Key Features
MAGICIAN funds projects that enhance robotic defect detection and repair in manufacturing through AI-driven and human-centered automation
Programme: Cascade Funding Hub
Award: Share of up to 200,000 €
Opens: 3rd Feb 2025
Closes: 2nd May 2025
MAGICIAN project takes on the challenge of producing a modular automation solution in which robots are used to detect and rework production defects before the last production phases commence and the aesthetics of the product is finalised. The project will produce two robotic solutions, one for defect analysis (sensing robot – SR) and one for the defects’ rework (cleaning robot, CR). The SR and the CR can be used separately, with the humans remaining in charge of some of the activities, or in combination, with the CR operating on the defects identified by the SR.
The solution will be developed around a human-centered approach, which will allow to evaluate the impact of the innovation on the production processes and remove the most important asperities along this path. MAGICIAN project will generate research and human-centered processes in automation/robotics that considers effects and potential impacts on the workers and society, by improving collaboration, productivity and quality along with the enhancement of working conditions.
The first open call focuses on the integration of new functionalities within MAGICIAN project solutions through close collaboration with MAGICIAN partners, with the ultimate aim to enhance the capabilities of the SR (Sensing Robot) and CR (Cleaning Robot) through advanced technologies such as improved defect detection algorithms, more efficient rework techniques, or complementary AI modules that optimize their performance in real-time production environments.
More precisely, the MAGICIAN project integrates collaborative robotics, AI-driven defect detection and repair, and human-centered design principles to produce a system that enhances productivity, safety, and ergonomics in manufacturing, while also considering ethical and social dimensions. The technical MAGICIAN solution foreseen by the consortium is summarised in what follows:
Collaborative Robotic Platforms:
• Platform for defect detection (SR): Uses advanced sensors (visual, tactile) to identify surface imperfections on automotive parts.
• Platform for defect reworking (CR): Equipped with a high-payload robotic arm and specialized grinding tools to repair identified imperfections.
Human-Robot Interaction Design:
• Human-centered interfaces for safe and ergonomic interaction between workers and robots.
• Active involvement of end-users (workers) throughout the design and testing phases to ensure usability, safety, and worker acceptance.
Perception and Learning Systems:
• Multi-modal perception system combining visual and tactile data for defect detection and classification.
• AI models for defect categorization and skill transfer from humans to robots using Learning from Demonstrations (LfD) and semi-supervised learning.
Control and Motion Systems:
• Motion and force control strategies for safe, precise, and efficient defect reworking tasks.
• Planning and scheduling tools to optimize robotic operations, including path planning and task execution in collaborative environments.
Ethical and Social Frameworks:
• Incorporation of ethical, social, and gender considerations in the design and deployment of robotic solutions.
• Ongoing evaluation of the social and psychological impacts of robotic systems on workers’ trust, comfort, privacy, and quality of life.
Configuration Optimization and Validation Tools:
• A configuration optimization tool to tailor robotic system settings to various manufacturing use cases for efficient deployment.
• Closed-loop control for welding processes to detect and address defects in real-time.
Validated Datasets and Algorithms:
• Comprehensive datasets for training and testing AI algorithms for defect detection and reworking.
• Tools and models for inline defect analysis, leveraging techniques like FFT, PCA, and deep learning.
For further information on funded projects, please see guidance notes here
To avoid conflicts of interest, applications involving or coming from persons or organisations who are partners in the MAGICIAN consortium or who are formally linked to partners of the MAGICIAN consortium will not be accepted. For the purposes of this call for proposals, “organisations formally linked to the partners” of the MAGICIAN consortium are understood according to the definition of affiliated entities and third parties with a legal link to a beneficiary described within the Horizon Europe Annotated Model Grant Agreement – Art. 12 — CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Eligible Countries
Legal entities established in the following countries are eligible to receive funding through this Open Call:
• Member States (MS) of the European Union (EU), including their overseas departments
• The Horizon Europe Associated Countries
The EU Associated Countries participate in Horizon Europe under the same conditions as the EU Member States. A list with all eligible associated Countries can be found here
Legal entities established in any other country or region cannot receive funding in this open Call.
Targeted Companies
MAGICIAN is targeting the following types of companies from the eligible countries mentioned above:
▪ Startups
▪ Small and Medium Sized Enterprises2
A legal entity will be considered an SME if it complies with the European Commission’s definition.
The maximum funding per Application Solution is 200,000 €, at a funding rate of 70% of the budget for SMEs, reaching up to 100% of the budget in case of Start-ups.
Each Application Solution budget will include justifications of cost and resources. The total European Commission available funding per Application Solution will represent 70% of the total cost involved by selected SMEs, and 100% of the costs involved by selected Start-ups.
The amount of financial support will be calculated on the basis of the estimated costs. Each AS will include an implementation plan including milestones and deliverables, and a cost estimate justifying the costs and resources in relation to the implementation plan.
The selected company(-ies) will receive funding distributed in three stages:
1. Pre-financing (up to 50%): An initial payment of up to 50% of the total funding amount will be provided upon the successful completion of the Kick-off Meeting (KoM).
2. Intermediate Payment (up to 35%): A second instalment of up to 35% will be disbursed following the submission and approval of a status report. This report should include updates on the Work Package (WP) progress, a risk assessment, and financial reporting for the pre-financing amount.
3. Final Payment (remaining balance, up to 15%): The final payment, covering the remaining funding amount, will be made at the conclusion of the AS, contingent upon the successful achievement of milestones and/or deliverables.
The AS budget must follow Horizon Europe rules, among them:
• It must respect the limit of 15% for specific subcontracting tasks that neither the MAGICIAN partners nor the Third Party can carry out
• The Third Party shall not make a profit from the EC funding
Book an appointment to speak to one of our advisors to discuss your eligibility to apply for this Grant Funding opportunity.
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