PROOFER — deeP leaRning mOdels fOr FootwEaR

PROOFER (deeP leaRning mOdels fOr FootwEaR) is an innovation experiment selected under the European programme DIH-World – 2nd Open Call, supporting advanced digital transformation initiatives for manufacturing SMEs.ì

Obiettivo

The project develops an automated and fully digitalised quality control system for the footwear industry, integrating high-resolution X-ray imaging with deep learning–based computer vision. In collaboration with Brustia-Alfameccanica, the solution upgrades the MM700 inspection machine to automatically detect production defects, ensure product consistency, and enable continuous system improvement through data collection and model re-training.

Building on an existing Proof of Concept (TRL 6), PROOFER aims to achieve industrial-grade readiness (TRL 8) through full integration within real production lines, enabling real-time defect detection and increased manufacturing reliability.

By introducing AI-driven quality control into a traditionally manual sector, the project enhances efficiency, product quality, and competitiveness across the footwear value chain.

Partner di progetto

• Brustia-Alfameccanica (SME beneficiary, Coordinator)
• ComoNExT (Digital Innovation Hub, partner)
• YK Robotics (Technology provider, Subcontractor)

Attività di NExT

ComoNExT participated in PROOFER as Digital Innovation Hub (DIH), providing technical, operational, and strategic support throughout the experiment.

It led overall project management, including coordination, risk management, administrative and financial supervision, and oversight of the technical implementation in collaboration with Brustia and YK Robotics, ensuring alignment with the DIH-World framework and project milestones.

ComoNExT also supported the transition from Proof of Concept (TRL 6) to an industrial-ready solution (TRL 8), leading dissemination and exploitation activities, including the Business Plan definition, IPR supervision, and stakeholder engagement.

Through PROOFER, ComoNExT strengthened its role in enabling AI adoption and technology transfer within traditional manufacturing SMEs.

A chi si rivolge

• Footwear manufacturers and industrial clients of Brustia (end users of the AI-based inspection system).
• Quality control operators involved in deployment and validation.

Staff ComoNExT coinvolto

• 1 Technical PM
• 1 Operational/administrative support profile
• 1 Dissemination & Exploitation profile

Aziende della community coinvolte

• Brustia-Alfameccanica (SME beneficiary)
• YK Robotics (technology provider - subcontractor).

Stakeholder coinvolti

Involved Stakeholders Footwear manufacturers (including one selected customer for on-field testing), sector associations (e.g. Confindustria Moda, Assocalzaturifici, Assomac), and the DIH-World European network