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Project name: Regions and (E)DIHs alliance for AI-at-the-Edge adoption by European Industry 5.0 Manufacturing SMEs
Duration: January 2023 / Dicember 2025
EU Contribution: Euro 7.462.614
Call: HORIZON-CL4-2022-TWIN-TRANSITION-01
Topic: HORIZON-CL4-2022-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-06
Internal contacts
Isabella Smeraldi – isabella.smeraldi@afil.it
Website
AI REDGIO 5.0
Project objectives
AI REDGIO 5.0 aims to accelerate the digital transformation of manufacturing SMEs towards Industry 5.0 by introducing AI-at-the-Edge solutions, bringing Artificial Intelligence directly onto machinery to enhance productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness. AI REDGIO 5.0 builds on the results of the AI REGIO project and leverages partnerships established through the ICT Innovation for Manufacturing SMEs (I4MS) and the Vanguard Initiative, fostering collaboration among regions, European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), and SMEs.
Within the project, which concluded at the end of 2025, a total of 41 experiments were conducted across Didactic Factories and SMEs. In Didactic Factories, AI tools were tested and refined in real industrial environments, considering ethical, regulatory, and human-centric aspects. SME-driven experiments demonstrated the ability of AI to improve operational speed, quality control, and flexibility, while reducing energy consumption and waste. AI REDGIO 5.0 develops a system to assess SMEs’ digital maturity, along with a conceptual framework and reference architecture for applications and experiments. It also delivers integrated edge-to-cloud continuum data and computational space, ensuring interoperability with the broader European AI ecosystem. Furthermore, the project analyses the new skills required for the workforce, identifying and selecting high-quality training opportunities. The results are translated into go-to-market strategies, business plans, and scalability and replicability roadmaps. AI REDGIO 5.0 also consolidates a European network of EDIHs, Didactic Factories, and Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs) dedicated to manufacturing.
The role of AFIL
Within the project, the Cluster is responsible for scientific dissemination and communication activities aimed at informing and guiding manufacturing SMEs, EDIHs, and targeted development programmes. AFIL also supports the development of the AI REDGIO 5.0 network and the engagement of the regional ecosystem by organising joint initiatives with project partners.
Opportunities for AFIL Members
The AI REDGIO 5.0 experience represents a valuable opportunity to engage with the evolving landscape of digital transformation and innovation in manufacturing, benefiting from the resources and tools provided by the project. The network fostered by AI REDGIO 5.0 offers AFIL Members the opportunity to establish strategic relationships with EDIHs, companies, and research institutions, which can result in partnerships, knowledge exchange, and synergies. Two Open Calls constituted a valuable cascade funding opportunity for SME-driven experiments.