Project Purpose

Starting from the reality of the ceramic industry, which has already successfully digitized its processes within the framework of the Industry 4.0 model, START aims to research and validate technological solutions and operational models capable of guiding the digital transformation of an industrial company up to the scale of product implementation. This will provide valuable data for a continuous process of optimizing the product at an industrial scale. To achieve this, several actions will be implemented:

• Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency in the factory.

• Leveraging hyper-automation to achieve higher quality outputs and outcomes.

• Adopting eco-efficiency criteria guided by AI to meet the demand for more sustainable products.

• Using AI to optimize the use of energy and natural resources.

• Building an agile production environment that surpasses operational standardization.

• Leveraging production agility to provide customers with personalized products.

• Utilizing operational agility to enhance industrial organization resilience and competitiveness.

• Implementing robust cybersecurity systems.

• Optimizing ceramic products as "smart materials" to increase versatility and align with a "Design Thinking" approach.

• Employing an on-site monitoring system to optimize the behavior of building envelopes and improve indoor comfort for occupants. 

The digital transformation, transitioning from Industry 4.0 to the Intelligent Industry, will rely on digital technologies, integrating IoT, Big Data, and AI for analyzing and monitoring production processes, technical performance, and sustainability of the organization and its products.