Why is Philips relevant to AIXPERT?
Within the AIXPERT project, Philips leads Use Case 2: Best of Both Human–AI Teaming Solutions in Production Processes. The use case focuses on deploying and validating AI agents in manufacturing environments to enhance human-AI collaboration, improve operational efficiency, and support workforce transformation. Particular attention is given to onboarding, upskilling, safety compliance, and trust in AI-assisted decision-making within complex industrial settings.
In UC2, Philips contributes by:
- Implementing and testing AI-assisted solutions in real manufacturing environments
- Enhancing collaboration between human operators and AI systems in production processes
- Supporting workforce onboarding, training, and upskilling through personalised AI guidance
- Evaluating operational efficiency, production quality, and user trust in AI-generated recommendations
- Ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements in industrial workflows
Meet the Team
Bio
Mr. Sloot specialises in production system architecture, manufacturing innovation, and mechanical design, with extensive experience in developing efficient and scalable manufacturing concepts within Philips. His expertise includes value stream mapping, design for automated assembly (DFMA), manufacturing system set-up, robotics integration, and production optimisation. He has contributed to the establishment of standardised manufacturing concept processes and has strong experience in scenario analysis, financial assessment, and LEAN methodologies. His professional interests also include energy transition, sustainable engineering, and continuous improvement approaches such as DfSS and Green Belt practices.
Bio
Mr. Koehorst is an experienced programme and project manager with over 20 years of expertise in manufacturing, supply chain operations, maintenance engineering, and industrial innovation. At Philips, he has held several leadership roles across supply chain management, logistics engineering, and public-private partnerships, contributing to the implementation of self-service business intelligence solutions, AGV systems, and MES platforms within complex production environments. His background combines operational excellence, digital transformation, and manufacturing optimisation, with strong expertise in maintenance management, strategic purchasing, and industrial system implementation. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively on process improvement, cross-functional coordination, and technology-driven innovation in industrial settings.
Bio
Mr. De Jong is an experienced Maintenance and Operations Manager with a strong background in industrial engineering, technical services, and high-precision manufacturing environments. Currently leading a maintenance organization at Philips Consumer Lifestyle, managing a multidisciplinary team of around 20 FTE across shift and day operations. Responsible for maintenance strategy, budget control, and capital expenditure projects, including equipment upgrades and end-of-life replacements.
He has an extensive expertise in lean manufacturing, TPM, safety, and continuous improvement within highly automated production settings. Proven track record in leading technical teams, optimizing complex machine parks, and ensuring high standards of quality, reliability, and operational performance.
Previously he held leadership roles in facility and service management, overseeing teams of technicians and coordinating maintenance operations and customer contracts in the built environment sector.