REMAIN

Much of the industrial fabric in the SUDOE space belongs to traditionally manufacturing sectors characterised by small and medium-sized companies that have a low technological level in their production processes, due especially to the high cost associated with the development and implementation of new technologies. In addition, these sectors are responsible for the manufacture of a variety of commonly used products that have a short life cycle, either because the acquisition of a new one has a relatively low cost or due to the difficulties they encounter with regard to repair or renewal. All this results in an enormous amount of waste discarded inappropriately. In this sense, this project will seek to introduce the remanufacturing process as part of the business model associated with these industries, highlighting the importance of design for the development of products that are more easily repaired or recycled. For this purpose, new tools will be developed to detect damage to used products and a multirobot system that is able to disassemble them and prepare them for reintroduction in the manufacturing chains of these products. In short, it is intended that repairing a product is viable, as an alternative to buying a new one or discarding the used one. On the other hand, the progress in the development of this remanufacturing system will represent benefits for the industries, which may have a new line in their business that contemplates the reduced use of raw materials; for consumers who will find it easier to repair their used products or buy used goods at a reduced cost and, above all, for the environment due to reduced waste produced and reduced pressure on natural resources, favoring life and ecosystem dynamics on the planet.