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RENÉE: Advancing Flexible, Human-Centric Remanufacturing

RENÉE: Advancing Flexible, Human-Centric Remanufacturing

15.01.2025

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The RENÉE project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, is driving the adoption of circular economy principles through innovative remanufacturing solutions. Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of European economic growth, yet it is also a significant consumer of resources and energy. RENÉE aims to transform this landscape by addressing key challenges in remanufacturing, including resource scarcity, environmental impact, and variability in returned products.

Download RENÉE Project Overview (PDF)

Addressing Remanufacturing Challenges

Remanufacturing extends product lifecycles and reduces waste, but uncertainties hamper its implementation in product state, supply chain inconsistencies, and the technical challenges of ensuring high-quality outputs. RENÉE addresses these issues by developing advanced solutions integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and digital infrastructures to enable efficient and sustainable remanufacturing systems.

RENÉE’s Objectives

The project focuses on five key pillars:

  1. Sustainable Remanufacturing Operations: Optimizing strategies for product state classification, material reusability, and lifecycle extension.
  2. Digital Infrastructure: Establishing robust frameworks for data sharing, traceability, and interoperability through tools like Digital Product Passports (DPP) and Asset Administration Shell (AAS).
  3. Cognitive Robotics: Deploying advanced AI-powered robots capable of handling unique remanufacturing tasks with precision and adaptability.
  4. Workforce Development: Providing upskilling and training opportunities through dedicated educational platforms.
  5. Industrial Pilot Cases: Demonstrating the technical and economic feasibility of RENÉE solutions in key sectors including e-mobility, household appliances, robotics, and bicycles.

Industrial Applications

RENÉE will validate its solutions through real-world pilot cases:

  • E-mobility: Reusing electric motor components to address resource shortages and reduce CO₂ emissions.
  • Household Appliances: Extending product lifespans to conserve materials and reduce waste.
  • Robotics: Introducing a “robot-as-a-service” model to enable continuous remanufacturing and upgrades.
  • Bicycles: Reducing the demand for new production by remanufacturing components, supporting sustainable transportation.

Driving Sustainability and Circularity

Through its innovative approach, RENÉE directly supports the European Union’s goals for a climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy. By optimizing workflows, integrating advanced AI systems, and focusing on sustainability metrics, the project provides industries with scalable solutions to meet circular economy objectives.

For a detailed overview of the RENÉE project and its key innovations, please refer to the document below:

Download RENÉE Project Overview (PDF)

Project Coordination
Dr. Christos Gkournelos
Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems & Automation (LMS)
Email: gkournelos@lms.mech.upatras.gr

This project is funded under grant agreement No. 101138415. Content reflects the authors’ views and does not necessarily represent those of the European Union or HADEA.