Mari4_YARD is an EU-funded Horizon 2020 project, aims to revolutionise shipbuilding through a dual technology and barrier-driven strategy. To enhance productivity and worker well-being, it focuses on developing worker-centric solutions, including 3D modelling, robotics, augmented reality, and exoskeletons. By fostering safe human-robot collaboration and prioritising intuitive machine operation, Mari4_YARD seeks to move beyond conventional shipbuilding. Even though it officially ended in November 2024, its work goes beyond the formal end.

It continues to address adoption barriers by disseminating information and providing practical training in Didactic Factories, bridging skills gaps and facilitating the transition to Industry 5.0 within the EU shipbuilding workforce.

The Didactic Factories Network serves as a vital EU-wide initiative to modernise shipbuilding through hands-on, real-scale training and technology demonstration. By providing open access to pilot lines and infrastructure, it facilitates workforce upskilling, technology testing, and collaborative innovation. This network allows for the validation of new methodologies in realistic shipyard scenarios, enabling companies to experiment and prototype before investing in full-scale implementation. Ultimately, it aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, fostering a user-centric approach and extending the benefits of shipbuilding innovation to broader industrial sectors.

HS4U and the Didactic Factories Network both emphasize the integration of IoT, robotics, automation, and AI-driven solutions into training, ensuring that stakeholders are prepared for the future of Industry 4.0. Both projects act as a bridge between academia, research institutions, and maritime industries, ensuring that technological advancements are effectively implemented and accessible to both current and future manufacturing professionals.

Mari4_Yard website: link

Didactic Factories Network website: link