In the technology network Intelligent Technical Systems OstWestfalenLippe – it’s OWL, for short – over 180 companies, universities, and other partners have joined forces to develop intelligent technical systems for Industry 4.0 in a variety of projects.In December 2018, the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia announced its decision to provide grants for five new it’s OWL projects . A total of 21 companies, including Lenze , Benteler , KEB , Hanning Elektrowerke , Hesse, Miele , Weidmüller , Kannegiesser , Phoenix Contact , Wago Kontakttechnik , Denios , GEA , and Unity , are involved in these projects.

They will collaborate with various research institutes to develop solutions in the fields of machine learning, big data in production, digital twins, new business models, and the working world of the future. The federal state is providing funding to the tune of €9 million, to be matched with €9 million from industry. In transfer projects, SMEs will be able to leverage new technologies to meet the challenges of digitalization, in cooperation with a research institute.