CTHINGS.CO: Revolutionizing manufacturing operations with edge computing

The construction industry stands as a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for a staggering 40% of the total. With environmental concerns mounting, there's an urgent need for innovative solutions to curb CO2 emissions across the production chain.

In response to this pressing challenge, CTHINGS.CO partnered with Prefabbricati as part of the greenSME Open Call 1 project: Carbon Footprint Low, aiming to revolutionize industrial operations by integrating advanced technologies for real-time and remote conditional monitoring. This groundbreaking initiative not only aims to optimize processes but also to significantly reduce the use of high-emission materials like CEM1 cement. 

Challenges and Solutions: 

CEM1 cement, a staple in the prefabrication process, is notorious for its high CO2 emissions during production. To address this issue, the greenSME project focuses on implementing advanced technologies to transition to CEM2 cement, known for significantly lower emissions. Central to this solution is the integration of an end-to-end methodology of testing and analytics, facilitated by laboratory probes and specialized equipment. These tools will monitor crucial parameters of concrete structures in real-time, ensuring quality control and resilience verification throughout the production process. 

Advanced Technology Integration: 

Partnering with CTHINGS.CO brings cutting-edge technology to Prefabbricati's doorstep. The 5G edge computing system, equipped with IoT Gateways and hybrid-cloud platform, enables seamless connectivity, remote monitoring and secure data collection. Environmental sensors connected to prefabricated structures can provide invaluable insights, while machine learning algorithms can process and analyze data to inform decision-making. Cybersecurity measures, including zero-trust networking, safeguard sensitive information, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.  

Impact and Benefits: 

The potential impact of the greenSME project extends beyond environmental sustainability to encompass economic and competitive advantages. By reducing reliance on external testing facilities and manual checks, the project will contribute to reduction of production costs and enhanced efficiency. Moreover, by adopting more sustainable materials and practices, the Manufacturing SME can position themselves as leaders in environmentally conscious construction. This not only meets market demands for sustainability but also fosters a greener future for generations to come. 

 Conclusion: 

The ongoing greenSME project exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration and innovation in addressing pressing environmental challenges. By harnessing advanced technologies and reimagining traditional processes, Prefabbricati and CTHINGS.CO are paving the way for a more sustainable construction industry. As the project advances, its far-reaching effects are set to redefine standards, ignite transformation, and propel us towards a future where sustainability and profitability are connected in perfect harmony.  

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This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Grant Agreement 101058613. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.