Over 90% of senior manufacturing chiefs are convinced that smart factory technologies like artificial intelligence will enable them to boost productivity and empower employees. Artificial intelligence (AI) was once considered futuristic, but now we rely heavily on it. We interact with AI technology every day in our smartphones, smart vehicles, social media, navigation tools, search engines, digital voice assistants, and many other areas.
In the manufacturing industry, the introduction of AI has revolutionized the sector. In fact, AI is a major catalyst for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Firms are increasingly relying on AI technology to overcome production and administrative challenges, improve processes, and create opportunities. Here’s how artificial intelligence is transforming the manufacturing industry.
Automation
Although the manufacturing industry has significantly automated its processes, we have not yet achieved fully-automated companies. Thanks to AI, this is changing. Robots that once used to perform monotonous mechanical tasks have now been replaced by smart robots that can corroborate with humans to create breakthroughs. AI technology is being used to develop factory robots that can perform a large number of tasks in a day, and deliver superior results compared to human workers. This new breed of robots is capable of speeding production, reducing downtime, and improving accuracy. The AI-powered machines are also being used to work in environments that are challenging or hazardous to humans, thus reducing risks at the workplace.
Quality Checks
Producing quality products is every manufacturer’s goal. Tight deadlines and large orders can lead to lower quality products. With AI, you won’t have products being returned because of inferior quality. AI is helping manufacturers to comply with even the stringent quality standards effortlessly. AI-powered machines can detect flaws and defects that cannot be seen with the naked human eye. Using machine vision, any imperfect product is quickly detected, marked, and the production team alerted. The system also learns along the way and applies knowledge in the future. AI is also allowing production teams to gather information that can help improve quality in the long term.
Predictive Maintenance
Knowing precisely when a part, machine, or system will need maintenance is instrumental in the line of production. AI can help you ensure the production machine won’t break down unexpectedly, and it helps you to avoid stopping production to perform unnecessary maintenance. In predictive maintenance, the machine provides real-time reports on its condition. Sensors and advanced analytics are integrated into the machinery. These technologies monitor the system throughout and notify you instantly whenever an issue emerges. You can now pinpoint the origin of the problem, enabling technicians to conduct very focused repairs. With this technology, you can plan, prepare, and schedule maintenance ahead of time.
Making Better Products With Generative Design
Artificial intelligence is a critical part of generative design. Here, the designer inputs a detailed brief into an AI software that generates a certain number of outputs that meet a certain set of constraints. The constraints can include specific values and parameters such as materials, manufacturing techniques, and cost limits. The algorithm then uses these parameters to test and look for the best alternative designs. This method helps you to locate the best solution among many options. Generative design can also dramatically reduce the time it takes to complete engineering tasks.
Supply Chain Efficiency
Artificial intelligence is not only having an impact on the production floor but also in other manufacturing areas. AI algorithms are being used to improve supply chain management by predicting patterns in the market. Now, a company can learn about the market demand for their product, know the region that consumes the product more, and the season that the product is in high demand. Using this information, a company can gather insights on consumer behavior, estimate future market demands, and optimize the production process. This way, you will balance production, avoid purchasing more raw material than you need, and hire the right number of employees.
Price forecasts
To produce a product, you need raw materials. However, the price of these resources is not always certain. Prices of raw materials can fluctuate due to a wide array of reasons, and it can be difficult to predict when to make a purchase. Knowing the precise cost of resources will enable you to plan your production process and set the right price for your finished product. AI technology can help you to identify the right time to buy materials when to produce in bulk, when to release a product, and what price to set. AI algorithm analyses data from the past and your competitors, enabling you to make smarter pricing decisions.
Wrapping Up
The AI wave in manufacturing is here to stay, and every company needs to embed artificial intelligence into their production floor and business processes. Through adopting AI, you will have lower operational costs, safer employee working environments, improved product quality, and you will be able to make data determined decisions. If you are lagging behind, it’s time to digitize your manufacturing processes.
