Position paper on realizing smart products: challenges for Semantic Web technologies

In the rapidly developing space of novel technologies that combine sensing and semantic technologies, research on smart products has the potential of establishing a research field in itself. In this paper, we synthesize existing work in this area in order to define and characterize smart products. We then reflect on a set of challenges that semantic technologies are likely to face in this domain. Finally, in order to initiate discussion in the workshop, we sketch an initial comparison of smart products and semantic sensor networks from the perspective of knowledge technologies

REVERTIA A Circular Economy Business Case

This report presents the results of the Revertia case study, selected in the framework of the R2PI project, among 17 other cases, because of its focus on an activity linked to priority areas of the Circular Economy, namely Plastics and Critical Raw Materials. The information contained in the report is based on the methodology designed within the framework of the R2PI project to understand the characteristics of the business model, evaluate its outcomes and identify the main barriers and enablers of the CEBM. Revertia is an authorised Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) manager that combines e-waste management services with a circular value proposal consisting in the preparation of IT equipment for reuse. The company responsibly manages an e-waste flow and, by applying secure reconditioning processes, is able to extend the service life of IT equipment that has been discarded. Refurbished equipment, with a 1-year warranty, are sold in second-hand markets or donated. The activity of preparation for reuse also involves the utilization, to the extent possible, of used and recycled components. In addition, the business model is based on efficient logistics, avoiding e-waste transportation when reconditioning is not an option. The value proposition is based on the provision of high added value services to corporate IT equipment users, who need to manage their WEEE responsibly. The value network is thus formed by the origin-customer that generates e-waste and the EEE manufacturers represented through collective schemes. Downstream there are the destination-customers of second-hand and donated products, as well as the WEEE recycling companies to which Revertia's own waste is destined. Revertia's business model is clearly influenced at the context level by the WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU and the Spanish RD 110/2015, which regulate the industry and set targets for reuse and recycling of WEEE. In addition, the market context given by the rapid technological change in the EEE sector, the collective schemes derived from the implementation of the EPR obligation, the maturity of the WEEE recycling industry, the existence of illegal scrap metal agents, and some socio-cultural aspects such as the lack of awareness of WEEE's environmental costs are factors that strongly affect Revertia's activity. The report also presents an assessment of the circularity of the business model. The model corresponds to the Re-make pattern among the CEBM defined in the R2PI project. Its circularity lies in extending the useful life of a product, also integrating used and recycled components as far as possible. Current circularity is limited, since it is not based on services added to this second-hand product, nor is the organisation further able to act on the products manufacture or end of life. Therefore, Revertia takes opportunity of a gap left by other players in the sector (EEE manufacturers). Therefore the business model is dependent on the generation of an e-waste flow as well as on sales of refurbished computers. With regards to the outcomes assessment, the main advantages of the business model are found in the non-financial aspects: reuse of IT equipment for the same use demonstrates clear environmental benefits compared to recycling. In addition, it also allows for greater local employment generation linked to the management and preparation for reuse activity. In the socio-economic area, second-hand products provide access to quality equipment at very affordable prices. The SWOT analysis shows that the main strengths are the long-lasting and stable relationships with the origin-customers, the know-how and expertise of Revertia. The weaknesses point to its dependence on the linear model, therefore, to being able to capture waste streams, in competition with the mature recycling industry. The opportunities lie in the Spanish regulatory framework, which sets targets for the reuse of WEEE, as well as a state of opinion more favourable to responsible and sustainable consumption; however, there are also clear threats to the model, such as the possible entry of more competitors and the lack of sensitivity of EEE manufacturers towards reuse. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that the Re-make CEBM is replicable and transferable, especially as long as the linear economic paradigm is dominant. However, there are a number of business and policy recommendations that may support greater circularity: first, specific agreements with EEE manufacturers to extend circularity from the conception of EEE products until its final disposal after multiple lifetimes; second, at the policy level, tighter regulation, with inspection and sanction systems, incentives for eco-design and product life extension activities, transparent information and monitoring systems, as well as education and training measures are neededThis project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 73037

Internet of Things Strategic Research Roadmap

Internet of Things (IoT) is an integrated part of Future Internet including existing and evolving Internet and network developments and could be conceptually defined as a dynamic global network infrastructure with self configuring capabilities based on standard and interoperable communication protocols where physical and virtual “things” have identities, physical attributes, and virtual personalities, use intelligent interfaces, and are seamlessly integrated into the information network

A Roadmap for Transforming Research to Invent the Batteries of the Future Designed within the European Large Scale Research Initiative BATTERY 2030+

This roadmap presents the transformational research ideas proposed by “BATTERY 2030+,” the European large-scale research initiative for future battery chemistries. A “chemistry-neutral” roadmap to advance battery research, particularly at low technology readiness levels, is outlined, with a time horizon of more than ten years. The roadmap is centered around six themes: 1) accelerated materials discovery platform, 2) battery interface genome, with the integration of smart functionalities such as 3) sensing and 4) self-healing processes. Beyond chemistry related aspects also include crosscutting research regarding 5) manufacturability and 6) recyclability. This roadmap should be seen as an enabling complement to the global battery roadmaps which focus on expected ultrahigh battery performance, especially for the future of transport. Batteries are used in many applications and are considered to be one technology necessary to reach the climate goals. Currently the market is dominated by lithium-ion batteries, which perform well, but despite new generations coming in the near future, they will soon approach their performance limits. Without major breakthroughs, battery performance and production requirements will not be sufficient to enable the building of a climate-neutral society. Through this “chemistry neutral” approach a generic toolbox transforming the way batteries are developed, designed and manufactured, will be created

A Lunar Surface System Supportability Technology Development Roadmap

This paper discusses the establishment of a Supportability Technology Development Roadmap as a guide for developing capabilities intended to allow NASA's Constellation program to enable a supportable, sustainable and affordable exploration of the Moon and Mars. Presented is a discussion of "supportability", in terms of space facility maintenance, repair and related logistics and a comparison of how lunar outpost supportability differs from the International Space Station. Supportability lessons learned from NASA and Department of Defense experience and their impact on a future lunar outpost is discussed. A supportability concept for future missions to the Moon and Mars that involves a transition from a highly logistics dependent to a logistically independent operation is discussed. Lunar outpost supportability capability needs are summarized and a supportability technology development strategy is established. The resulting Lunar Surface Systems Supportability Strategy defines general criteria that will be used to select technologies that will enable future flight crews to act effectively to respond to problems and exploit opportunities in a environment of extreme resource scarcity and isolation. This strategy also introduces the concept of exploiting flight hardware as a supportability resource. The technology roadmap involves development of three mutually supporting technology categories, Diagnostics Test & Verification, Maintenance & Repair, and Scavenging & Recycling. The technology roadmap establishes two distinct technology types, "Embedded" and "Process" technologies, with different implementation and thus different criteria and development approaches. The supportability technology roadmap addresses the technology readiness level, and estimated development schedule for technology groups that includes down-selection decision gates that correlate with the lunar program milestones. The resulting supportability technology roadmap is intended to develop a set of technologies with widest possible capability and utility with a minimum impact on crew time and training and remain within the time and cost constraints of the Constellation progra

Repairer\u27s recipe : volume 0

Why? Technology is accelerating; so is the amount of e-waste. Proliferating new purchases is a shortcut to economic gain, yet proliferation sacrifices social and ecological well being. Activating repair benefits systems— by decelerating the waste stream, and serving as a regenerative module for ethical material collection. Repair literacy encourages an individual’s engagement with materials while challenging corporations to acknowledge repair in the design process. Therefore, electronics users should have the opportunity to learn about repair before the need arises. A sustainable product ecosystem asks for the collaborative effort of public and private sectors and most importantly, the repair practices of individuals can lead this trajectory. How? Repairer\u27s Recipe is a repository that gathers research and proposals of the dynamic capabilities of repair and its role in the product ecosystem. You will find Aether, a Chrome plugin that assists consumers to factor in repair considerations during purchase. You will also find Learn Tech the Food Way, a visual series that brings much needed visibility to repair practices. By playfully analogizing the sophistication of a mobile phone structure to food preparation, thereby encouraging all electronics users to become repairers themselves. This book presents my research, interviews, testing, design, and proposals, in the forms of images, writings, diagrams, websites, and videos. You will follow me on the journey that investigates how products become waste through the lens of policies and business practices, with the continuous reintroduction of why repair should be an essential practice. This document is time-stamped in May 2020. If you wish to find updated information about this project, please visit repairersrecipe.com

A Lunar Surface System Supportability Technology Development Roadmap

This paper discusses the establishment of a Supportability Technology Development Roadmap as a guide for developing capabilities intended to allow NASA s Constellation program to enable a supportable, sustainable and affordable exploration of the Moon and Mars. Presented is a discussion of supportability, in terms of space facility maintenance, repair and related logistics and a comparison of how lunar outpost supportability differs from the International Space Station. Supportability lessons learned from NASA and Department of Defense experience and their impact on a future lunar outpost is discussed. A supportability concept for future missions to the Moon and Mars that involves a transition from a highly logistics dependent to a logistically independent operation is discussed. Lunar outpost supportability capability needs are summarized and a supportability technology development strategy is established. The resulting Lunar Surface Systems Supportability Strategy defines general criteria that will be used to select technologies that will enable future flight crews to act effectively to respond to problems and exploit opportunities in an environment of extreme resource scarcity and isolation. This strategy also introduces the concept of exploiting flight hardware as a supportability resource. The technology roadmap involves development of three mutually supporting technology categories, Diagnostics Test and Verification, Maintenance and Repair, and Scavenging and Recycling. The technology roadmap establishes two distinct technology types, "Embedded" and "Process" technologies, with different implementation and thus different criteria and development approaches. The supportability technology roadmap addresses the technology readiness level, and estimated development schedule for technology groups that includes down-selection decision gates that correlate with the lunar program milestones. The resulting supportability technology roadmap is intended to develop a set of technologies with widest possible capability and utility with a minimum impact on crew time and training and remain within the time and cost constraints of the Constellation program