REMAIN

The REMAIN Project, part of the Interreg Sudoe programme and co-financed by the Euro pean Regional Development Fund (ERDF), addresses the technological gap in traditional manufacturing sectors—particularly footwear, textiles, and furniture—by introducing advanced, cost-effective remanufacturing solutions. These sectors, heavily composed of SMEs, often struggle to adopt new technologies due to high implementation costs. REMAIN tackles this by developing a robotic system capable of disassembling and preparing used products for reintegration into production lines. The project also focuses on designing products with easier repair and recyclability in mind. As part of this, a comprehensive eco-design guide is being developed to help companies improve circularity and reduce waste. This guide will include practical steps for integrating remanufacturing into business models, thus contributing to sustainability goals and regulatory compliance within the EU Green Deal framework. Key innovations include a damage detection system using RGB vision and tactile sensors, as well as HW/SW platforms for robotic perception and automation. These will be tested in pilot actions, primarily within the footwear industry. A dedicated Digital Toolkit will support decision-making and strategic planning for companies looking to adopt these practices. AIDA CCI also supports knowledge dissemination through events like the industry seminar held in Aveiro, where project partners shared methodologies and preliminary market research insights. These initiatives help raise awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of remanufacturing.