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The MaintainChain research project has officially got underway ā with a slight delay, but with all the more focus to make up for it. The second on-site meeting, held on 14 January 2026 at NSH TECHNOLOGY GmbH, focused on the joint project roadmap, technical details and the next steps in implementation.
MaintainChain aims to usher in a new digital era for the maintenance of machine tools. The project is developing an augmented reality-based remote maintenance solution that provides visual support to maintenance teams directly at the machine and enables experts to offer real-time guidance. The system is complemented by tamper-proof documentation, implemented using blockchain technology based on the previous safe-UR-chain project. An AI-based tracking module is also designed to automatically recognise which work steps are being carried out and record them efficiently. This creates a comprehensive package intended to make maintenance processes more traceable, secure and of a higher quality.
The project brings together strong research partners from academia and industry. Participants include Fraunhofer IWU, the Blockchain Competence Centre Mittweida (BCCM), NSH TECHNOLOGY GmbH and the Saxony Mechanical Engineering Innovation Network (VEMASinnovativ).
The project leader at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences is Professor Philipp Klimant, holder of the Chair of Virtual Technologies in the CB Faculty. Mittweida University of Applied Sciencesā responsibilities within the project include developing the core remote AR application and the blockchain documentation module, as well as integrating the individual components from all project teams into a complete end product.
āThe focus is on bringing greater transparency and legal certainty to maintenance processes whilst simultaneously strengthening digital connectivity in production. MaintainChain is designed to support companies in making maintenance more efficient, reliable and future-oriented,ā says Philipp Klimant.
The project will run until 30 September 2026 and is funded by the BMFTR as part of the WIR! Allianceās Mittweida Blockchain Showcase Region.
