This strategy marks the beginning of a long-term journey whereby product performance will be continuously improved through structured scientific analysis. A central focus of the ai4F program is locking and decorative panel composition analysis. i4F is developing a comprehensive digital process that enables optimal profile selection and optimization for each type of licensee product without the need for extensive on- and off-site milling tests.

By systematically analyzing large volumes of data on compositions, locking profiles and performance, the AI continually learns from an expanding database. This enables it to generate data-driven insights and recommendations, including composition and process adjustments to optimize performances. Additionally, a reporting framework aligned with i4F’s measurement protocol will ensure consistent, comparable results, with data feeding into cloud-based AI models linking composition and mechanical performance, the company said. Specialized research partnerships will further accelerate composition quantifications.

For the duration of the 2026 edition of DOMOTEX Hannover, the company’s experience-based exhibition stand will present its technologies in a digitally driven, interactive format and feature an on-site AI pod in the form of a conversational agent available immediately in three languages (English, German and Chinese).

Commenting on this development, John Rietveldt, i4F’s CEO, said, “With our new ai4F strategy, we are laying a strong foundation for how data and analytics will shape future technology developments in the global flooring industry. Already today, live on our booth at DOMOTEX, visitors can talk directly to an ai4F agent for a personalized experience - accessing the commercial and technical information they need, in the way they want to receive it, all while the system continues to learn and evolve. This is just the beginning!”

Source: floorcoveringweekly.com