As part of ongoing activities within the MODAPTO Horizon Europe project, representatives from the Lithuanian Innovation Center (LIC) and the Lithuanian Automotive Export Association (LAUGEA) participated in a study visit to FFT Produktionssysteme in Fulda, Germany, on October 15–16, 2025. Over the course of the two-day visit, the Lithuanian delegation attended company introductions, toured FFT’s robotic automation facilities, participated in a technical presentation of MODAPTO pilot developments, and engaged in Q&A sessions with engineering specialists. The program was designed to provide participants with a clear understanding of how leading German manufacturers integrate digital tools into their daily operations.
The primary objective was to examine a pilot digital-twin-based system created under the MODAPTO project. This system monitors the performance of industrial robots in real time, providing precise data on energy consumption, operating parameters, and CO₂ emissions. The visit allowed participants to evaluate how such technologies can be applied to optimise production processes in their own companies.
A total of seven representatives participated in the visit, including Lithuanian Innovation Center project managers Linas Eriksonas and Sigitas Besigirskas, along with representatives from 5 LAUGEA member companies: AMB Oil, AutoEdu, DDF, Baltic Nano Technologies, and Fin Glass, visited the engineering company FFT Produktionssysteme
The LAUGEA delegation was composed primarily of C level executives, which included; production managers, technical engineers, and innovation specialists, representing a wide range of segments within Lithuania’s automotive and engineering ecosystem. Their combined expertise ensured that discussions during the visit addressed strategic, operational, and technological aspects of modern manufacturing.
Reactions and comments from the participants on study visit
Participants were particularly impressed by FFT’s use of digital twins to increase transparency in robotic operations. The ability to track CO₂ emissions and energy use in real time was highlighted as a major benefit, aligning with EU sustainability targets and growing customer expectations.
The hands-on experience with the pilot system provided new insights into automation, process optimisation, and potential applications within participants’ own companies. Many expressed interest in receiving additional technical documentation, gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying data models and integration requirements, and exploring opportunities for pilot deployments in Lithuanian manufacturing environments.
Delegates also highlighted the value of seeing the pilot system in action. One participant noted that the robot ensures correct application points to avoid mistakes and provide objective results. Others observed that experiencing the system firsthand helped them understand how it works and how it could be applied in their own production lines. Another key insight was gaining a general understanding of collocation automation, retrofitting future technology, and identifying where to start production.
Overall, feedback reflected high satisfaction with the visit, emphasising both the practical value of observing advanced manufacturing systems firsthand and the potential for applying MODAPTO technologies to enhance production flexibility and competitiveness.