Technologies, Algorithms, and Protocols for Use Cases of Industrial Networks – TAP-IN

Funder: Project funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.3 – Cascade Call related to the Program “RESearch and innovation on future Telecommunications systems and networks, to make Italy more smart – Spoke 5” funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU

Award Number: Cascade Call related to the Program “RESearch and innovation on future Telecommunications systems and networks, to make Italy more smart – Spoke 5” codice progetto PE00000001, CUP: J33C22002880001;

Start date: 01/07/2024

End date: 30/06/2025

Total NRRP funding for the whole project: € 1.637.524,97

Total NRRP funding for Unipr: € 199.950,00 €

The TAP-IN project focuses on developing technologies, algorithms, and protocols for industrial networks, aiming to enhance context awareness and process monitoring through machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). The University of Parma (UNIPR) plays a significant role in this project, particularly in designing and implementing hybrid networks for industrial applications. The research group from the IoT Lab at UNIPR will develop a continuum device-edge-cloud architecture with distributed intelligence to optimize the trade-off between processing and transmission costs. A key component of this architecture is a Multi-Interface Gateway (MIG) for integrating heterogeneous communication protocols, supporting resilient and efficient industrial networks.

UNIPR's involvement includes leveraging its expertise in advanced wireless networks, signal processing, and data analysis to develop innovative solutions for industrial networks. The IoT Lab will focus on embedding intelligence at different protocol layers to enhance virtualization and security functionalities, crucial for various industrial use cases. The research activities will be conducted by a team of experienced researchers, doctoral students, and post-docs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges of integrating hybrid networks in industrial environments.

The University of Parma is involved in the following WP (work package):

• WP7: Hybrid Networks for Industrial Applications

• Department of Engineering and Architecture

• Università degli Studi di Ferrara
• Università degli Studi di Trento
• AC2 Srl
• EBWorld Srl
• WEWIT Srl
• NIVA Servizi Informatici Srl

The expected results from UNIPR's contributions to the TAP-IN project include the development of a robust Multi-Interface Gateway (MIG) that effectively integrates heterogeneous communication protocols, enhancing the resilience and efficiency of industrial networks. The project aims to demonstrate significant improvements in network performance, enabling accurate context awareness and efficient process monitoring in industrial environments. The innovative solutions developed by UNIPR will support the digital transformation of manufacturing plants into smart factories, optimizing production processes and increasing operational efficiency.

Additionally, the project will result in the creation of intelligent algorithms embedded within the MIG, providing advanced data analytical strategies to predict network status and optimize system performance. These advancements will contribute to the broader goals of Industry 5.0, promoting human-machine cooperation and sustainable industrial practices. The findings and technologies developed through the TAP-IN project will be disseminated to the scientific community and industry stakeholders, fostering further research and development in the field of industrial networks.

https://www.fondazione-restart.it/