Manufacturing-as-a-Service for Agile Industry (MaaSAI)

In the era of digital transformation, the manufacturing industry is adopting new paradigms to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. The MaaSAI Project (Manufacturing-as-a-Service for Agile Industry) represents a transformative initiative aimed at redefining the manufacturing ecosystem through a comprehensive digital system that automates and optimizes collaboration between manufacturing system providers and consumers.

The MaaSAI System enables manufacturers to access flexible and decentralized capacities through the Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS) business model, reducing the necessity for significant investments in machinery and infrastructure. By applying the principles of a service-oriented economy to manufacturing, MaaSAI facilitates on-demand production characterized by increased agility, responsiveness, and sustainability.

The system leverages advanced technologies, including Explainable Artificial Intelligence (xAI) and autonomous agents, to support dynamic negotiation between providers and consumers. This ensures optimized resource utilization, supports the transition to circular manufacturing practices, and emphasizes secure and ethical collaboration. Additionally, the system ensures seamless, real-time data exchange, fostering transparency and strengthening value chain integration.

As the Security, Privacy, Ethics, and Legal Compliance Partner, the Law and Internet Foundation plays a critical role in ensuring the MaaSAI Project adheres to the highest standards of data protection, ethical principles, and regulatory compliance. The foundation is committed to safeguarding the trust and integrity of the MaaSAI ecosystem by addressing complex legal and ethical challenges in the manufacturing-as-a-service landscape.

The project is built on a strong international collaboration, involving partners from Greece, Spain, Portugal, Finland, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Poland, and Bulgaria. This multinational partnership reflects the shared commitment to driving innovation and creating sustainable solutions across the European manufacturing industry.

The MaaSAI Project will demonstrate its transformative potential through five pilot applications in distinct sectors: metal machining, gears and mechanical power transmission, biomaterials, food processing, and electronics manufacturing. By enabling manufacturers to access on-demand production capabilities, the project seeks to advance flexibility, sustainability, and inclusivity in industrial practices.

Funded by the Horizon Europe program, the MaaSAI Project is set to commence on 1 December 2024 and will continue until 30 November 2027, with a duration of 36 months. Grant Agreement 101177368.