Well-
defined.
Value network modeling for the software-defined resilient production of the future
Contact person

David Dietrich, M.Sc.
Institute for Control Engineering of Machine Tools and Production Facilities at the University of Stuttgart

Dr.-Ing. Jannik Lind
Jannik Lind is a research coordinator at the research campus and is responsible for the strategic research focus on Production2036.
Well-defined
Well-defined's vision is sustainable, cost-effective and self-optimized production. To achieve this, resilient value creation networks must be created in order to react dynamically to changes and achieve sustainable goals such as CO2 reduction.
About the project
The flexibility and adaptability that were achieved in a single production unit in the previous FluPro project are to be projected onto the entire value chain in the Well-defined follow-up project. To this end, the classic value chain is to be modeled as a new type of value network in which products can configure themselves. For example, changing requirements and optimization goals in the network can trigger different products in order to react flexibly to disruptions or achieve comprehensive goals such as the reduction of CO2 consumption. ARENA2036's strategic research focus on Production2036 concentrates on improving cross-location production planning and processes.

Aims of the project
The aim of Well-defined is to model product and production in the context of a value creation network. Standardized communication and interfaces in the network and on the store floor enable increased resilience, more dynamic product adaptations and an increase in production efficiency. Dynamic orchestration of production planning is achieved through defined data structures and interfaces. This enables efficient handling of product and component specifications as well as production resources in order to efficiently implement changes in the value chain. A core aspect of the project is the development of an adaptive Value Chain Execution System (VCES) that integrates Industry 4.0 services and resolves potential conflicts of interest such as CO2 balance in production dynamically and on a customer-specific basis. This leads to increased flexibility in production, which also has an impact on the way people work in the factory by promoting flexible collaboration with systems and machines.
Info decks
Further information can be found in the Infodeck:
Infodeck in German (as of 14.05.2025)
Infodeck in English (Status 14.05.2025)
360-degree tour
Here you can virtually explore the Well-Defined project area on our store floor.

About BÄR
BÄR Automation GmbH is one of the leading specialists for the planning, design and manufacture of individual, customer-specific system solutions in the field of assembly and automation technology and a system integrator for future-oriented application areas of robotics and assembly technology and supplies individual automation concepts as one of the leading AGV manufacturers.Project participation in the ARENA2036
Links



About Fraunhofer
Project participation in the ARENA2036
Project partners in the ARENA2036 research factory are the two Fraunhofer Institutes IAO and IPA.
Fraunhofer IPA implements highly innovative and sustainable solutions in production technology and automation for customers in a wide range of future-oriented industries. The solutions are always linked to the institute's strategic cornerstones of "mass sustainability" and "mass personalization".
In ARENA2036, Fraunhofer IPA is coordinating research into innovative methods in vehicle production. To this end, a research factory is being built in which technologies are developed that enable individualized products in batch sizes of one at the cost of mass production. The core technology for this is adaptable production systems with which companies can react to fluctuating competitive factors or shortened product life cycles. Fraunhofer IPA develops solutions for planning these systems and realizes components for them, such as versatile assembly stations.

About Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Mercedes-Benz Group AG is one of the most successful automotive companies in the world. With its Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Daimler Buses and Daimler Financial Services divisions, the vehicle manufacturer is one of the largest suppliers of premium passenger cars and is the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the world.Project participation in the ARENA2036
Links

About Pilz
Pilz is an internationally active, innovative automation technology company. With its solutions, Pilz creates safety for man, machine and the environment, and its products include sensor technology, electronic monitoring devices, safety relays, configurable and programmable control systems, automation solutions with motion control, systems for industrial communication as well as visualization solutions and operator terminals.Project participation in the ARENA2036

About TRUMPF
The high-tech company TRUMPF offers manufacturing solutions in the fields of machine tools, laser technology and electronics. TRUMPF is driving forward the digital networking of the manufacturing industry through consulting, platform and software offerings. The company is the technology and market leader in machine tools for flexible sheet metal processing and industrial lasers.Project participation in the ARENA2036

About the University of Stuttgart
Project participation in the ARENA2036
The University of Stuttgart and many of its institutes are involved in the ARENA2036 research platform:
Institute of Aircraft Design (IFB)
Institute of Parallel and Distributed Systems (IPVS)
Institute of Plastics Technology (IKT)
Institute of Textile Technology, Fiber-based Materials and Textile Machine Engineering (ITFT)
Institute of Control Engineering of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Units (ISW)
Institute of Ergonomics and Technology Management (IAT)
Institute of Internal Combustion Engines and Automotive Engineering (IVK)
Institute of Electrical Energy Conversion (iew)
Institute of Educational Science, Department of Vocational, Business and Technical Education (BWT)
Institute of Energy Transmission and High Voltage Technology (IEH)
Institute of Polymer Chemistry (IPOC)
Institute of Linguistics: English Studies (IfLA)
Institute of Industrial Manufacturing and Factory Operation (IFF)
Institute of Materials Handling and Logistics (IFT)
Institute of Shotblasting Tools (IFSW)
The Institute of Aircraft Design (IFB), for example, is involved in the LeiFu project and the DigitPro project with several employees in ARENA2036. The Khoch3 project is supported by university employees from BWT.
The integration of the ARENA2036 research building into the university campus forms the perfect basis for an intensive and interdisciplinary transfer of expertise between science and industry. This is what the guiding principle "Industry on Campus" stands for.
Associates
Partner

About Balluff
Balluff was founded in 1932 in Neuhausen auf den Fildern and stands for innovative technology, quality and cross-industry experience in industrial automation worldwide. As a leading sensor and automation specialist, the fourth-generation family business offers a comprehensive portfolio of sensor, identification and network technologies and software for integrated system solutions.Project participation in the ARENA2036
Links

About Schaeffler
As a leading global automotive and industrial supplier, the Schaeffler Group has been driving forward pioneering inventions and developments in the fields of motion and mobility for over 70 years. With innovative technologies, products and services in the fields of CO₂-efficient drives, electric mobility, Industry 4.0, digitalization and renewable energies, the company is a reliable partner for making motion and mobility more efficient, intelligent and sustainable. The technology company produces precision components and systems for drivetrains and chassis as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a wide range of industrial applications.Project participation in the ARENA2036
Funding body and project sponsor in the project

About Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
The BMBF stands for the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany. It is a federal agency responsible for funding education and research programs within Germany. The main objectives of the BMBF include promoting science and research to maintain the country's international competitiveness, improving educational opportunities for people at all stages of life and supporting innovation and technology development. The Ministry works closely with educational and research institutions, industry and international partners to achieve its goals.Project participation in the ARENA2036
The "Research Campus - Public-Private Partnerships for Innovation" initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is a funding program that aims to strengthen cooperation between science and industry in Germany. This initiative enables public research institutions and companies to work together in long-term partnerships to develop and carry out innovative research projects. The idea behind it is to create an environment in which science and industry can work together on pioneering technologies and solutions that promote both scientific progress and economic development.
The research campus initiative supports selected projects in various technological and scientific fields, from renewable energy and sustainable mobility to digital technology and health sciences. The aim of these partnerships is to enable a direct transfer of knowledge and technology between research institutions and industry, which accelerates the market launch of new technologies.

About Project Management Agency Karlsruhe
The Project Management Agency Karlsruhe (PTKA) is part of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and offers comprehensive services relating to the funding of research, development and education projects. Its tasks include advising applicants for funding, evaluating project proposals, monitoring ongoing projects and disseminating and utilizing research results.Project participation in the ARENA2036
Links
https://www.zukunft-der-wertschoepfung.de/forschungscampus/