It seems that this priority actually covers different sub-themes, which could lead to an important oversubscription in a call. It would be relevant to differentiate those sub-themes, by creating separate topics or at least sub-topics receiving a dedicated part of the topics’ budget (as in 22-TT-02).
Zero-defect should be one of those. Zero-x should be clearly defined and clearly encompass zero-defect. Especially as zero-defect interests a large part of the manufacturing community, and yet it is not mentioned as such in the rest of the priorities, as the other prioritiy mentioning it refers only to remanufacturing cases (The next level of circular economy through scalable, highly productive and zero-defect re-manufacturing technologies). This would also allow to decorrelate it from automation. Permitting to address it through automation but also through other technologies (IoT, datamining, instrumentation for real time control of processes, …).
Need to specify the definition of discrete manufacturing. Does it differentiate sectors or production modes: e.g. metallurgy can be continuous, but can also produce individual parts. It should be clear for those type of industries whether they are concerned or not.
Besides, it seems that in that field, technologies are quite mature today. Thus a high TRL level (starting 6-7) for the AI would be adapted. Other funds than Horizon Europe can support the uptake of existing solutions.
It would be relevant to develop simulation models/tools to help with decision-making / manage trade-offs in real time between: cost, supply availability, proximity, green, etc.