The Eurecat technology centre has developed an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) system for the industrial packaging process in partnership with Controlpack. The system tracks material use in real time, enables predictive machine maintenance and optimises the energy efficiency of the process, thereby helping to ramp up sustainability and productivity in the industry.
This solution, which Eurecat showcased at Advanced Factories, gathers various data and parameters through sensors and analyses them using artificial intelligence technologies for end-to-end operations monitoring.
Eurecat and Controlpack have also implemented a 3D scanning system featuring augmented and virtual reality for configuring and displaying packaging product lines which improves communication between technical and sales teams, streamlines decision-making and optimises efficiency in project planning and sales activities.
To roll out the projects “we have set up a dynamic internal team with Eurecat which has given us access to technologies such as the IoT and Industry 4.0 that have been crucial in implementing these solutions,” says Sàber Chelli, head of Controlpack’s R&D department, who points out that the technology centre “is no longer just a supplier but has become a trusted partner.”
“The standout tools put into service draw on digitalisation and connectivity in industry to help increase operational efficiency, adapt and optimise processes and enhance sustainability and competitiveness,” adds Eva Fité, Eurecat’s Head of Manufacturing Business Development.
“Industry 4.0 coupled with innovation, technology hybridisation and advanced manufacturing brings a great opportunity to expand Europe’s industrial competitiveness,” notes Xavier Plantà, Director of Industrial Technologies at Eurecat.
Artificial intelligence for production optimisation
“Harnessing artificial intelligence in industrial processes makes it easier to automate and optimise production and management areas and unlocks data-driven decision-making, event prediction, business adaptability, operational efficiency, cost reduction, quality improvement and increased sustainability,” points out Joan Guasch, Director of R&D&I Policy at Eurecat.
With this in mind, Eurecat displayed a touchscreen system at its booth which shows how workloads are redistributed on a production line based on changing needs by tapping a new algorithm developed by the technology centre’s researchers.
Watch the video of the solution developed by Eurecat and Controlpack here
