Introduction to the special section on Innovative Production Machines and Systems (I*PROMS)
This article introduces the rationale for Networks of Excellence (NoEs) funded by the European Commission under its Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), outlines the scope and structure of the FP6 NoE on Innovative Production Machines and Systems (I*PROMS) and summarises I*PROMS's programme of activities. The article also briefly describes the I*PROMS management arrangements and assesses the positive impact the Network has made in its first 18 months of operation. Finally, the article discusses the papers featured in this Special Section on I*PROMS.
innovative production network of excellence intelligent manufacturing