In this article, Naguib Maoulida, BI & Data Engineer at Ivy Partners, examines the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the manufacturing industry. From optimization strategies to growth advantages, he highlights how AI is reshaping the industrial landscape, announcing a new era of productivity and efficiency.
Artificial intelligence (AI) embodies the concept of a machine equipped with cognitive abilities akin to human beings, including the ability to think and learn. When deployed in industry, AI holds the potential to dramatically boost operational performance, be it through automated processes or the employment of highly sophisticated robots.
The manufacturing sector, characterized by routine physical tasks, stands to benefit greatly from the introduction of AI. By embracing AI technologies, manufacturers can unlock significant opportunities for automation, leading to enhanced process efficiency and a substantial boost in productivity.
How can AI benefit industry?
In an industrial context, AI translates to the implementation of this technology in manufacturing processes, thereby making them smarter. This results in the creation of intelligent factories and sophisticated robots. With the growth of AI for enhancing productivity and quality, we can anticipate the emergence of a large number of robotic factories worldwide.
The goal of using AI in the manufacturing sector is to improve productivity and quality while reducing production costs. Moreover, AI can prevent potential harm to human life such as gas leaks or fires.
There are several ways to integrate AI into the manufacturing industry, for example, using robots for production lines, developing artificial vision systems for quality control, or training neural networks to solve complex problems.
Today, the focus is on intelligent factories equipped with devices capable of learning independently, thinking, or perceiving their environment. The primary aim is to establish a system capable of autonomously solving production problems with minimal human intervention.
What are the steps to integrate artificial intelligence in manufacturing process?
The first step involves instilling in AI the skills and techniques of existing workers. This approach not only facilitates AI’s advancement but also encourages its continuous development. Over time, it will be capable of performing various tasks autonomously, without requiring ongoing human training. When this state is reached, we will have genuinely crossed the threshold into the factory of the future.
The next stage entails resorting to crowdsourcing. By doing so, you can gather information or data that can be analyzed by AI. It can process this data within seconds and compare it to other information in its database. You will obtain a “hive mind” that enables AI to acquire collective knowledge and even understand what everyone generally knows.
Lastly, using unsupervised learning, AI can become autonomous. This means it can learn in a self-taught manner without explicit directives. But how does it go about learning? It would employ reinforcement learning. This method is more efficient for guiding an AI towards the desired results, but in an indirect manner. In this case, the machine maintains high-level control.
How is Artificial Intelligence used in the manufacturing industry?
AI carries out tasks such as welding, painting, assembly, and handling with precision equivalent to the best human workers.
Additionally, AI is capable of managing workflows without errors or delays. Machines don’t need rest; you can push them to their limits without worrying about their health or performance.
AI can also help manufacturers monitor processes, workflows, or complex equipment in real-time, allowing them to identify risks and predictive maintenance solutions based on data analysis.
What are the applications of AI in the industry?
Predictive maintenance
One of the major benefits of artificial intelligence in the manufacturing sector is predictive maintenance. This allows manufacturers to understand the condition of their equipment, reduce downtime, and optimize the usage of their assets.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency
AI can contribute to increased energy efficiency in factories. By analyzing equipment and interpreting vast datasets, manufacturers can optimize and automate daily tasks such as supply chain planning, process design, and resource management.
Packaging and Logistics
The Internet of Things (IoT) supports manufacturers by enabling real-time monitoring of machines and conveyor belts, optimizing the packaging process.
Quality Control
AI in manufacturing can prioritize and learn from defect patterns, allowing businesses to save time and money. Additionally, it can optimize inspection strategies to improve yield and reduce the risks of faulty products reaching the market.
What are the benefits of AI in the industry?
Elimination of Bottlenecks
In the era of Industry 4.0, traditional bottlenecks are replaced by new opportunities that can be easily identified, analyzed, and exploited.
Uncovering Hidden Costs
Through the power of data analysis, manufacturers can uncover hidden costs in their processes that often go unnoticed when only considering standard costs.
Error Reduction
Manufacturers can now identify the root causes of errors, making them less likely to reoccur.
Prediction
AI has the capability to predict events such as chemical leaks, fires, equipment breakdowns, and component failures.
Machine Maintenance
AI-powered robots can be used for predictive analysis, detecting issues before they occur and providing solutions.
Robot Utilization
Robots can also serve as personal assistants, aiding in information retrieval, future activity planning, and providing updates on factory operations.
Information Security
Manufacturers are now able to protect valuable information by simplifying access while simultaneously adding an extra layer of security.
Time Savings
AI can eliminate simple tasks, allowing individuals to focus on their core strengths. Moreover, it can accelerate production through a combination of human-machine collaboration. While full automation is not expected in AI usage, the combination of “humans plus AI” approach can increase productivity by 30%.
Identification of New Opportunities
AI enables manufacturers to better understand their customers’ needs, respond more quickly to market demand fluctuations, and identify new avenues for growth.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence represents a pivotal lever for transforming the manufacturing industry. By enabling intelligent automation, efficient human-machine collaboration, and continuous process improvements, AI promises significant cost reductions while increasing productivity and revenue.
Digitalization and AI are not merely futuristic concepts; they are already a reality for many businesses that have embraced these technologies and are beginning to reap the benefits. Although we are only at the beginning of this revolution, the prospects are limitless and promising.
Beyond the purely technical aspects, AI allows for a deep understanding of customer needs and anticipation of market demand, offering new opportunities for growth. It is this understanding and responsiveness that will make a difference in the era of Industry 4.0.
If you’re interested in learning more or have any questions about integrating AI, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team of experts is here to assist you and navigate you through this transformative technological revolution.