On July 24, the partners of the REMAIN project held an online follow-up meeting to assess the progress achieved in each working group and to define the priority actions to be taken in the coming months to advance the initiative.
The session, coordinated by Inescop – the project’s lead organization – began with a review of the overall status of the project, emphasizing the importance of local trials and replication in the global demonstrator, one of the key milestones of this initiative. The preparation of results to be presented at the SIMAC trade fair in its September 2026 edition was also addressed.
Throughout the meeting, particular attention was given to the development of a dataset designed to support the identification of product damage and its classification based on remanufacturing potential. To advance this objective, RGB-D and NIR vision systems have been integrated, emulating the meta-sensor currently under development, which will form the foundation of the artificial vision detection system. In parallel, work is underway on the creation of an appropriate dataset for next-generation tactile sensors, which will enhance accuracy in defect detection across products.
Progress in the control of manipulators, both single and dual robotic systems, was also analyzed. In this context, the development of new clamps designed to optimize the gripping and handling of products during manipulation processes was highlighted, contributing to greater efficiency and precision in automated operations.
Inescop also presented advances in the Eco-Design Guide, one of the project’s key outcomes. This tool seeks to integrate sustainability criteria from the design and production phases to the end of the product lifecycle, including the use stage. The aim of this document is to provide recommendations for extending the lifespan of footwear and other consumer goods, fostering an emotional connection with consumers, moving away from the fast-fashion model, and promoting more responsible practices within both the industry and among consumers.
The meeting concluded with presentations by FICE and AIDA CCI, which outlined the project’s dissemination and communication activities, underscoring the strategy developed to enhance its visibility and impact both socially and in the media. The social media actions were reviewed, aimed at showcasing REMAIN’s progress and outcomes, as well as the scientific publications intended to position the project as a benchmark for innovation and sustainability within the industrial sector.
Participation in congresses, conferences, and other industry events was also highlighted, as these are considered essential for strengthening the project’s network of contacts, generating synergies with other European initiatives, and disseminating achievements to experts and stakeholders.
Project Partners
REMAIN is led by Inescop – Footwear Technology Centre, with the participation of the Universities of Zaragoza, Alicante, Coimbra, and Clermont Auvergne INP; the Spanish Federation of Footwear Industries (FICE); French company SMA-RTY; Spanish company Automática y Control Numérico S.L.; AIDA CCI; and the social association Proyecto Lázaro as a collaborating entity.