Smart Refrigeration: this new AI technology reduces energy use, breakdowns, and food loss in supermarkets 

In response to the energy and food supply challenges currently facing European supermarkets, Amicool, developed by Digitel SA and CSEM, emerges as a revolutionary technology solution. Initially supported by CSEM's Digital Journey competition and now funded by Innosuisse, this project aims to optimize refrigeration systems, reducing breakdowns, energy use, and food waste. The prototype is currently being tested in Migros supermarkets. 

Tackling rising energy costs and food waste 

Supermarkets consume a huge amount of energy, with refrigeration accounting for up to 50% of their energy bills. System failures not only lead to energy overuse but also food waste. In Switzerland, for example, nearly 280,000 tons of food is wasted in shops each year​. Amicool directly addresses these issues by using Large Language Models (LLM) and artificial intelligence (AI) to predict refrigerator system behavior in real-time.  

Pierre-Jean Alet, Group Leader of Digital Energy at CSEM, explains: "With our patented method, we can automatically model equipment operation, even if they’re from different manufacturers, which is often the case in supermarkets. This allows us to quickly spot anomalies before they cause breakdowns and significant losses. This adaptable approach is a world-first, promising not only for energy management in supermarket chains but also potentially applicable in other sectors." 

A performance-focused prototype tested at Migros 

The Amicool prototype is currently being tested at Migros, one of Switzerland’s largest supermarket chains. This collaboration aims to measure the technology’s real-world impact on large-scale refrigeration management. Pierre-Jean Alet explains: "The adaptive technology of Amicool not only cuts energy use but also predicts breakdowns before they happen, avoiding costly interruptions." 

Additionally, Marc-Etienne Jan, CEO of Digitel, notes: "We estimate this solution could cut operational management costs of a refrigeration setup by at least 20%, including energy use, while extending its lifespan." For Migros, this technology represents a major opportunity in their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. By combining energy efficiency with breakdown reduction, Amicool could transform refrigeration management across their network. 

Nicolas Billard, Head of Energy Management at Migros Geneva, highlights: "This technology enables us to quickly identify and target operational anomalies in our commercial refrigeration systems. The tool will be a valuable aid for technicians, guiding their diagnostics. Besides the energy savings, maintenance gains are also possible through better preventive operations management. Migros' internal technicians can thus prioritize their time on high-value tasks" 

CSEM Digital Journey Award: A springboard for development 

Launched by its victory in the 2021 CSEM Digital Journey competition, Amicool has cleared several critical milestones thanks to this springboard, allowing Digitel SA and CSEM to refine their technology and test it in real conditions. Innosuisse’s support now addresses technical challenges and prepares Amicool for commercialization across all major European supermarket chains. With Amicool, Digitel SA is undergoing a profound business model transformation, evolving from a refrigeration component supplier to a high-value service provider. This transition marks a decisive turning point for the company. 

Bahaa Roustom, VP of Marketing & Business Development at CSEM, states: "Amicool represents more than just a technological innovation; it serves as a model for SMEs in adopting and implementing artificial intelligence with the support of CSEM, unlocking new business opportunities."