Latvia Develops Next-Generation Microfactories

Author: SIA “Aspired”
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The new project “Nextgen Microfactories” is part of the European program – the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) initiative – aimed at supporting the research, testing, and implementation of new technologies.
 
The project’s vision is to develop smart, highly automated small-scale factories. These will use cloud computing and AI-driven robots to operate more efficiently and in a more environmentally friendly way. Another objective is to reduce European companies’ dependence on cloud service providers outside Europe.
 
We will create solutions for robots powered by local cloud-edge computing. We will advance industrial automation. We will design systems for decentralized (geographically distributed) manufacturing. We will develop smart industrial building management systems.
 
The Nextgen Microfactories project is being implemented by technology companies in collaboration with SIA Aspired and its partners: SIA TestDevLab, Ventspils High Technology Park (VATP), SIA Dati Group, SIA TechGym, SIA Asya, and SIA Natrix. The project also involves contractors from three EU member states carrying out their own IPCEI-CIS projects: Siemens AG (Germany), Engineering Ingegneria Informatica S.p.A. (Italy), and SIA Tilde (Latvia). The implementation agreement was signed on June 30 of this year, and activities will continue until the end of 2027. The total cost is EUR 7.4 million, of which EUR 5.57 million is covered by the European Recovery and Resilience Facility.
 
The project is carried out within the framework of the IPCEI initiative, which aims to support research, experimental development, and pilot projects for new software and technologies in Europe. Nextgen Microfactories focuses on the development of smart, highly automated microfactories integrating cloud computing technologies and AI-driven robotics. The goal is to improve production efficiency and sustainability while reducing reliance on non-European cloud service providers.
 
By developing and testing cloud-edge solutions for mobile robotics, industrial automation, and decentralized manufacturing, the project supports the transition to Industry 5.0. These innovations will help optimize production processes, reduce operating costs, and foster the growth of energy-efficient manufacturing ecosystems. The project will be implemented across four key areas: cloud-edge solutions for mobile robots, cloud-edge for industrial production, decentralized manufacturing and design systems, and cloud-edge for smart industrial buildings.