How can collaborative robots (cobots) contribute to smarter, safer, and more efficient production processes in SMEs? That is the central question within the Interreg COBOTASSIST programme, in which Breda Robotics is collaborating with partners from the Netherlands and Belgium.
Why COBOTASSIST?
Many SMEs in West Brabant still carry out manual post-processing, such as deburring, sanding, and polishing. These tasks are often repetitive, labour-intensive, and prone to errors. At the same time, research indicates a strong need for automation – but companies often don't know where to start. COBOTASSIST helps these companies get going. By offering knowledge, demonstrations, and guidance, we make the step towards automation with cobots accessible and achievable.
What are we doing?
Workshops & roadshows
Through hands-on sessions, learning networks, and demonstrations, we bring knowledge and practice together.
Research & analysis
We mapped out the post-processing requirements of 163 SMEs. Deburring proved to be the most common task (69%), followed by sanding and polishing (38%). At the same time, 77% indicated that they lacked sufficient knowledge about the use of cobots.
Demonstrator Development
Based on the needs of the region, Breda Robotics is developing a mobile cobot demonstrator. This will be used to allow companies to experience how cobots can support their processes.
Voucher scheme
Companies can use a voucher for content support. This includes technical guidance, feasibility studies, and test setups.
For whom?
COBOTASSIST is for SMEs in manufacturing in the South of the Netherlands and Flanders who want to innovate with robotics but are still looking for the right approach. Whether you are just starting or already have experience with automation, we can help you move forward.
Objectives
- Innovation in post-processing: Evaluation of the deployability of cobots for automated post-processing in SME manufacturing companies.
- Knowledge and training Development of training modules and hands-on workshops for cobot post-processing, aimed at both businesses and educational institutions.
- Pilot/voucher scheme Implementation of a voucher scheme where companies are given the opportunity to integrate a cobot into their production processes with project support.
Partnership
- Sirris, an expertise centre supporting the technological industry with innovation, focusing on cobot technologies for finishing.
- POM Limburg works on the economic development of Limburg by stimulating innovation in the manufacturing economy.
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences, which contributes to the development of professionals in technology and design through research and education.
- Avans University of Applied Sciences develops new applications with innovative technologies, focusing on human-robot collaboration.
- Breda Robotics, which promotes the use of robotics in business and education, with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- SyntraPXL offers training courses focused on entrepreneurship and innovation within the technology and manufacturing industries.
- High Tech NL A sector organisation that supports the Dutch high-tech industry in networking, knowledge sharing, and innovation.
This partnership combines expertise to develop practical solutions and training that support the application of cobots in the manufacturing industry, with the aim of improving production processes and working conditions.
In the current manufacturing industry, companies are faced with the challenge of delivering quality and personalised products at low costs and with short lead times. Post-processing, such as deburring, grinding, and polishing, is essential to achieve the desired final quality, but is often time-consuming, costly, and labour-intensive. The COBOTASSIST project focuses on the deployment of collaborative robots (cobots) to tackle these challenges and increase the efficiency of post-processing operations.
Autumn 2025 status update: the project is entering the execution phase
It COBOTASSIST-project is meanwhile halfway through and thus has entered an executive phase. The three demonstrators The ones at Sirris (Genk), Breda Robotics and Fontys are operational and ready for deployment at companies as part of the voucher programme. first vouchers are currently being prepared and launched.
The Online training on robotic post-processing is live and, together with hands-on workshops, forms the basis of the training offer for manufacturing companies. The project is also at cruising speed in terms of communication: an introductory video, newsletters, and a series of ten technical articles on topics such as post-processing, (offline) programming, path planning, and safety with cobots have already been published. Work is underway on podcasts and company testimonials.
At the same time new events, inspiration sessions and practical days planned, including demonstrations on the operational setups.
Finally, a learning network companies were set up to share experiences from voucher schemes and to connect companies with each other and with technology providers.
Introduction video
“With Cobotassist, we lower the threshold for the manufacturing industry to take the step towards automation. By sharing knowledge and allowing companies to experience firsthand what finishing with cobots can mean, we make future-oriented technology tangible and directly applicable.”
Marvin van Diemen – Project Manager Breda Robotics
Projects • Interreg COBOTASSIST
