Seco leverages IoT and AI to boost sustainable manufacturing

By Staff Report July 3, 2025 1:00 pm IST

Seco and AMRC partner to use machine data and IoT for smarter, greener manufacturing and lower carbon emissions.

Seco has announced a strategic partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West (AMRC) in Samlesbury, UK, aimed at helping manufacturers achieve faster, easier, and more sustainable operations. The collaboration focuses on using machine and facility data to address growing sustainability and regulatory demands.

A Seco spokesperson stated, “At Seco, our purpose is simple – together we make manufacturing fast, easy and sustainable.” As manufacturers work towards more sustainable practices, data linked to machines and their environment will be essential in meeting future legislative requirements and driving effective change.”

The project leverages Internet of Things (IoT) hardware and industrial protocols to create a unified, reliable source of machine and facility data. This will support precise environmental impact assessments and targeted efficiency improvements.

The initiative focuses on three key areas:

• Machining process: Capturing detailed data on energy use, cutting fluids, and material consumption, with real-time conversion to cost and CO₂ impact.
• Machine environment: Monitoring temperature and humidity, which directly influence machine energy requirements.
• Facility level: Identifying plant-wide patterns that may drive unnecessary energy use and costs.

This data-driven approach helps manufacturers uncover inefficiencies, reduce CO₂ emissions, and cut operating costs. Seco is also developing AI-powered systems that will provide automated, real-time process optimisation balancing productivity, cost, and sustainability.

Through this collaboration, Seco and AMRC are committed to turning data into actionable insights that support the industry’s net-zero ambitions.