José M. Montalt (Eliwell Ibérica): AI will never replace the professionalism of installers in the field

"Artificial Intelligence can help us in control, prevention and efficiency, but it will never fix a bad installation or replace the professionalism of an installer in the field," says the head of R&D and new projects at Eliwell Ibérica, giving the entire sector a clear and realistic view of the true scope of AI applied to industrial and commercial refrigeration. 

Eliwell Ibérica participates in C&R 2025, 18-20 November at IFEMA MADRID.

"Artificial intelligence can help us in control, prevention and efficiency, but it will never fix a bad installation or replace the professionalism of an installer in the field". This reflection was one of the key points of Montalt's intervention during a recent technical conference organised by the Association of Refrigeration Companies and their Technologies (AEFYT). His presentation, one of the most commented and valued for its originality and technical rigour, made it clear that artificial intelligence is not just a passing trend, but a transformative tool as long as it is integrated correctly and with common sense.

Montalt, under the title "Don’t be fooled. AI is not just ChatGPT", wanted to dismantle preconceived ideas and remind the audience that the potential of artificial intelligence in the sector goes back a long way: "We have been applying predictive modelling and pattern analysis in automation and advanced data management for years," he explained, highlighting Eliwell's strong commitment to this field.

New business unit

In this sense, Eliwell Ibérica is firmly on the path of digitalisation, sensorisation and intelligent data analysis, thanks to the creation of a new business unit, led by Isidro Villarroya. In addition, the company actively collaborates with universities and research centres, promoting the development of solutions capable of anticipating regulatory and technical change in the sector.

Montalt concluded his speech by stating that "AI is an ally for remote monitoring, predictive maintenance and efficient energy management, but at Eliwell we are clear that the value of technical expertise will remain essential for the success of any project". With its intervention, Eliwell Ibérica consolidates its position as a benchmark in innovation and technological development at the service of a sector in constant evolution.