"We are working on the integration of AI in the manufacturing and process sector"
Advancing the integration of AI in the manufacturing and process sector
TECNALIA is part of the European Circular TwAIn project, an initiative that seeks to unleash the sustainability potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in circular manufacturing chains. This project, funded by the Horizon Europe programme, has brought together some twenty entities between July 2022 and June 2025, and has enabled us to move forward in the integration of AI in the manufacturing and process sector.
Our colleagues, Asier Aguayo and Iñigo Sedano, have led key tasks, such as the definition of requirements, technical specifications, use cases and the selection of technology providers.
Furthermore, we have developed the TEC DATA SPACE LAB, an infrastructure that enables us to:
- connect to public, commercial and project-specific data spaces.
- exchange data with our customers and suppliers securely and reliably.
- support our customers in the creating or connecting to customised data spaces.
Our goal with Circular TwAIn is to reduce barriers to the adoption of reliable AI technologies in circular value chains, enabling end-to-end sustainability. This ranges from the eco-design of products to the optimum exploitation of production waste.
- During the project, we have worked on the development of a new AI platform that creates interoperable digital circular twins, optimising processes, such as the recycling of batteries and electrical and electronic equipment.
- These data capture, processing and handling solutions have enabled us to model manufacturing processes to achieve real and measurable optimisation.
Collaborative intelligence
Circular TwAIn has given us the opportunity to explore the potential of collaborative AI-based intelligence, which drives sustainable human-centred manufacturing and brings us closer to the principles of Industry 5.0.
By integrating data throughout the product life cycle, we have been able to take into account key sustainability aspects at each stage.
TECNALIA is committed to the digital transformation and sustainability of the sector in collaboration with key actors, such as the SPRRI Group, which promotes business R&D in the Basque Country through programmes like Elkartek, Emaitek and Hazitek.
