University of Oslo (UiO) is playing a key role in building the project’s semantic modelling foundation. UiO has developed domain-specific and application ontologies using the Information Modelling Framework (IMF), providing a structured way to represent complex engineering and manufacturing systems.
The IMF was selected for its ability to model sophisticated systems while maintaining clear and consistent meaning across multiple perspectives. This capability is particularly important in CIRCMAN5.0, where product, process, resource, quality, and traceability data must remain connected across different pilots, digital tools, and lifecycle stages.
A key feature of the IMF is its ability to represent systems through different “aspects.” This allows the same system to be viewed in multiple contexts—such as its intended design, its real-world implementation, or as a reusable pattern—without creating ambiguity. By enabling these perspectives to coexist in a structured way, the framework improves traceability, strengthens semantic consistency, and supports interoperability across the project’s digital ecosystem.
UiO’s work also aligns with established systems engineering practices, particularly the principles of ISO 81346, which promote structured system representation through multiple aspects such as function, product, and location. By combining the aspect-based modelling approach of IMF with the structured methodology of ISO 81346, UiO is helping CIRCMAN5.0 move beyond fragmented data silos toward a coherent, machine-readable information backbone.
This foundation enables manufacturing systems, product structures, resources, and related properties to be connected in a consistent and reusable way. As a result, CIRCMAN5.0 is laying the groundwork for future integration with emerging digital technologies such as Digital Twins, Digital Product Passports, and advanced lifecycle analytics.
Through this work, the CIRCMAN5.0 project is not only developing innovative digital tools but also establishing the semantic architecture required to ensure these tools can exchange, interpret, and reuse information effectively across the manufacturing ecosystem.
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).