AI SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IRELAND
AI can ‘recharge’ life sciences in Ireland
The role of AI in manufacturing has been overlooked. It is already powering smart factories and smart production lines, but also has other applications By Rhonda Doyle, Country President, Schneider Electric
I
reland is ripe for AI innovation at an industrial level, with the technology expected to add €250 billion to Ireland’s economy by 2035. None more so than in the life sciences manufacturing segment, where we’re seeing some interesting developments in AI, machine learning and automation. This is down to the fact that life sciences companies have embraced digitalisation that has provided the foundation for AI, industrial IoT and smart monitoring of facilities and equipment. Digital transformation represents a major step change in how industry and manufacturing operate, helping to drive measurable
SMARTER ENERGY USAGE IoT sensors combined with smart digital monitoring tools are playing a key role in this industrial digital transformation. Sensors applied to HVAC and electrical systems in factories, plants and buildings, linked to monitoring tools, provide real-time visibility on the health and performance of mission critical equipment. The data being produced is having a positive impact on manufacturing. It’s helping to extend the life of older equipment, promoting circularity and adding resilience. It’s also helping to regulate energy usage at a time when businesses are faced with high energy costs. The cheapest energy is the energy you don’t
use, and access to smart monitoring and data analysis tools is helping manufacturers to cut energy waste and costs. It’s providing them with them to divert energy to where it’s needed the most. It’s also helping them to determine how best to decarbonise operations. Decarbonisation, or organisation. One that is less dependent on fossil fuels, able to manage the energy transition and meet new energy demands.
ACHIEVING AI READINESS across our smart factories and distribution centres globally. Schneider Electric has reduced energy costs by between 10 per cent and 30 per cent and maintenance costs between 30 per cent and 50 per cent. We’re actively working with life sciences companies in Ireland to help them achieve similar gains.
This was brought home recently at an industry
event we held at Munster Technological University. We were joined by speakers from the SEAI and sciences manufacturing.
It became clear the segment is poised for ‘AI Readiness’ thanks to the wealth of data available to inform new AI models and intelligent systems. The data is being produced by the growing install base of smart monitoring tools across manufacturing sites. We also learned the data is facilitating a more intelligent approach to condition-based maintenance. AI-powered systems are helping manufacturers to move from time-based and use- based maintenance towards proactive maintenance. downtimes and better outcomes. AI modelling and digital twin technologies are also helping manufacturers to make sustainable investments that align with the needs of the business. The data-led approach is also helping
organisations transition to onsite energy, adding greater resilience to their operations, while also relieving pressure on the national grid. Integral to this is the roll out of a network of microgrids, self- contained sites that allow organisations to generate their own electricity using a mix of renewables. The digital grid of tomorrow will be much more intelligent, providing options like microgrids or private wires, a direct connection between an energy provider and the end user, which can lead
14 November/December 2025 Irish Manufacturing
Manufacturers can get up and running quickly by working with proven experts who understand AI’s smarter grid solutions.
CUTTING CARBON EMISSIONS contribute to lowering Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. And more immediate gains can be made Ireland’s industries are required to cut their direct emissions by 35 per cent by 2030. The big area of opportunity within this is carbon-neutral heating This will make it possible for industries to achieve a 70 per cent or 75 per cent share of carbon- neutral heating by 2030. Our research found that year, and while Ireland ranks lower than most when still has a good foundation to build on. AI is adding another layer of intelligence that is helping life sciences companies embrace sustainability. The real-time insights AI and smart monitoring tools deliver are helping to optimise energy, reduce carbon emissions and improve the reliability and performance of critical assets. This will prevent failures, reduce downtime and add resilience.
https://www.se.com/ie/en/
www.irish-manufacturing.com
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