SMARTFACT: Emerging Technologies for the Smart Factories of the Future

Rudolfovo – Science and Technology Centre Novo mesto is a partner in the new SMARTFACT research and development programme, which brings together leading Slovenian research organisations and industrial companies to develop technologies for more efficient, flexible and sustainable production.

The SMARTFACT programme was selected under the JR RR PROGRAMI public call (TRL 3–6) and is coordinated by the Jožef Stefan Institute. The consortium comprises 17 partners from the research and industrial sectors, including university faculties, research organisations, and Slovenian technology and manufacturing companies.

Rudolfovo will contribute its expertise primarily in computer vision, artificial intelligence, robotics and the integration of data from different sensors. Its main contribution will focus on developing an advanced system for automated quality inspection in an industrial environment.

From Artificial Intelligence to Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

SMARTFACT comprises four interconnected thematic pillars: AI-driven process control, robotics of the future, laser processing for electronics, and plasma technologies. The development activities will range from industrial research at Technology Readiness Levels TRL 3–4 to prototypes and solution demonstrations at TRL 5–6.

The programme’s planned outcomes include self-learning systems for monitoring production processes, energy-efficient production planning, automated quality inspection using computer vision, and adaptable robotic systems. It also includes the development of laser micro- and nanoprocessing with automated optimisation, as well as thermochromic sensors for monitoring the temperature history of food products.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Quality Inspection

Together with its industrial partner Adria Mobil, Rudolfovo will develop a quality inspection system for motorhome production. Using cameras, other sensors and artificial intelligence, the system will monitor the quality of window-frame sealing—from inspecting surfaces and monitoring sealant application to assessing quality after installation.

The developed solution will be integrated into a functional demonstration system and tested directly in an industrial environment. This will make it possible to evaluate its performance in a real production process and provide a basis for the wider application of advanced automated quality inspection solutions.

Working Together for a More Competitive Slovenian Industry

A particular strength of SMARTFACT lies in the close cooperation between research organisations, system integrators and end users. The developed solutions will be tested in industrial environments during the programme, enabling research results to be transferred into practice more rapidly.

Through its participation, Rudolfovo will contribute to the development of technologies for the smart factories of the future and to the introduction of artificial intelligence, computer vision and robotics into real-world manufacturing processes. The programme will help increase productivity, quality and energy efficiency while strengthening the competitiveness of Slovenian industry.

Key Programme Information

Duration: 1 July 2026–30 June 2029

Acronym: SMARTFACT

Lead partner: Jožef Stefan Institute

Programme leader at Rudolfovo: Dr Vesna Pungerčar

Total programme value: EUR 14.7 million

Funding allocated to Rudolfovo: EUR 403,750

Funding: JR RR PROGRAMI public call (TRL 3–6)

The programme is led by the Jožef Stefan Institute and involves the following partners: UL FE, UL FS, UL FRI, UM FERI, Rudolfovo, TECOS, Yaskawa, Metronik, Gorenje, SICK, INEA, Adria Mobil, Rettro, Fotona, Elvez and Keko Equipment.