IndesIA is an association of industrial companies, created for the purpose of encouraging and supporting the use of artificial intelligence in industry. The purpose of IndesIA is to drive the data and artificial intelligence economy, with the main objective of acting as drivers of the adoption of these technologies by SMEs.

IndesIA is made up of more than 50 organisations. They collaborate to position Spain as a benchmark in the use of AI in the industrial realm, and to drive the development of a new economy that generates economic growth, competitiveness and enhances sustainability. In this regard, the collaboration between IndesIA and Elewit is framed within this objective. Nuria Ávalos, managing director of IndesIA, gave us a detailed explanation of the importance of this type of collaboration for industrial companies.

• 1. How would you describe the role that companies like Elewit play in the innovative ecosystem?

Companies with a clear focus on innovation that has been extracting value from data and from AI for years play a fundamental role in the industrial ecosystem by contributing their knowledge and experience to other companies with fewer resources, particularly SMEs, to drive the improvement of their processes and guide them in the use of technology.
These companies contribute new ideas, technologies and methodological approaches that can be applied to the rest of the industrial ecosystem. Therefore, their support helps to accelerate the modernisation and digitalisation of the business fabric as a whole.

On the other hand, they also serve as a benchmark for the modernisation of public administrations. Private companies tend to be more agile and flexible than the public sector in adopting new technologies and developing innovation, and ultimately in implementing changes. This is mainly due to being hindered by less bureaucracy and fewer processes. That is why they serve as a reference to help the public sector adapt more quickly to new trends and test new technologies.

• 2. The Datathon you organise was designed to respond to challenges faced by industrial companies with AI solutions. What types of challenges have been proposed at these events? What do the solutions found mean beyond the benefit for the companies themselves?.

We have encountered challenges of all kinds that sought solutions to problems such as the logistical optimisation of warehouses, the implementation of more effective delivery route models, and the optimisation of manufacturing processes. The diversity of these challenges and the solutions presented for each of them demonstrate the versatility of using AI, as well as its suitability to be applied across various types of activities.

Moreover, these solutions have not only resulted in improvements to processes that impact the company's own operations, but they have also provided benefits in terms of facilitating employees' work, improving safety at work, encouraging the work-life balance, and advancing sustainability and the energy transition, among others.

In fact, Elewit was a participant in the most recent edition of our 5th IndesIA Datathon, and won one of the semi-finals with its AI-based solution that anticipates behaviour regarding leakage currents of high-voltage insulators by understanding the evolution of meteorological conditions in the area. This very interesting project represents a step forward for the company in the use of artificial intelligence.

• 3. What type of projects are the partners developing?

Several innovative projects have been developed through collaboration between large companies. For example, over 90 use cases of AI have been identified in the industrial sector, enabling companies to implement proven solutions without the need for prior investment. In addition, two proprietary use cases: have been created: one for anomaly detection in industrial equipment and another, a field assistant named AlejandrIA, which uses generative AI to help operators resolve queries quickly.

On the other hand, Datathons are events that demonstrate the power of collaboration, where companies with experience in AI assist SMEs in finding analytical solutions. Studies and reports have also been conducted and forums and collaborative workshops held to promote knowledge exchange among partners, and the development of new initiatives.

• 4. How is the collaboration experience among large companies going?

We are very pleased because all these projects demonstrate the willingness of companies to collaborate proactively, highlighting their commitment to development and shared success. This attitude facilitates the implementation of innovative solutions and fosters stronger relationships among industrial companies. On the other hand, it is important to remember that large companies understand that having a more innovative and modern value chain greatly benefits them.

• 5. How do you expect business development with respect to AI to evolve by 2030?

We are certain that companies will increasingly adopt AI solutions not only to optimise processes but also to drive innovation and improve decision-making. Moreover, AI will enable humans and machines to work together in synergy, transforming value chains and significantly increasing productivity and adaptability in an ever-changing market.

Additionally, technology will allow the workforce to focus on higher-value tasks such as solving complex problems, innovating in products and services, and fostering strategic relationships. These activities require essential human skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and empathy, areas where AI will complement human work rather than replace it.

• 6. Can we believe in a more efficient and sustainable world thanks to AI predictions?

Yes, AI has great potential to enhance efficiency and sustainability, as companies will be able to track and optimise their operations with unprecedented accuracy. This will allow for proactive identification of areas for improvement, adjusting production, energy consumption, or logistics in real-time, resulting in cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint. 
For example, in the energy sector, AI can anticipate demand patterns and better manage energy supply, thereby reducing waste and emissions. By applying more accurate predictions, organisations can make better decisions that promote sustainability.

In general, artificial intelligence opens up a wide range of opportunities for all sectors; it is merely a matter of knowing how to leverage and channel them to implement them, regardless of the size of your company. And that is what we work on tirelessly at IndesIA: ensuring that AI reaches everyone to build a more competitive business fabric at the national level.