On February 26, 2026, IRS Srl participated in the event “Research and Business for Advanced Manufacturing” in Udine, a gathering dedicated to fostering dialogue among academia, businesses, and organizations engaged in developing new technologies for the future of manufacturing. The initiative, organizedby the University of Udine as part of the iNEST project —the Northeast Innovation Ecosystem—provided an important opportunity to share experiences, results, and perspectives related to the digital and sustainable transformation of industry.
During the event, IRS Srl presented the results of the SoftMod project, a research and innovation initiative focused on the development of smart sensors and technological solutions for Industry 5.0. The project stems from a collaboration between various industrial and research organizations with the goal of addressing some of the key challenges facing the manufacturing sector today: improving process efficiency, enhancing product quality, and facilitating a transition toward more sustainable and digitized industrial models.
Participating in an event dedicated to Advanced Manufacturing represents a particularly significant opportunity for IRS Srl. The evolution of manufacturing, in fact, requires ever-closer collaboration between companies, universities, and research centers. The technologies needed to address the industrial challenges of the future cannot be developed through isolated expertise alone, but require the sharing of knowledge and the integration of experiences from different fields.
In this context, the SoftMod project is part of an initiative aimed at developing solutions that improve the way production processes are monitored and managed. Smart sensors are one of the key elements of this transformation. The ability to collect data directly from processes and machinery allows for a deeper understanding of operating conditions, the identification of any anomalies, and supports faster, more informed decision-making.
Traditional sensors have always played an essential role in industrial automation, but the shift toward intelligent systems makes it possible to significantly expand their capabilities. The integration of sensors, data acquisition systems, and digital technologies makes it possible to transform the collected information into a strategic resource for the company. The data can be used to analyze machine performance, optimize process parameters, and identify conditions that could affect production quality or efficiency.
The SoftMod project brought together IRS Srl and leading industrial partners such as the Electrolux Group and the Danieli Group, creating a collaborative environment in which diverse areas of expertise could converge toward common goals. The involvement of organizations with extensive experience in their respective sectors made it possible to address manufacturing needs from a practical perspective, focused on developing technologies applicable to real-world industrial settings.
One of the most significant aspects of the project concerns the ability to apply the technologies developed to the monitoring and optimization of production processes. Greater data availability, in fact, allows for a better understanding of what is happening within a production line or plant and enables more precise interventions. The goal is to shift from an approach based solely on managing consequences to a more predictive approach, in which the information gathered is used to anticipate potential issues and continuously improve performance.
This evolution is closely linked to the principlesof Industry 5.0, which expands the concept of digitization by introducing a vision that is more focused on collaboration between technology and people. While Industry 4.0 focused on the connection between machines, systems, and data, Industry 5.0 aims to build processes that are more resilient, sustainable, and human-centric. In this context, technology is not an end in itself, but a tool to support people and make industrial processes more efficient and responsible.
Smart sensors can make a tangible contribution to this goal. A system capable of continuously monitoring operating conditions allows for more efficient use of resources, reduces waste, and enables prompt action when abnormal situations arise. The availability of reliable data can also promote more informed management of energy and materials, contributing to environmental sustainability goals that are becoming increasingly important for manufacturing companies.
The SoftMod project is therefore part of a broader transformation currently taking place in the industrial sector. The combination of advanced sensor technology, automation, data analysis, and digital technologies opens up new possibilities for rethinking production processes and developing more flexible and adaptable systems. For companies, this means being able to navigate increasingly dynamic markets while maintaining high levels of quality and competitiveness.
The event in Udine also served as an important opportunity to highlight the role of applied research. Collaboration between universities and businesses makes it possible to transform scientific knowledge and findings into concrete solutions capable of addressing the specific needs of the business world. Initiatives like this foster the creation of new connections between research and industry and contribute to the growth of a strong and competitive innovation ecosystem.
For IRS Srl, participating in this initiative means continuing to invest in the development of technologies for test and measurement, automation, and the digitization of industrial processes. The experience gained through research projects such as SoftMod enables the company to expand its expertise and contribute to the development of increasingly advanced solutions for the manufacturing of the future.
Participation in the event “Research and Business for Advanced Manufacturing” was therefore an important opportunity to share the results achieved and exchange ideas with other key players in the field of innovation. IRS Srl would like to thankthe University of Udine, the iNEST project, and all the partners involved for their collaboration and the work they have done.
The path toward a smarter, more sustainable, and people-centered industry depends on the ability to turn research into tangible innovation. Through projects like SoftMod, IRS Srl continues to contribute to this evolution by developing technologies and expertise that can support businesses in their digital and green transitions and in building the next generation of manufacturing.
