Sustainable innovation: Mashfrog Group transforms industrial plants with AI

On February 7, Mashfrog Group successfully submitted its application for Scoperta Imprenditoriale, an initiative of the National Research, Innovation, and Competitiveness Program 2021-27, dedicated to R&D projects in less developed regions. The high volume of applications led to the exhaustion of funds just hours after submissions opened, confirming the quality and interest generated by the proposal.

The initiative funds projects focused on industrial research and experimental development aimed at improving or creating new products, processes, or services through the development of key enabling technologies (KETs), in line with the thematic areas and development trajectories defined by the national smart specialization Strategy.

The project “AI for Environment and Sustainability of Production Plants"

Mashfrog has presented the project “AI for Environment and Sustainability of Production Plants”, which aims to develop a software platform, based on artificial intelligence, dedicated to the management, optimization, and environmental sustainability of industrial plants.

The solution collects and organizes data from plants of any age, creating an intuitive dashboard that integrates external information (such as weather forecasts and environmental measurements) to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview.

Key strengths of the project

Environmental sustainability is undoubtedly one of the main strengths of this project. The platform minimizes environmental impact and supports the achievement and maintenance of certifications such as LEED, ISO 50001, ISO 14001, and EMAS, promoting an ESG-driven management approach.

Another key strength is its advanced technology. By leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs), users can gain deeper insights from data and develop strategies to reduce costs and environmental impact. Additionally, by collecting and integrating data from both modern and legacy machinery, the platform enables modernization interventions based on both economic and environmental criteria.

Finally, autonomic systems and machine learning algorithms monitor the behavior of the industrial system, predict its performance and resource consumption, and ensure proactive adaptation to operational changes.

Territorial impact

The project, based in Sicily, aims to stimulate economic and technological development in less developed regions, in line with the provisions of the Ministerial Decree (D.M.). The platform enhances the efficiency and sustainability of local industrial plants, a crucial factor for sustainable economic growth. The choice of location is driven by the group’s presence on the island, with an office in Palermo and a team of young and dynamic professionals.

Collaboration with the University of Roma Tre

The project was developed in collaboration with the Big Data & Databases research group at the University of Roma Tre, a team dedicated to researching and developing new principles, methods, and tools for data management.

The members of the research group are highly active in both fundamental and industrial research, frequently participating in national and international projects and collaborating with other universities and international research centers.

"The AI4ESOPP project represents a significant advancement in the adoption of innovative technologies and AI for the sustainable management of industrial plants. By integrating heterogeneous data and advanced predictive models, the platform provides effective tools to enhance production efficiency and reduce environmental impact. I am convinced that this initiative fosters a responsible and eco-friendly transformation of the manufacturing sector."

(Prof. Paolo Merialdo, Full Professor at the University of Roma Tre)

Expected outcomes

The project developed by Mashfrog represents a significant advancement in research and technological development. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Digital Twin, and Large Language Models, it aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and promote sustainable industrial plant management. For these reasons, the expected outcomes are numerous and highly significant.

In particular, the project aims to achieve:

• Increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact in production plants.
• Optimization of operations through advanced data analysis.
• Innovative use of generative AI to support decision-making and sustainability certifications.
• Applicability and transferability of solutions across different industrial contexts.
• Dissemination of results within academia, industry, and the public through publications, conferences, and outreach materials.

"This project is a concrete example of how Mashfrog Group combines research and innovation with national strategic priorities. We focus on advanced technological solutions that can help businesses transition to a more efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive production model."

(Ing. Antonio Grillo, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer)