From sustainable manufacturing and human-centric systems to resilient supply chains, XPRES supports innovations that strengthen industry, empower people, and contribute a more sustainable society. The impact cases highlight how research translates into real industrial and societal benefits.
Dynamic Scheduling of Assembly and Logistics Systems using Ai (Dynamic SALSA)
Dynamic SALSA includes the use of digital technologies for improving order picking activities in warehouses. These include the use of Ai-based vision systems and machine learning.
The project aims to develop AI solutions and practical software applications for dynamic scheduling technologies in smart assembly and logistics. This includes novel digital services based on information and communication technologies for the automotive sector. The project consortium includes original equipment manufacturers in the automotive sector, small and medium-sized enterprises, and universities from Sweden and South Korea, all with expertise in the use of AI and digital twins for smart assembly and logistics.
Novel hybrid joining technique for dissimilar metal combinations
Scanning electron microscope image of a resistance spot weld between extruded aluminum and press-hardened steel where the cold-sprayed 316L interlayer has been deposited on the aluminum before welding. An intermetallic layer that provides the bonding has formed between the interlayer, the steel, and the aluminum
In order to achieve further reduced CO2 emissions, automotive manufacturers are turning to multimaterial designs which reduce the vehicle weight. Traditional joining/welding methods struggle with these difficult material combinations, like aluminium to steel. Therefore, the ISOLDE Vinnova project, with additional support from XPRES, has examined several novel approaches to joining these materials, including a promising technique making use of a cold-sprayed interlayer
PRIM – KTH Open Lab for Prototyping, Industrialisation and Manufacturing
We envision a new open and flexible experimental environment focusing different aspects of prototyping, industrialisation and manufacturing. The environment should support (1) practical project based elements in education in basic and advanced levels within industrial engineering, (2) industrial collaboration within relevant centres, (3) competence development and life long learning, (4) staff education within experimental learning, and (5) outside-curricula activiteties for students
Remanufactured Gearboxes for Reduced Environmental Impact
Milestone gearbox ‘remanufacturing’ project consumed about 50 percent less material and roughly 45 percent fewer carbon emissions compared with making brand-new one.
By integrating remanufactured gearboxes into new truck production, the iReGear project addresses the environmental challenge of high carbon emissions and material use in vehicle manufacturing. This innovation cuts material use by 50% and carbon emissions by 45%. Through circular methods and industry-academia collaboration, the project sets a precedent for sustainable, high-quality, and cost-effective manufacturing.
Rerouting material streams in the additive manufacturing values chain
Schematic diagram of VIGA atomization unit at Swerim AB.
The project addresses the sustainability challenge in additive manufacturing by recycling degraded 316L stainless steel powder and scrap from the printing process. Using innovative re-melting and gas atomization methods, new powder with low oxygen content and good processability was produced. This circular approach reduces material waste and reliance on virgin resources, supporting both environmental and economic goals in metal AM.
Sustainable Production powered by Industrial Digitalisation
The MITC smart production testbed provide opportunities for research, industry training and academic education and training. This testbed contains an automated production line, communicationg through various protocols with support systems, sensors, AR goggles, and an autonomous robot.
With its research in the intersection of manufacturing, sustainability and digital technologies, MDU’s mission is to address major societal and industrial challenges such as environmental sustainability, resource efficiency and economic competitiveness. By leveraging digital tools such as AI, 5G and digital twins, the research supports manufacturing industry in making production more efficient but also user and climate friendly - creating smart, sustainable jobs for the future.
Visibility in Production Logistics and Supply Chains
Image source: ”Visibility in Manufacturing Supply Chains: Conceptualisation, Realisation and Implications”, Doctoral thesis KTH 2025 by Ravi Kalaiarasan.
Swedish manufacturing industry is very internationally linked and rarely have visibility in production logistics and supply chains been so in demand as the recent years. The KTH XPRES team have over a number of projects worked with manufacturing companies, technology providers, standardization organizations and various supply chain actors in determining conditions for logistics visibility as well as demonstrating and testing solutions, now being implemented in industry.
