The IK4-IKERLAN technology centre is one of the partners of the Virtual Factory Operating System (vf-OS) European project, whose goal is the creation of a platform which, like Google Play for Android’s or Apple Store for IOS’ marketplaces, will host and download software applications for industry 4.0.
This development implies a meeting point between industries who need to implement manufacture software applications (vApps) and the companies that develop them. The system will offer developers an environment to drive innovative applications, and for companies a place to find and acquire existing applications or to request the development of new ones.
Other than optimizing communication and collaboration among the various industrial sectors, vf-OS is expected to drive new business meetings, as a result of the interaction between the various user in the platform (software developers, manufacturing and logistics companies, suppliers of manufacturing and logistics solutions, service providers).
vf-OS will be an open operative system, conformed by a system node, an app programming environment, and an advanced data communications and storage system. Everything will be hosted by a platform enabled for installation by the companies and, lately, downloading applications created by software developers.
Funded by Horizonte 2020, the EU program for supporting I+D, the vf-OS project is framed by the Factories of the Future initiative, dedicated to the development of technologies of advanced manufacturing. Led by the UK company ICE (Information Catalyst for Enterprises) with the collaboration of IK4-IKERLAN, MONDRAGON ASSEMBLY and other 11 organisations from 6 European countries.
About IKERLAN
IKERLAN is a leading centre for technology transfer and for providing competitive value to companies due, among other things, to the expertise of its researchers. It offers comprehensive solutions by combining different fields of technology in three main areas: Electronics, information and communication technology (EICT), Energy and power electronics and Advanced manufacturing. In 2017, AENOR, has certified IK4-IKERLAN’s comprehensive management system (UNE-EN ISO 9001:2015 and UNE 166002:2014), which is a acknowledging of the excellence of the centre in the R&D&I area. It currently has a staff of approximately 300 people.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 723710.