The CIRCMAN5.0 consortium is proud to announce a major milestone in the development of its next-generation circular manufacturing ecosystem. The project has successfully completed the technical specifications and UML-based reference architecture that will guide the integration, interoperability, and deployment of all forthcoming digital tools within the CIRCMAN5.0 platform.
This achievement marks the conclusion of an intensive multi-partner co-design phase, integrating insights from manufacturing, sustainability, data science, and engineering experts across Europe.
A Foundation for a Fully Circular, Data-Driven PV Manufacturing Value Chain
The newly established reference architecture defines how data, models, and AI-powered services interact across the entire lifecycle of photovoltaic products, from early eco-design to production planning, manufacturing process control, logistics, and end-of-life recovery.
Developed collaboratively under Work Package 2, the architecture provides:
- Comprehensive system and data specifications for all CIRCMAN5.0 components
- UML diagrams capturing functional interactions, data flows, and operational dependencies
- Standardized interface definitions based on AAS (Asset Administration Shell), ontologies, and semantic models
- A harmonized integration blueprint for the Digital Product Passport, Cognitive Digital Twin, LCA engines, recommendation systems, and manufacturing intelligence tools
According to the consortium, these foundational documents ensure that all subsequent technical developments will be interoperable, scalable, and aligned with EU data space principles, enabling a seamless transition to the project’s simulation, testing, and pilot demonstration stages.
A Collaborative Design Process Rooted in Industry Needs
- The architectural work reflects the outcomes of:
- End-user requirement analysis performed with industrial partners
- Data mapping and process modelling workshops with PV manufacturers
- Circularity indicators and KPI definition led by sustainability experts
- Integration and interoperability reviews spanning WP3, WP4, WP5, and WP6
These efforts have resulted in a robust, modular architecture capable of supporting real-time data streams, AI analytics, lifecycle assessments, and secure cross-stakeholder data exchange.
A Strategic Milestone Ahead of Pilot Deployments
With the architectural specifications to be gradually completed, the project moves toward:
- Development of CIRCMAN5.0 digital tools
- Integration of data spaces and DPP-based interoperability layers
The consortium emphasizes that the architecture will evolve through iterative refinements as new data, pilot feedback, and integration requirements emerge. This ensures that the technical backbone remains flexible and future-proof.
About CIRCMAN5.0
CIRCMAN5.0 is a Horizon Europe-funded project uniting leading research institutes, industry experts, and technology providers to develop circular, human-centric manufacturing solutions aligned with Industry 5.0 principles.
Consortium Members Include:
Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), Institute of Communication and Information Systems (ICCS), University of Oslo (UIO), Polytechnic University of Milan (POLIMI), University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), European Research Centre for Technologies, Design and Materials (CETMA), EXUS Software (EXUS), Technology Transfer System Ltd (TTS), Xgility Ltd (XGL), RINA Consulting – Materials Development Centre (RINA), Association of Technological Companies Innovalia (INNO), J&G Engineering & Architecture Ltd (JGEA), I4ByDesign Competence Centre (I4bd), Green Deal Data Space Association (GDDS), Onyx Solar Energy Ltd (ONYX), Sunage Ltd (SUNAGE), ASCA Ltd & Co. KG (ASCA), SoliTek Research & Development (SOLITEK).
For more information, follow CIRCMAN5.0 on LinkedIn(@circman5.0) and X(@circman5)
Project Website: https://circman5.eu/