Factories of the Future Awards

We reward the work and excellence in the manufacturing industry

The Factories of the Future Awards are designed to recognize the work, leadership and transformation of those companies that invest in innovation in the industry automation and digitalization, being Awards mission to foster and promote such innovation to be implemented on the areas of business model, new products, equipment, communication management, operational processes, marketing or customer experience.

A. Leadership in industrial companies' transformation towards his digitization

The award is given to industrial companies that have carried out a digital transformation, incorporating 4.0 technologies in their operations or management areas. The project submitted must be implemented by the closing date for applications. The impact on production efficiency, sustainability and talent attraction will be assessed. It is necessary to include in the application the technical details of the implemented solutions.

Henkel, a global leader in the manufacturing of adhesives and consumer products, has transformed its facilities into Smart Factories powered by Integra, ushering in a new era of advanced monitoring, which also includes its own communication network for improved connectivity and manufacturing efficiency.

GLP’s “Control Tower” is a flagship program in Repsol’s second digital wave, aimed at transforming GLP’s value chain and achieving operational excellence by providing a cross-sectional view that enables access to relevant information, optimal decision integration, and proactive control against unforeseen events.

At Almirall Industrial Area, four years ago, a great industrial team began to be formed capable of leading digital transformation. Multidisciplinary, cohesive, and professional to generate and manage the evolution towards the pharmaceutical industry of the future

B. Best Industrial Equipment or System for the Factory of the Future

Recognition for supplier solutions that enable the implementation of advanced machinery, innovative digital systems or automation as a key element for the competitiveness of customer companies. It will be a prerequisite that the products or services have already been implemented in at least two companies by the closing date for applications, indicating the competitive advantages that this has brought them.

GHI Smart Furnaces has developed the “Automatic Loading Point” to enhance efficiency in aluminum recycling, utilizing advanced technologies and Machine Learning to optimize furnace loading. This system decouples operator decisions, standardizes the process, and reduces cycle times.

Robotic 3D printing enables the manufacturing of parts with extraordinarily complex geometries due to its more flexible, versatile, and sustainable features compared to conventional production models. Nagami has established itself as a pioneering 3D printing company in sustainability for the architecture and design sector.

Meltio’s unique metal 3D printing technology is revolutionizing the way metal parts are manufactured and repaired in automotive, aerospace, defense, and mining industries.

C. Most disruptive startup in the industrial sector

We reward start-ups or entrepreneurial projects with a track record of less than 4 years, with a value proposition in the field of industrial and manufacturing technologies. The award is given to both technology providers and users in the industrial sector.

Grasshopper Air Mobility is revolutionizing logistics with its autonomous supply chain solution. Using innovative electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) technology and autonomous capabilities, it minimizes environmental footprint and redefines cargo transportation, aiming for a more integrated and efficient logistic model.

THEKER Robotics provides advanced robotic solutions for waste sorting and food processing, powered by Deep Learning and computer vision. Their “Robot as a Service” model and module reuse make robotic technology accessible, eliminating investment barriers.

Beyond Reality AR is an innovative project born in the EUSS. Its focus lies in the creation of an augmented reality device and a user interface controlled by gestures, with the aim of introducing technological improvements in the industrial field.

D. Best research and development project

Category aimed at rewarding research and development projects in the fields of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and industrial production processes. Projects that visualise the transformative impact through the use of machine learning technologies in transversal applications such as computer vision, maintenance, virtual assistants, contactless solutions and/or their combination with automation or process robotisation solutions will be judged. The scale of the project includes industrial deployments, pilots and proofs of concept. The start date and end date of the project must be mentioned in the application, but it is not essential that the project has been completed.

The Real-Time Visual Servoing system, powered by AI, is a robotic application for dynamic object tracking. Operating at 30 frames per second, it allows the robot to accurately and swiftly track moving objects, ensuring adaptability, efficiency, and flexibility for various object tracking applications.

ITI develops a collaborative and immersive 3D environment that optimizes the industry through advanced technologies, merging the physical and digital realms. This environment simulates optimized production in a digital twin, such as a skateboard manufacturing plant, allowing users to analyze decisions in 3D to enhance efficiency and operability.

SMARTSTOCK DUOMO 2.0 is a real-time stock monitoring device and an automated logistics platform aimed at enhancing inventory control efficiency and order preparation. It drives learning in warehouse automation and inventory sensor development using electronic printing and screen printing technologies, expanding the sensor’s applicability in various environments.

E. Award for Excellence in sustainability, industrial eco-development and circular economy

This category is aligned with the UN SDGs and recognises the best projects in the field of industrial sustainability. Initiatives and solutions that promote the development of more efficient and sustainable processes, product life cycle optimisation, recyclability and reusability of products or waste are eligible for submission. Solutions that favour decarbonisation, reduction of the carbon footprint of the final product and its production process may be presented. The impact obtained will be positively assessed.

Proposals must be submitted by 29 February at 23.59h

SEAQUAL INITIATIVE is a unique collaborative community dedicated to combating plastic pollution. It collaborates with NGOs, cleaning programs, local communities, authorities, and activists to clean beaches, seas, and rivers, giving new life to collected waste in the form of a sustainable and 100% recycled textile solution.

Cepsa introduces the world’s first industrial deployment of purger monitoring with NB-IoT technology, driving a shift towards an operation and maintenance model focused on efficiency, energy cost savings, and sustainability. This solution aids in anticipating, detecting, and reducing leaks, promoting a transformation in our work practices.

García-Carrion, a leader in sustainability and innovation, implements eco-design by reducing weight in bottles and introducing aluminum-free aseptic brick packaging. It promotes circularity with recycled PET bottles, reducing carbon footprint and fostering responsible business practices.

FINALISTS & WINNERS 2023