French food giant Danone has launched a global training initiative to boost company adoption of artificial intelligence, automation, and smart technologies across its operations.
The ‘Danone Industry 5.0 Academy’ launched this month, and will be available to employees across the business, “putting cutting-edge technology directly in their hands”.
The initiative will foster “more collaboration between people and advanced technologies” such as AI, robotics, and smart devices, Danone said.
The academy will be based at Danone’s Nutricia Opole site in Poland, with training delivered both in-person and virtually, covering modules such as advanced automation, AI prompt engineering, and data-driven decision-making.
“The global manufacturing sector faces a significant shortfall of skilled workers. It’s a commercial imperative for us to train our existing talent base and empower them to be active participants in Industry 5.0,” said Vikram Agarwal, Danone’s chief operations officer. “Technologies like AI and robotics are already reshaping how we operate – but their true potential lies in the hands of our people.
“The Danone Industry 5.0 Academy is about how we bring that vision to life. It’s a key pillar of our Renew Danone strategy and will create long-term value for all our stakeholders.”
Agarwal added that the launch of the academy was “just the beginning”.
“We are also creating a new network of 10 pioneering factories to pilot disruptive models of the digital factory of the future,” he said. “Our ambition is to set new industry standards for human-machine collaboration, so we can better serve our customers, consumers and patients around the world.”
Danone said it was already using AI in several parts of its operation, including using generative AI assistants to analyse production line data to identify efficiencies, and reduce energy consumption; using smart sensors to detect vibrations and temperature changes to anticipate machine issues before they occur, eliminating routine checks and reducing costly downtime; using AI to optimise processes, such as spray drying in baby formula production; and the use of AI-powered ‘digital twin’ simulations that allow it to “test new recipes and production scenarios virtually”.
Danone has 90,000 employees – some 20,000 of them working in operations – and sells products in more than 120 markets. The company generated €27.4bn in sales in 2024 from its broad portfolio of products which includes Actimel, Activia, Alpro, Aptamil, Evian, Cow & Gate and Volvic.
The academy launch represented a “bold step forward in the company’s digital transformation” Danone said, and “underscores its commitment to investing in its people”.
No comments yet