EdgeWave: Partnering in Innovation with OPeraTIC

The OPeraTIC project is developing a state-of-the-art manufacturing platform that combines innovative ultrashort pulse laser technology with AI-powered control to make industrial 3D surface processing more efficient, precise, and sustainable.
These innovations aim to accelerate the adoption of ultra-short-pulsed laser technology in industrial applications. As one of 17 European partners, EdgeWave is contributing to the development of groundbreaking solutions for the laser manufacturing sector.

The Mission

OPeraTIC focuses on creating the essential technological building blocks for high-power (>200 W), ultra-short-pulsed (<30 ps) lasers, making them viable for industrial-scale 3D surface treatments. This will enhance various advantages, including:

  • improved quality
  • increased efficiency
  • reduced emissions (eliminating the need for harmful chemicals and waste)
  • greater flexibility
  • expanded functionality

The Vision

OPeraTIC aims to build a versatile platform suitable for numerous industrial applications, covering surface treatments of several square meters. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies in optics, mechatronics, control systems, and artificial intelligence, the platform will efficiently process freeform surfaces. These components will be seamlessly integrated into a single high-performance laser machine, setting new standards in productivity and capability.

Key Objectives

To realize its mission and vision, the OPeraTIC project has set four core objectives:

  1. Modular Laser System – Developing all necessary components to maximize the capabilities of high-power ultrafast lasers, ensuring their seamless operation within a plug-and-play machine architecture.
  2. Data-Driven Workflow – Enabling real-time information exchange within the system to support closed-loop control for optimized performance.
  3. Zero-Defect Manufacturing – Leveraging AI-driven real-time monitoring to minimize deviations and achieve precision even when working with complex components featuring dimensional variations.
  4. Industrial Validation – Demonstrating the technology’s effectiveness across four distinct and demanding industrial use cases, showcasing its advantages over alternative solutions.

Innovative Outcomes

OPeraTIC is set to deliver several groundbreaking advancements, including:

  • The development of advanced laser beam generation, transmission, and shaping technologies, such as a pulse amplifier, optical fiber, and an LCOS digital beam-shaping system.
  • The first-ever Industry 4.0 implementation of a laser micromachining system designed for large-scale applications.
  • A highly precise robotic manipulator with micron-scale accuracy, superior dexterity, and the ability to operate in large working areas.
  • A sophisticated control framework integrating real-time closed-loop responses with AI-driven long-term machine learning algorithms.
  • Demonstration of real-world applications, including enhanced optical effects for automotive interiors, anti-wetting surfaces in polymer materials, improved paintability in aerospace components, and extended durability in sheet metal stamping tools.

Horizon Europe

OperaTIC is funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme.