonomous buoys and satellite imagery. Instead of stationary units of measurement (buoys) for which traditional solutions are used, this concept focuses on robotic units whose mobility allows covering of a much larger area. This technological solution entails many chal- lenges such as fleet safety and coordination, selecting an environmentally friendly propulsion unit and ensuring the efficiency of the whole system. It was because of the latter that the solution proposes to manage fleet by detecting pollution from a satellite image of a wider operational area. Such management provides informed fleet guidance which increases effi- ciency and decreases energy consumption and the impact on the marine biome. The solution can operate completely autonomously without the need for human action. However, given that artificial intelligence cannot affect all possible circumstances, it is necessary to develop an interface that will clearly and in real time communicate to the human operator the de- tected pollution, but also keep statistics on previous pollution and the state of the sea in a given sector. The operator can at any time redirect or stop the fleet and directly affect the course of missions in case of unforeseen circumstances. The proposed solution is broken down into three components: pollution detection from satellite images, autonomous buoy fleet design and user interface. Proposed is the design of a system that would enable fast and timely detection of pollution with minimal impact on the environment. Such a solution can identify a potential environmental disaster in a timely manner and mitigate its impact on the environment and the economy. The proposed system is based on a fleet of autonomous buoys. The design of the buoy follows the contemporary environmental principles, focusing on conserving energy and recharging batteries from sustainable and renewable sources - solar radiation. Each buoy is equipped with an advanced sensor that allows efficient and precise analysis of pollution and reporting it to the plant. | |
Contact: Marko Jović |
![]() | Scientific director | ![]() | Technical director | |
doc. Ing. Milan EDL, Ph.D. | Ing. Michal Zemko PhD. | |||
edl@pilsen-dih.org | zemko@pilsen-dih.org |
Country | VAT | Partner |
CZ | 49777513 | Západočeská univerzita v Plzni |
CZ | 26316919 | COMTES FHT a.s. |
CZ | 22890629 | Klastr mechatronika, z.s. |
CZ | 06100198 | Klastr Chytrý Plzeňský kraj, z.s. |
CZ | 04604563 | Czech Smart City Cluster, z.s. |
CZ | 66362717 | Správa informačních technologií města Plzně, p.o. |
CZ | 25245091 | Regionální rozvojová agentura Plzeňského kraje, o.p.s. |
CZ | 45354774 | BIC Plzeň, společnost s ručením omezeným |
CZ | 72053666 | Karlovarská agentura rozvoje podnikání, p. o. |
CZ | 22689982 | Česká technologická platforma STROJÍRENSTVÍ, z.s. |
DE | 260608659 | Cluster Mechatronik & Automation Management gGmbH |