In the dynamic silo industry, innovation and automation have brought about a real revolution in terms of efficiency and cost reduction for the customer. Steel silos are used in numerous industrial and agricultural industries and technology is increasingly present: a proliferation of sensors, automated loading systems, real-time monitoring… In a highly competitive and constantly evolving context, Prado Silos analyses the main innovations and technological trends that are transforming the silo sector and, in particular, the grain silo segment.
The grain silo sector has undergone significant technological modernisation (both in terms of product and manufacturing). In recent years, as well as a significant increase in R&D funding. Increasingly, new products and optimisation of silo manufacturing processes are driven by technological advances and the growing demand for efficient storage and handling solutions in the agricultural sector.
On several occasions we have commented in the blog of Prado Silos, that our sector plays a crucial role in the conservation and protection of harvested cereals, guaranteeing food safety and maximising agricultural productivity. Today, we will outline some of the main innovations and technological trends that are transforming the silo sector, and in particular the grain silo segment.
Across all industries, the number of products connected or monitored in real time is increasing, and technological progress is enabling the development of tailor-made solutions at increasingly affordable costs. One of the most pronounced innovations in the grain silo sector is the integration of advanced sensor technologies. The implementation of sensor-based measurement systems allows real-time monitoring of various parameters such as temperature, humidity and grain quality inside the silos… but basically any factor can be monitored depending on the customer’s needs.
By providing accurate and timely data, these new sensor technologies help farmers and storage operators who use silos on a daily basis to optimise grain storage conditions, prevent spoilage and reduce losses. Furthermore, with the right combination of technologies, the grain silo industry is increasingly seeing operations that enable remote monitoring and control of silo operations, improving efficiency and reducing operating costs.
In recent years, automated and robotic systems have begun to revolutionise grain handling and logistics in the silo sector, generating significant advances in terms of efficiency and safety. These technologies, backed by robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, offer numerous advantages for silo operations in all types of industries. One of the most prominent applications is automated silo loading and unloading: using robotic arms and advanced sensors, these systems can handle large volumes of grain quickly and accurately.
But this automation not only improves efficiency. In terms of safety, these systems help reduce people’s exposure to potentially hazardous environments. By automating or sensor-monitoring tasks that previously required human intervention, the risk of accidents and injuries is reduced. In addition, silos are increasingly incorporating safety systems and sensing technologies to prevent hazardous situations, such as detecting blockages or monitoring dangerous grain levels, situations that typically require the intervention of one or more people.
As we have already pointed out on several occasions in our blog, in order to design the ideal silo for each client it is necessary to provide the solutions they specifically need, in each case, for each project, and at the most competitive price. To this end, Prado Silos invests heavily in research and development to implement the right technologies for its products.
In this regard, the grain silo sector has attracted significant investment due to its growth potential and its role in supporting agricultural sustainability, recognising the importance of efficient grain storage and providing funding for R&D, technological advances and market expansion. In addition, governments and international organisations are actively involved in funding initiatives to modernise and improve storage infrastructures for all types of materials.
In this way, Prado Silos participates in the Hazitek Programme with several projects such as Silosen or Silo XR, within the framework of this initiative that offers aid to improve the competitiveness of companies. To this end, projects are subsidised that include R&D activities to develop new products and plans for industrial research and experimental development of a strategic nature carried out in the Basque Country. This aid programme to support research and business development is co-financed by the Basque Government and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund 2021-2027 (ERDF).
Through continuous investment in product improvement and participation in large-scale projects aimed at implementing the latest technological advances in the silo industry, Prado Silos is poised to play a crucial role in meeting the world’s growing demand for storage systems in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Why choose Prado Silos? The key remains the philosophy that for decades has propelled this company to the forefront of its sector: the only solution consists of comprehensive production control. From detailed analysis, design and manufacture, Prado Silos assesses and optimises all the characteristics of the type of silo required by the customer, thanks to continuous monitoring and close communication that guarantees the success of each project, making each silo truly unique and 100% compliant with the customer’s expectations.
