Illycaffé and Scolari Engineering have teamed up to launch an AI-powered coffee roasting plant in Trieste, Italy. The partnership benefits both companies by merging illycaffé’s coffee expertise with Scolari’s automation know-how. Technology advancements include AI-driven systems to roast beans precisely, aiming to enhance quality and cut waste. Scolari’s decades of experience in coffee automation give illycaffé tools to modernize production while keeping its signature flavors.
Illycaffé and Scolari Engineering’s AI-powered Trieste plant merges coffee expertise with automation, enhancing quality and cutting waste through precision roasting technology.
The plant uses AI to tweak roasting profiles based on bean type, air flow, and temperature. Sensors track every step, from raw beans to packaged coffee, letting workers spot issues fast. Over 1,000 machine faults can be detected automatically, reducing downtime. Remote experts can hop in via VPN to fix problems anywhere, keeping the plant running smoothly. Energy use and roast times are optimized for illycaffé’s Arabica beans, saving resources without sacrificing taste. The facility also integrates chimney heat recovery systems and high-efficiency burners capable of using up to 30% hydrogen, cutting fossil fuel consumption by 20% and reducing CO₂ emissions.
Automation handles tasks like grinding and maintenance schedules, giving staff more time to focus on quality checks. Workers get month-long training before the plant starts, learning software and troubleshooting. Scolari technicians stay onsite early on to solve problems in real time. Follow-up checks and online help guarantee teams master the new systems quickly.
Quality control gets an enhancement through traceable batches linked to roasting data. Cameras snap photos of key parts after maintenance, creating a visual record. Precision grinders keep coffee particles uniform for consistent flavor. Real-time monitoring flags deviations, letting operators adjust before quality slips. Manuals—both digital and printed—offer step-by-step guides for daily operations.
For Illycaffé, the plant cements its status as a premium coffee leader. AI-driven roasting protects its flavor profile while meeting global demand faster. This expansion aligns with illycaffé’s recent initiatives to serve luxury auto dealerships and premium hospitality sectors, building on partnerships like Reliant Coffee Services in the U.S. Energy-efficient processes align with sustainability goals. The Trieste facility also acts as a showcase for Italy’s tech-driven coffee future. By pairing tradition with automation, illycaffé aims to stay ahead in a competitive market.
