XR5.0: Human-Centric AI-Enabled Extended Reality Applications for the Industry 5.0 Era

The new Human-Centric AI-Enabled Extended Reality for the Industry 5.0 Era European project namely XR5.0 is commencing a transformative journey over the next three years, aiming to build, demonstrate, and validate a novel Person-Centric and AI-based XR paradigm that will be tailored to the requirements and nature of I5.0 applications for interested and committed stakeholders around the project results, including researchers, XR system vendors, manufacturing automation vendors and integrators, manufacturing enterprises, as well as policymakers.

With a total cost of over €10 million, including an approx. €7,6 million European Commission grant, this venture indicates a cooperative attempt to shape Human-Centric AI-Enabled Extended Reality for the Industry 5.0 Era.

The main goal of XR5.0 is the creation of specific structuring principles and blueprints for using XR in I5.0 applications with emphasis on the development of innovative “XR-made-in-Europe” technology that combines with human-centric manufacturing technologies and adheres to European values. The XR5.0 applications will consider the characteristics and context of the industrial worker based on the integration of human-centered digital twins (DTs) that comprise the “digital image” of the end-user.  At the same time, XR5.0 will design and implement a unique blending of XR technology and advanced AI paradigms, including AI technologies that foster the interplay between humans and AI such as explainable AI (XAI), Active Learning (AL), Generative AI (GenAI), and Neurosymbolic Learning. The XR5.0 technologies will be coupled with a cloud based XR training platform for Operator 5.0 applications, which will enable ergonomic and personalized training of industrial workers on popular processes.

Based on the project’s outcomes, XR5.0 will cultivate a dynamic community of devoted and interested stakeholders including researchers, XR system vendors, manufacturing automation vendors and integrators, manufacturing enterprises, and policymakers. To develop the XR5.0 ecosystem and community, the project is already establishing liaisons with industrial associations, manufacturing clusters, as well as Standards Development Organisations. The XR5.0 ecosystem is to be integrated into the wider European XR and Industry 5.0 ecosystem.

The project’s kick-off meeting, hosted by GFT ITALIA S.R.L., set the stage for advancements in Milan, Italy, on February 20–21, 2024. The consortium came together to highlight their roles in this project and to point out their dedication to changing the XR landscape. The consortium engaged in fruitful discussions, stimulating profound insights and fostering an environment conducive to advancements in extended reality technology. Central to these deliberations was the concept of XR applications empowered by artificial intelligence, poised to tailor experiences to individual worker profiles. Acknowledging the significance of the XR5.0 Project within the Horizon Europe framework, it not only assembles an alliance of experts spanning XR, artificial intelligence, big data, and Industry 5.0 but also actively seeks synergies with analogous initiatives across Europe. The XR5.0 project has the potential to shape the future of industries, revolutionize training methodologies, and elevate support systems to unprecedented heights.

For more information about XR5.0, check the official website and follow us on social media:

Website: https://xr50.eu/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xr5-0-project/

X: https://twitter.com/XR50project

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556140841335

The XR5.0 Consortium consists of the following partners:

Coordinated by: GFT ITALIA SRL

Partners:

• GFT Italia S.r.l. [GFT]
• KUKA AG [KUKA]
• Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, S.A. [TAP]
• SIEMENS S.R.L. [SIE]
• SPACE HELLAS [SPACE]
• Franz Schmidt + Haensch GmbH & Co. [SH]
• Ekso S.r.l. [EKSO]
• oculavis GmbH [OCU]
• HOLO-Industrie 4.0 Software GmbH [HOLO]
• ImmersiveLives [IML]
• Synelixis Lyseis Pliroforikis Automatismou & Tilepikoinonion Anonimi Etairia [SYN]
• LeanXcale SL [LXS]
• UBITECH Ltd [UBI]
• Unparallel Innovation, Lda [UNP]
• INNOV-ACTS Limited [INNOV]
• Institut für angewandte Systemtechnik Bremen GmbH (Institute for Applied Systems Technology Bremen GmbH) [ATB]
• University of Piraeus Research Center [UPRC]
• Instituto Piaget – Cooperativa para o Desenvolvimento Humano Integral e Ecológico, CRL [IPIA]
• CYENS Centre of Excellence [CYENS]
• The Open Group Limited [TOG]
• CORCOM IT Law Consulting [COR]
• Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera Italiana [SUPSI]
• Almer Technologies AG [ALMER]
• Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne AG [SSF]
• LNS Management Sàrl [LNS]

Acknowledgement: XR5.0 has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101135209 (XR5.0).