How can collaborative robots (cobots) contribute to smarter, safer, and more efficient production processes in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)? That is the central question of the Interreg COBOTASSIST program, in which Breda Robotics is collaborating with partners from the Netherlands and Belgium.
Why COBOTASSIST?
Many small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in West Brabant still perform finishing processes manually, such as deburring, sanding, and polishing. These tasks are often repetitive, labor-intensive, and prone to errors. At the same time, research shows that there is a significant need for automation—but that companies often don’t know where to start. COBOTASSIST helps these companies get started. By offering knowledge, demonstrations, and guidance, we make the transition to automation with cobots accessible and achievable.
What do we do?
Workshops & Roadshows Through hands-on sessions, learning networks, and demonstrations, we bring knowledge and practice together.
Research & Analysis
We surveyed the post-processing needs of 163 small and medium-sized enterprises. Deburring was found 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 help companies experience how cobots can support their processes.
Voucher Program Companies can use a voucher to receive technical support. This includes technical guidance, feasibility studies, and test setups.
Who is this for?
COBOTASSIST is here to support small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in the southern Netherlands and Flanders that want to innovate with robotics but are still figuring out the right approach. Whether you’re just getting started or already have experience with automation—we’re here to help.
Objectives
- Innovation in post-processing: Evaluation of the feasibility of using cobots for automated post-processing in SME manufacturing companies.
- Knowledge and training: Development of training modules and hands-on workshops for cobot-assisted finishing, aimed at both companies and educational institutions.
- Pilot/voucher program: Implementation of a voucher program that gives companies the opportunity to integrate a cobot into their production processes with support from the project.
Partnership
- Sirris is a center of expertise that supports the technology industry in innovation, with a focus on cobot technologies for post-processing.
- POM Limburg works to promote Limburg’s economic development by fostering innovation in the manufacturing sector.
- 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 is developing new applications using innovative technologies, with a focus 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 programs focused on entrepreneurship and innovation within the technology and manufacturing sectors.
- High Tech NL: A trade association that supports the Dutch high-tech industry in networking, knowledge sharing, and innovation.
This partnership brings together expertise to develop practical solutions and training programs that support the use of cobots in the manufacturing industry, with a focus on improving production processes and working conditions.
In today’s manufacturing industry, companies face the challenge of delivering high-quality, customized products at low cost and with short lead times. Post-processing operations, such as deburring, sanding, and polishing, are essential for achieving the desired final quality, but are often time-consuming, costly, and labor-intensive. The COBOTASSIST project focuses on the use of collaborative robots (cobots) to address these challenges and increase the efficiency of post-processing operations.
Fall 2025 Status Update: The project is entering the implementation phase
TheCOBOTASSIST projectis now halfway through and has thus entered its implementation phase. Thethree demonstrators atSirris (Genk), Breda Robotics, and Fontys are operational and ready for deployment at companies as part of the voucher program. Thefirst vouchers arecurrentlybeingprepared and launched.
Theonline training course on cobot-assisted finishingis now live and, together with hands-on workshops, forms the foundation of the training program for manufacturing companies. The project is also in full swing in terms of communication: an introductory video, newsletters, and a series of ten technical articles have already been published, covering topics such as finishing, (offline) programming, path planning, and cobot safety. Work is currently underway on podcasts and company testimonials.
At the same time,new events, inspirational sessions, and hands-on workshops are being planned, including demonstrations on the operational setups.
Finally, alearning network ofcompanies will be launched to share experiences from voucher programs and connect companies with one another and with technology providers.
Introductory video
“With Cobotassist, we’re lowering the barrier for the manufacturing industry to make the leap to automation. By sharing our expertise and letting companies experience firsthand what post-processing with cobots can achieve, we’re making future-oriented technology tangible and immediately applicable.”
Marvin van Diemen – Project Manager at Breda Robotics
Projects • Interreg COBOTASSIST
