New Vision
SMART-Growth revolutionizes crystal production with innovative solutions. Using sensors, AI tools, and digital models, we enhance both output and quality.
SMART-Growth offers AI enabled control of crystal growth via CZ process based on ZDM principles to improve crystal yield, reduce critical rare material and energy wastage in the manufacturing process benefitting both crystal manufacturers and downstream users.
THE PROBLEM
The current state of crystal growth presents several critical challenges. The industry is characterized by highly hostile process conditions, where there is a significant risk of contamination, and production times are notably long. Moreover, it heavily depends on the use of costly rare earth materials and consumes a substantial amount of energy, making the process both expensive and resource-intensive. Additionally, there are numerous process parameters that are difficult to measure and control, further complicating efforts to optimize efficiency and ensure consistent product quality.
THE SOLUTION
SMART-Growth projects aim to leverage AI-enhanced Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) approaches to improve crystal growing. This includes developing advanced radiation and non-radiation sensors to monitor molten material and furnace conditions. AI tools, using digital process models and historical data, help optimize the relationship between process parameters, crystal quality, and yield. Additionally, the integration of Digital Twin technology and Cyber Physical Systems enables predictive control, using AI-driven insights to optimize the process in real time.
THE RESULTS
The AI-enhanced ZDM approach in crystal growing is expected to deliver several key outcomes. These include an improved yield in crystal production, leading to higher efficiency. Additionally, energy consumption and material waste will be significantly reduced, lowering both costs and environmental impact. Finally, the quality of the grown crystals will be improved, ensuring more consistent and reliable output.
Applications
The technologies developed by the SMART-Growth project can be applied to a wide range of sectors, with increasingly innovative synergies emerging in both industrial and regional development fields.
MANUFACTURING SYNERGIES
- The synergetic benefits of SMART-Growth project include a great potential to upscale and proliferate Industry 4.0 technologies for industrial adoption.
- Relevant sensorics, data models and process control methodologies can be provided to other “hot object” manufacturing technologies such as hot embossing, food processing etc.
- There is potential to improve sustainability of other “hot object” manufacturing by transplanting the usage of the developed process sensorics and AI-based control onto them.
REGIONAL SYNERGIES
- The pilot aims to achieve cutting-edge advancements in process temperature monitoring and utilizing this data to develop crystal growth models, AI-based process control, Digital Twins, and Cyber-Physical Systems. These technologies can be leveraged by any local company interested in integrating such innovations into their production processes, fostering synergies with industries in advanced manufacturing, predictive maintenance, automation, and smart production systems.
- Thanks to our project, numerous events are being organized in key development regions, encouraging and promoting the adoption of advanced technologies and fostering the creation of a new network of technologically advanced local companies.
A project
for local development
Sardinia
Sardinia is beautiful for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, rugged landscapes, rich history, and unique culture. The island offers a mix of ancient archaeological sites, like nuraghe, charming villages, delicious local cuisine, and a slower, relaxed pace of life. Located on the island, our partner Filar leads the way in innovative crystal processing and growth, driving advancement in this industry and bringing new opportunities to the region.
West Romania
Western Romania stands out for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and diverse cultural influences. The region is home to rolling hills, medieval towns, and a blend of Romanian, Hungarian, and German traditions, creating a unique atmosphere. It’s also a growing center for innovation and industry, with a strong connection to the rest of Europe. Based in the region, our partner WUT leads the way in digital twin technology and cyber-physical systems, driving technological progress and contributing to the region’s development.
Thuringia
Thuringia is known for its lush forests, charming towns, and a deep-rooted cultural heritage. The region boasts historic architecture, picturesque landscapes, and a thriving tradition in science and innovation. It is also home to a strong industrial sector, particularly in optics and precision engineering. Based in Thuringia, our partner Fraunhofer IOF leads in applied research and development in the field of optics and precision engineering, driving advancements in this industry and contributing to the region’s reputation as a center of scientific excellence.
I3 Instruments
The Interregional innovation investments instrument as part of the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF) aims at supporting interregional innovation projects in their commercialization and scale-up phases giving them the tools to overcome regulatory and other barriers and bring their project to investment level.
SMART-Growth aims to support and develop the regions of Sardinia, Bolzano, Thuringia and the region of Western Romania.
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