World AI Week: Innovation in manufacturing

For 7th- 11thOctober, World AI Week 2024brings together industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. We wanted to shine the spotlight on AI in manufacturing, a sector where new technology is changing the game.

Our OneAdvancedSector Trends Report 2023/24for manufacturing revealed that 21 per cent of manufacturers were already using AI tools, with 48 percent starting to research options. Watch out for our upcoming OneAdvanced Sector Trends Report 2024/25 to find out if these investigators have turned into implementers, as we will be taking a look again at adoption in the sector...

In the meantime, we collect stories of exciting uses of AI in manufacturing to celebrate World AI Week! Get inspired...

Getting ahead of product faults

Bosch is using generative AI to map potential product faults before they occur. When creating a new product, AI meant they did not have to "wait and see" what the most commonly occurring faults would be. Instead, they used images of existing product types to generate fault images for the new use case. AI learned the features of correct and faulty parts based on the AI images. This technology is fed into the production process, where photos are taken of the products and if the AI detects a fault, the product is immediately returned to be reworked.

Predictive maintenance

Predictive maintenance uses AI to monitor equipment health and predict potential failures. Sensors collect data on machine performance, which AI algorithms analyse to identify signs of wear and tear. This proactive approach allows manufacturers to schedule maintenance activities at optimal times, preventing unexpected breakdowns and extending the lifespan of equipment. PepsiCo are just one company that haveutilisedAI in this way, to prevent interruptions andreduce incrementalcosts for replacement parts- eventually adding some 4000 hours a year of manufacturing capacity at four plants.

AI in additive manufacturing

3D printing or additive manufacturing, the process of building up products layer by layer, has been around since before the recent AI boom - but AI is taking its innovation to the next level. A recent study by Washington State University revealed that AI technologiescould allow for optimised3D printing, saving time, costsand labour. This is achievable by algorithms that can learn to identify, and then print, the very best versions - cycling through potential combinations of print settings in a far more efficient way than humans alone. The first house has been made using a combination of AI and 3D printing.

AI is revolutionising manufacturing, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, cost reduction, and quality improvement. World AI Week highlights the transformative potential of AI and provides a platform for industry leaders to share insights and innovations.

By understanding the benefits, applications, and challenges of AI in manufacturing, businesses can make informed decisions and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Whether you're a seasoned manufacturer or a newcomer, AI has the potential to elevate your operations to new heights.

Read more of our AI content here:

• In conversation with… Mridul Balaraman, Lead Architect - Data and AI

• Large language models (Part 1): Hardware and software aspects

• Large language models (Part 2): Understanding the mechanism

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