Symposium on Innovation and Automation in Remanufacturing

Megatrends and future markets for a sustainable revolution


Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld, Germany 
 

100+

participants

15+

speakers

10+

exhibitors

Looking Back: Our Successful Symposium in 2024

The Environmental Campus Birkenfeld of Trier University of Applied Sciences successfully hosted the "Symposium on Innovation and Automation in Remanufacturing", which took place from February 20-21, 2024.

Leading experts from industry, science and politics took part in the Remanufacturing Symposium on two consecutive days (@Bastian Franz).

The final highlight of the symposium: panel discussion with Fernand Weiland, Professor Winifred Ijomah, Sören Toft-Jensen and Hanno Großeschmidt (@Thomas Bartscherer).

Thank you for your participation! 

We look forward to welcoming you at the next event.

Remanufacturing: A Key Player in the Circular Economy

Remanufacturing Process

Remanufacturing is a standardized industrial process* by which cores are returned to same-as-new, or
better, condition and performance. The process is in line with specific technical specifications, including
engineering, quality and testing standards. The process yields fully warranted products.


*An industrial process is an established process, which is fully documented, and capable to fulfil the
requirements established by the remanufacturer.
 

Core

A core is a previously sold, worn or non-functional product or part, intended for the remanufacturing
process. During reverse logistics, a core is protected, handled and identified for remanufacturing to
avoid damage and to preserve its value. A core is not waste or scrap and is not intended to be reused
before remanufacturing.
In addition European associations had previously agreed to the following definition applicable in Europe:


Remanufactured Part

A remanufactured part fulfills a function which is at least equivalent compared to the original part. It is
restored from an existing part (Core), using standardized industrial processes in line with specific
technical specifications. A remanufactured part is given the same warranty as a new part and it clearly
identifies the part as a remanufactured part and states the remanufacture.
 

Why is Remanufacturing so crucial nowadays?

Sustainability and Environmental Conservation

Remanufacturing contributes to minimizing the ecological footprint of products by reducing the need for raw materials and the energy intensity of manufacturing processes. Reusing existing materials significantly decreases waste quantities and environmental impacts.

Resource Efficiency

In the context of limited resources and increasing environmental pressures, Remanufacturing provides a resource-efficient alternative. Refurbishing products allows for the maximization of the lifespan of materials, reducing dependence on primary resources.

Cost Efficiency

Companies can manufacture high-quality products cost-effectively through Remanufacturing. Using remanufactured components helps lower production costs while maintaining the quality of end products.

Promoting Circular Economy

Remanufacturing is a central component of the Circular Economy. Instead of a linear "Produce, Use, Dispose" model, the circle closes by taking products back after their use, refurbishing them, and reintroducing them into the market. This promotes a sustainable and closed-loop material cycle.

Opportunities for Companies through Remanufacturing

Market Expansion

Companies can expand their market presence by offering remanufactured products as cost-effective alternatives, especially appealing to price-sensitive customers.

Sustainable Image

Remanufacturing can enhance the image of companies by emphasizing their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Consumers are increasingly willing to choose products from companies dedicated to a green and responsible economy.

Compliance and Regulations

Many countries have laws and regulations pushing companies towards more sustainable practices. Remanufacturing enables companies to comply with these regulations while simultaneously achieving economic benefits.

Innovation and Differentiation

Companies focusing on Remanufacturing can develop innovative processes and technologies. This not only allows for differentiation in the competitive landscape but also the creation of new revenue streams.

Chances of Artificial Intelligence in Remanufacturing

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in conjunction with robotics and automation technology has the potential to decisively transform and optimize remanufacturing. These technologies offer numerous possibilities to make the remanufacturing process more efficient, precise, and sustainable.

Automated Quality Inspection

AI can be used to perform automated quality inspections of remanufactured components. Image recognition algorithms enable robots to identify the finest defects or signs of wear, ensuring high precision and consistency in quality control.

Predictive Maintenance

By integrating AI into robotic systems, companies can implement predictive maintenance models. Machines can monitor the condition of their own components using algorithms, providing early warnings of potential failures. This not only reduces downtime but also allows for planned maintenance.

Automation of Disassembly and Assembly Processes

Robots can be programmed to adapt to different product variants and automatically perform disassembly and assembly processes. This not only increases efficiency but also allows for a rapid adaptation to changing products and models.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Through the collection and analysis of large datasets, AI algorithms can provide decision support. This data may include information on material quality, demand forecasts, and other relevant parameters, leading to optimized planning and resource utilization.

Human-Robot Collaboration

The integration of robotics into the remanufacturing process enables effective collaboration between human workers and robots. Human professionals can focus on more challenging tasks while robots take on repetitive or hazardous activities.

Resource Efficiency and Sustainability

By precisely controlling and optimizing processes, robotics and automation technology can contribute to more efficient resource use. This enhances the sustainability of the remanufacturing process by reducing waste and optimizing energy consumption.

Overall, the integration of AI, robotics, and automation technology in remanufacturing opens up new horizons for advanced, resource-efficient, and high-tech product refurbishment. These technologies not only contribute to the improvement of production processes but also support the creation of sustainable, circular economic models.

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