Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing, also known as Automation Intelligence, is moving at a fast pace seeing tremendous growth.
In the period of Industry 4.0 the evolution of these technologies has triggered the convergence of operational technology with information technology.
AI employs the use of machine learning, which promises a new era in manufacturing, a disruption reaping many benefits, enhancing efficiencies and productivity. While machine learning is perhaps at the early phase of the adoption curve, it is dramatically transforming manufacturing and shaping the factories of the future. Gathering data has become a normal function in any automated factory but making sense of it without the support of analytics and AI is not possible. Data from automation systems such as PLCs, DCS and SCADA is now getting the attention it deserves, as the data gathered is categorised and used to enhance efficiencies and optimise output using AI.
It is early days for manufacturers in the UK for adoption of AI. However, at Siemens Digital Industries we are seeing an upsurge of this in FMCG production with a much higher uptake in the chemicals, Food and Beverage and the logistics industries.
Currently, smart simple methods like use of cameras - a successful practice, is used in machine learning in manufacturing helping detect poor quality of the product in all its stages in a plant.
Manufacturers will see strategic shifts with machine learning from user interaction, allocation, and management of resources to viewing the entire production process holistically. Both IT and OT domains in manufacturing will converge and investment in AI and related technologies will increase. To remain robust, the aim will be to have measurable goals with shorter implementation cycles to deliver greater end results in a much shorter time.
The benefits of machine learning are far-reaching and manufacturing as a sector is only currently scratching the surface. AI helps drive production processes at all levels including to create new business models.
Realistically manufacturers cannot employ data scientists and machine learning specialists so Siemens Digital Industries with its expertise is helping clients to invest in the right technologies to optimise output.
Machine learning will quickly move from a ‘nice to have’ solution for the future to an absolute necessity.
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