MAGICIAN Open Call 1 offers up to €200,000 for startups and SMEs to develop innovative solutions for autonomous defect detection and repair in manufacturing, enhancing MAGICIAN’s sensing and cleaning robots. Apply by May 2.
About the MAGICIAN Open Call
MAGICIAN is a Horizon Europe project dedicated to developing an automation solution where robots detect and rework production defects before final manufacturing stages. The project aims to enhance productivity, safety, and quality in industrial processes by leveraging collaborative robotics, AI, and human-centered design.
The first open call seeks proposals that will improve MAGICIAN’s defect detection algorithms, rework techniques, and AI modules for real-time optimization. The MAGICIAN Open Call 1 invites startups and SMEs to contribute innovative solutions for autonomous defect detection and repair in manufacturing. This initiative focuses on integrating new functionalities into MAGICIAN’s defect detection (SR) and defect reworking (CR) robotic systems.
Proposals should focus on either perception technologies (F1) (e.g., AI-driven defect detection, advanced sensors) or human-robot collaboration (F2) (e.g., intuitive interfaces, mobile robotic platforms). Of the five projects selected, three will be funded under the first set of functionalities (F1), and two under the second (F2). Specifically, funded projects must provide a solution to be integrated in the framework focusing on a single module between the ones described for F1 or F2, which are:
F1. PERCEPTION
- Sensors for defect detection: Integration of alternative non-invasive sensing technologies to improve defect identification accuracy.
- Polarized camera system: Enhancing robustness, compactness, and industrial adaptability of MAGICIAN’s polarized imaging system.
- Advanced defect removal: Developing new robotic end-effectors for improved defect reworking, including dent repair.
- Multi-modal annotation tools: AI-assisted frameworks for efficient annotation of visual and tactile defect data.
- AI-based defect detection: Machine learning and hybrid approaches for real-time defect classification and localization.
- Wearable tactile systems: Designing operator-friendly wearables to capture human expertise in defect detection.
F2. HUMAN-ROBOT COLLABORATION
- Human motion learning: Advanced AI techniques for modeling and transferring human skill-based defect correction.
- Augmented reality interfaces: AR-based interfaces for intuitive human-robot interaction in defect detection and rework.
- Voice-command system: Implementing a natural language interface for hands-free robot control in manufacturing tasks.
- Mobile robotic platforms: Developing mobile robotic systems to improve flexibility and adaptability in industrial settings.
Applicants need to ensure that their solution can fully integrate with MAGICIAN’s robotics, software, and operational setup while improving defect detection and repair processes. All funded projects must seamlessly integrate into MAGICIAN’s robotic platform, ensuring compatibility with:
- Robotic systems: Works with MAGICIAN’s Sensing Robot (SR) and Cleaning Robot (CR), based on Doosan H2515 robotic arms.
- Software environment: Must be compatible with Linux 22.04, ROS2 Humble, TensorFlow 2.18.0+, and Python 3.10+.
- Data & AI models: Solutions should align with MAGICIAN’s real-time processing and use available industrial datasets for AI training.
- Testing & validation: Selected projects will have access to MAGICIAN’s testing facilities and industrial platforms for fine-tuning.
Applicants can receive up to €200,000 in funding to develop AI-driven defect detection, collaborative robotics, and human-centered automation solutions.
The deadline for submissions is 2 May 2025.
Why Apply to MAGICIAN Open Call 1?
Through this open call, MAGICIAN provides:
- Financial support up to €200,000 per selected project.
- Collaboration with leading European research institutions and industrial partners.
- Access to MAGICIAN’s cutting-edge robotic platforms and datasets.
- Integration opportunities for AI-driven defect detection and rework solutions.
- Support in innovation management and business development
- Technical support with expertise on engineering integration with focus on:
- Testing and validation support
- Engagement in Cutting-Edge Technology
- Contribution to Industry Innovation
- Solving Real-World Challenges
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be SMEs or startups based in the EU or Horizon Europe Associated Countries (i.e., legally established entities meeting Horizon Europe SME criteria).
Proposals can be submitted by a single SME or startup (Single AS) or a consortium of two companies (Twin AS)
- Single AS: Suitable for companies that can independently integrate their solution into MAGICIAN without needing an additional partner.
- Twin AS: Recommended for projects where two companies bring complementary expertise and need to collaborate to develop a solution
How to Apply to MAGICIAN Open Call – Proposal Requirements
Applications must be submitted through the MAGICIAN submission portal. A complete proposal includes:
- A detailed technical description (max 15 pages) outlining the innovation, objectives, and implementation plan.
- A business case demonstrating the market potential and financial sustainability of the proposed solution.
- Necessary administrative declarations, including eligibility confirmations and compliance statements.
- Budget justification with cost breakdowns and funding requests.
- Supporting documents such as letters of support or prior research evidence (optional).
Applicants must ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline to be considered for evaluation.
Proposal Requirements for MAGICIAN Open Call
- Solutions must be at least TRL 5 (Technology Readiness Level) at the start and aim for TRL 8 by the project’s end.
- Consortia of 2 to 4 partners, including at least 1 technology & service provider and at least 1 end-user (i.e., actors from the rural-urban environments, such as Local & Regional Administrations, Civil Society, Cooperatives, Associations, NGOs, Local Action Groups, Chambers and other Trade representative organizations, etc.).
- Solutions must be applied in rural areas different from those covered by the 7 existing RUCLs areas: Prague (Czech Republic), Milos (Greece), Lower Austria (Austria), Kedainiai (Lithuania), Burgos (Spain), Lemgo (Germany), Trikala (Greece).
- Proposals should focus on one of the 6 pre-defined domains, but provide solutions that are different from the six RUEs being developed within the RURBANIVE project.
- Proposals must include a business model tailored to rural-urban sustainability, and should demonstrate scalability, feasibility, and societal impact.
- Budget up to 100K€ per project, with budget per partner between 20K€ and 60K€.
Evaluation and Selection Process for MAGICIAN Open Call
Proposals will be scored on a 1-5 scale based on:
- Concept & Feasibility (alignment with RURBANIVE goals, clarity, and methodology).
- Technology Readiness & Innovation (maturity, uniqueness, market alignment).
- Impact & Exploitation Plan (benefits to rural-urban communities, scalability).
- Team & Organisational Capacity (skills, experience, work plan, financial feasibility).
Additional Support Beyond Funding
Through this open call, MAGICIAN provides additional support beyond funding, including:
- Access to MAGICIAN’s robotic platforms for testing and validation.
- Collaboration with industry leaders and research institutions.
- Business development guidance and commercialization support.
- Innovation management support
- Technical support with expertise on engineering integration with focus on:
- Testing and validation support
- Engagement in Cutting-Edge Technology
- Contribution to Industry Innovation
- Solving Real-World Challenges
Involvement in Human-Centred Design
Final Thoughts on MAGICIAN Open Call
This open call presents a unique opportunity for startups and SMEs in the field of Ai and robotics to contribute to the future of smart manufacturing. By integrating AI and robotics into defect detection and repair processes, selected projects will help shape the next generation of industrial automation.
More Information
For complete details on MAGICIAN Open Call 1, including full application guidelines:
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