COBOTASSIST | Innovation in Finishing through Human–Robot Collaboration

Context

In today’s manufacturing industry, companies face the challenge of delivering high-quality, customised products at low cost and with short lead times. Finishing operations such as deburring, sanding and polishing are essential to achieve the required final quality, but they are often time-consuming, costly and labour-intensive.
The COBOTASSIST project focuses on the use of collaborative robots (cobots) to address these challenges and increase the efficiency of finishing processes.

Objectives

• Innovation in finishing
  Evaluate the feasibility and added value of cobots for automated finishing operations in SME manufacturing companies.
• Knowledge and training
  Develop training modules and hands-on workshops on cobot-assisted finishing, targeting both companies and educational institutions.
• Pilot / voucher programme
  Implement a voucher programme that gives companies the opportunity to integrate a cobot into their production processes, with technical support from the project.

Activities

• Technology and knowledge transfer
  In-depth needs analysis, development of inspiring demonstrators, and broad dissemination of technological knowledge and best practices.
• Intensive training and workshops
  Delivery of training courses and workshops for companies and educational institutions, aimed at strengthening technological skills and stimulating innovation.
• Support through pilot programme / vouchers
  Encouraging companies to experiment with cobots through a voucher programme, including technical training and hands-on support.
• Matchmaking and networking
  Organisation of events to facilitate knowledge exchange and connect technology providers with manufacturing companies.

Impact

COBOTASSIST aims to transform the manufacturing industry by accelerating the adoption of cobot technologies. This leads to finishing processes that are not only more efficient and higher in quality, but also safer and more comfortable for workers. The project lays the foundation for sustainable innovation and long-term competitiveness in the sector.

Status update autumn 2025: the project enters its operational phase

The COBOTASSIST project has now reached its halfway point and has entered an operational phase. The three demonstrators at Sirris (Genk), Breda Robotics and Fontys are fully operational and ready to be deployed in companies through the voucher programme. The first vouchers are currently being prepared and launched.

The online training course on cobot-assisted finishing is live and, together with hands-on workshops, forms the core of the training offer for manufacturing companies. From a communication perspective, the project is also running at full speed. An introductory video, newsletters and a series of ten technical articles have already been published, covering topics such as finishing operations, (offline) programming, path planning and cobot safety. Podcasts and company testimonials are currently in development.

At the same time, new events, inspiration sessions and practical training days are being planned, including demonstrations on the operational setups.

Finally, a learning network of companies will be launched to share experiences from voucher trajectories and to connect companies with each other and with technology providers.

Partnership and collaboration

The COBOTASSIST project is a collaboration between several organisations committed to the implementation of collaborative robots (cobots) in the manufacturing industry. Supported by the Interreg programme, the project promotes cross-border cooperation between Belgium and the Netherlands.
It aims to improve production efficiency and working conditions through the integration of cobot technologies. The project is co-financed by the Province of North Brabant and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.

External links

Project page on the Interreg website

Project partners

• Avans University of Applied Sciences
  Develops new applications based on innovative technologies, with a focus on human–robot collaboration.
• Breda Robotics
  A field lab that promotes the use of robotics in industry and education, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.
• Fontys University of Applied Sciences
  Contributes through research and education to the development of professionals in technology and design.
• High Tech NL
  Industry association supporting the Dutch high-tech sector through networking, knowledge sharing and innovation.
• POM Limburg
  Stimulates the economic development of Limburg by promoting innovation in the manufacturing economy.
• Sirris
  Expert centre supporting the technological industry in innovation projects, with a focus on cobot technologies for finishing operations.
• SyntraPXL
  Provides training programmes focused on entrepreneurship and innovation within the technological and manufacturing sectors.

This partnership brings together complementary expertise to develop practical solutions and training programmes that support the adoption of cobots in manufacturing, with a focus on improving production processes and working conditions.