Enhancing Energy Efficiency in the Wood Furniture Sector Through Industry 4.0: Real-Time Implementation and Case Study

This article presents a real-time solution designed to improve energy efficiency in the wood furniture industry by leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies. The proposed system integrates intelligent sensors, augmented reality, and AI-driven energy management, utilizing artificial neural networks to monitor and optimize energy-intensive processes, particularly heating and drying. After identifying critical energy use points through site visits and thermal imaging, the system is implemented and tested in the SEREX machining workshop in Québec. The solution prioritizes thermal comfort, material quality, and energy efficiency through hierarchical control logic. Experimental results demonstrate an 86% reduction in propane consumption and a 128.05 kWh decrease in energy use, resulting in $14.85 in cost savings over a 3 h operational period compared to an unassisted operation. This reduction is achieved using a 250 000 Btu h⁻¹ Modine PDP250 heater in a 120 m² workshop under standard winter conditions in Québec. These findings validate the system's potential to enhance energy performance and reduce emissions in small and medium-sized enterprises. The framework provides a scalable pathway for sustainable energy management applicable across various wood manufacturing.