A lot has been written and said about artificial intelligence. More and more people see this technology as a representation of the human mind that assists it, multiplies its capabilities, and significantly speeds up the execution of actions. However, unfortunately, some manufacturing companies still underestimate the benefits and opportunities of digitization and artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly improves and optimizes a wide range of processes and operations, from production line operations to temporary transportation and shift planning. For example, it helps to detect anomalies faster, predict the need for machine maintenance, or maximize space utilization, whether in warehouses or containers. Moreover, intelligent technologies are now finding their way into manufacturing companies to automate the processing of orders, claims, and invoices. In a sense, AI is a revolution. So, let’s look at what benefits the manufacturing industry can reap from AI-based solutions. We will show you ten use cases.

1.    Manufacturing process control

Manufacturing process management is another area where you can brilliantly use AI in your company. The latest software technologies can provide an intelligent assessment of the progress of the entire manufacturing process. An AI system has an excellent view of the state of the manufacturing process as a whole at any given time, not just about a single production section and its maximum two neighbors. It knows how many products are on the line, how many pieces are in stock, and how slowing down or speeding up the line on any section will affect the situation. Thus, such a system can then instruct the relevant teams on whether to slow down or speed up to stabilize the production flow.

2.    Employee safety

AI combined with ML enables the creation of video analytics platforms that can monitor the use of protective clothing and equipment on the factory floor. Intelligent technologies can also map entrances to restricted areas, warn of fires or injuries to production workers, and then send an alert to a camera supervisor.

3.    Predictive maintenance

Every industrial company has a range of equipment, machine motors, elevators, etc. Each has its service book that specifies precisely when particular components need to be maintained. Technicians regularly observe these periods, but it is often found that the mandatory replacement of components was premature. Predictive maintenance helps solve this and similar situations. With AI, you can place special sensors on your equipment to help you measure individually on each engine the hours of operation and thus its actual wear and tear, and then adjust maintenance plans.

4.    Defect detection

AI also brings concrete benefits in quality assurance. For example, unique cameras can verify manufactured parts immediately after production, and then machine learning software analyzes these images to detect defects. In addition, the software speeds up inspection processes, as cameras previously had to be configured for each new part. With the learning capabilities of AI, this is no longer necessary. In addition, the system guarantees more reliable results.

5.    Solving the problem of employee absence

Artificial intelligence will also handle situations where several employees do not come to work in a particular area. With the help of an electronic clock and other tools, it has an accurate view of the number of people in a specific section at a particular time. It then adjusts individual instructions accordingly across departments and teams.

6.    Data-driven forecasting

In the case of manufacturing, you can predict market demand, supply chain reliability; and the need for warehousing, transportation, and line or machine maintenance through AI implementation. As a result, manufacturing companies save high costs by implementing such solutions. But, of course, it also keeps up with the competition.

7.    Communication using the Internet of Things

IoT is a technology that captures vast amounts of data and thus can automate traditional manufacturing processes. Still, it can also give new opportunities to share equipment or implement new tools such as sensors, cameras, or robotic arms. As a result, production machines, warehouse conveyors, or transport pallets, for example, can communicate and coordinate with each other through connectivity, saving time and human labor.

8.    Explanations of AI

Even AI is not perfect. For example, because machine learning learns patterns and trends from historical data that may contain unwanted errors, the machine may make a wrong decision in certain situations. However, AI technology itself already provides solutions to eliminate potential errors. The latest trend is the creation of so-called explainable AI; a mechanism that transparently explains how and why a particular AI algorithm works in a given situation. This approach increases transparency and trust in the AI solution, leading to higher adaptation of new processes.

9.    Monitoring environmental conditions

Artificial intelligence can also intervene to adapt manufacturing processes and tools to the various environmental conditions you may use them. For example, in manufacturing, humidity can often be problematic. Some machines designed in countries with different humidity do not work or fail quickly in the target countries. Intelligent humidity sensors to monitor the conditions can solve this problem. With them, you can discover the cause. After all, you may find that humidity is causing problems in an environment that was supposed to be controlled because someone left a door open when going outside. Using sensor data effectively is possible with effective AI models.

10.   Savings in storage and transportation

Employees in manufacturing companies can use AI to create the best possible plan for storing or loading products optimized for available space, based on experience. Artificial intelligence analyzes numerous possible combinations and then generates a setup that makes the most of the area. Some intelligent applications can also check whether the goods have been loaded or monitor the weight distribution in a given mode of transport.

Summary

As you can see, AI will find applications in the manufacturing industry at all levels; design, process improvement, machine wear reduction, and energy optimization. With AI technology, you can use all this data to make informed and accurate decisions and become an intelligent business. Do you have enough data but feel you are not using it to its full potential? Artificial intelligence can help. Feel free to contant Addepto.com and they will use AI technologies to improve your business.