VIVENTRIS – Smart production solutions for the industry of tomorrow
Viventris develops smart and flexible production solutions that help companies improve their processes and make them future-proof. We specialize in visual inspection and assembly, with applications in consumer products, high-tech systems, and healthcare, among others.
Our strength lies in combining generic building blocks with customer-specific customization. This allows us to realize efficient and reliable solutions for the production of compact and often complex products. We work pragmatically and closely with our clients to achieve results quickly and make a real impact on the shop floor.
Within our focus area of assembly, we automate manual processes and complex operations, leading to increased product quality and improved efficiency. Within our inspection expertise, we develop advanced vision systems utilizing both rule-based algorithms and AI. This enables accurate product inspection and reliable defect detection.
With our solutions, we contribute to smarter production processes and consistent product quality.
Sustainable reuse of industrial automation systems
In practice, industrial automation machines are often developed for one specific product or process. When this product changes or goes out of production, machines are adapted, partially reused, or in some cases completely replaced. At the same time, customers' demand for more sustainable utilization of existing machine parks is growing.
This calls for a different approach to designing and managing machines: not only focusing on performance and cost, but also on lifespan, reuse, and environmental impact. By positioning systems and components higher on the R-ladder (such as reuse, repair, and refurbishment), the lifespan can be significantly extended and the environmental impact can be reduced.
In this internship, you will investigate how automation systems and components can be reused and redeployed, and what technical and procedural conditions are necessary for this.
Goal
Developing a methodology for assessing, reusing, and redeploying industrial automation systems and components, with the goal of extending lifespan and reducing environmental impact.
What are you going to do?
You focus on the reuse of existing machines and components, and investigate how they can be reinstated in a technically and economically sound manner.
You begin by analyzing existing automation systems and components (such as robots, actuators, or transport systems) and map out possible forms of reuse. You will consider different strategies such as direct reuse, refurbishment, or remanufacturing.
Next, you will work on a methodology to determine if and how components are reusable. This will involve questions such as:
- What wear occurs during use and how can it be measured?
- What sensors and data are needed to monitor the condition of components?
- What data is already available within existing systems, and how can it be leveraged?
You are developing an approach for assessing returned systems or components. Keep the following in mind:
- testing and validation procedures (e.g., intake test runs);
- Comparison of initial performance and current state;
- Estimate of remaining lifespan and reliability.
Result
A well-founded methodology for reusing automation systems, including a case study or demonstration and practical guidelines for application.
Required skills
- Affinity with mechatronic systems or industrial automation
- Interest in sustainability and circular economy
- Basic programming experience (e.g., Python or C#)
- Interested in data analysis or condition monitoring
- Prior knowledge of sensors, robotics, or drive technology