The Somorrostro Center of Excellence in AI and Big Data launches three new projects that will revolutionize data management in our environment.
The Somorrostro Training Center continues to make steady progress in the development of its Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, a space for technological innovation that places the center among the 66 centers of excellence in vocational training recognized by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training throughout Spain.
This academic year marks the start of phase 3 of the program, with three new proposals submitted to the MEC that consolidate the center’s commitment to artificial intelligence applied to education, business, and industry. The team leading this ambitious project is made up of professors Mikel Díez, Jon Ander Maiz, and Paola Álvarez, and will have access to the “Cluster” or high-performance server acquired last year, a powerful technological infrastructure that is unique in Spanish vocational training.
“This cluster allows us to process enormous amounts of data at extremely high speeds, just like a large company would, but with the advantage of having it here, at the service of learning and collaboration with our environment,” Jon Ander Maiz points out.
Project 1: AI for the smart management of the El Campillo industrial park
The first project is being developed in collaboration with Behargintza de Zona Minera and seeks to apply artificial intelligence to the management of the El Campillo industrial park (Abanto). Sensors installed in the park record data on electricity consumption, traffic, lighting, and water flow. All this information will be integrated into an analysis and prediction platform that will make it possible to anticipate needs, optimize resources, and detect possible incidents.
In addition, this initiative opens up a unique educational opportunity: students will be able to work with real data to solve technical challenges and propose solutions applicable to the industrial world. “We normally work with data downloaded from the internet. Now we will be able to do so with authentic information from the environment,” explains Jon Ander.
Project 2: Modular platform for managing educational centers
The second line of work seeks to optimize internal processes in educational centers through artificial intelligence. The idea stems from the observation that many procedures—enrollment, documentation, administrative tasks—are constantly repeated.
The goal is to create a modular platform, exportable to other centers or even companies, that allows tasks to be automated and future needs to be predicted, such as enrollment volume based on trends or academic guidance data.
This project also includes a line of research on school failure and predictive analytics, led by Paola Álvarez in collaboration with Mondragon University.
Project 3: “Neurofactory 4.0,” a connected smart factory
The third project, called “Neurofactory 4.0”, falls within the realm of disruptive technologies. Its goal is to create a miniature smart factory, where all machines are connected to a central brain capable of coordinating both production and administrative management.
To this end, robotic arms, a mobile robot, and new 3D printers will be incorporated, creating an automated manufacturing environment where AI will analyze data in real time and adjust production according to needs.
The power of the “Cluster”: innovation, privacy, and business collaboration
The Somorrostro computing cluster, valued at over €200,000, allows complex analyses and simulations to be carried out locally, without relying on external cloud storage services. This guarantees greater privacy, security, and technological autonomy.
Its capacity makes Somorrostro a strategic partner for companies that want to test advanced data analysis solutions before investing in their own infrastructure.
“Ingeteam is an example of real collaboration,” says the team, “and we want to continue expanding that network so that our knowledge can be used to benefit the development of the environment.”
A firm commitment to innovation and the future of vocational training
The three projects combine research, innovation, and knowledge transfer, representing a qualitative leap forward in training students in advanced digital skills.
Somorrostro is thus consolidating its position as a national benchmark in the integration of artificial intelligence and Big Data into vocational training, promoting technological talent and contributing to the progress of local industry.
“We continue to make rapid progress in making AI part of our daily lives, helping us to improve processes, anticipate problems, and build intelligent solutions,” summarizes Mikel Díez.
