What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a manufacturing unit? A robotized production unit? Or a clumsy industrial space with thousands of workers under one roof? With the advancement in the technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) focus on improving the processes of manufacturing industries and helping to boost productivity and efficiency.
You might have heard about the smart factory revolution and industrial automation that open up new avenues for businesses nowadays.
Manufacturers often consider AI as a complex and expensive affair. The reality is AI and IoT improve various aspects of manufacturing and make your business more efficient by extending human capabilities. Robotics market is growing at an unprecedented rate and automation is shaping the way workers operate in the production lines.
Role of IoT and AI in manufacturing
IoT and AI have already been a part of the manufacturing industry since long with a lot of manufacturing units and factories adopting these emerging technologies to assemble the products. Such advances have been revolutionizing mass production of goods and boosting the output of different industries.
Human workforce may have limitation as the staff members can work in shifts, but machines can work on a continuous basis to ensure faster production of goods. AI-driven robots can work 24-hours a day and help to drive operational efficiency. Artificial intelligence can reduce the manufacturing operating expenditure and improve the productivity.
IoT can gather data from multiple machines to deliver real-time data resulting in enhanced performance and reduced workload. Goods can be tracked and equipment maintenance can be predicted.
Advanced data analysis helps the manufacturers and stakeholders identify the factors that may cause failure or malfunction so that they can take appropriate actions and measures to overcome them. With advanced data insights and real-time tracking, machinery maintenance can be scheduled before any problem arises. This will help to reduce the risk of expensive downtimes also.
Human-robot collaboration
There are millions of robots working in factories all over the world. Humans are worried that their jobs may soon be replaced by robots. Workers do have limitations and they can work in shifts, whereas robots are more productive and can be programmed to work 24 X7. Manufacturing units can be incorporated with robots and human beings can hired for higher-level positions for programming and management of the business processes. As the adoption of robots in the manufacturing industry increases, businesses can focus on the sales activities and grow their sales and profits.
Quality 4.0
Most of the manufacturers find it difficult to maintain quality consistently. Due to the rising complexity in the products and the spare parts, manufacturers all over the world may face the challenge to maintain top quality of goods. Using industry 4.0 techniques, they can produce good quality of products by using AI algorithms that are developed through machine learning. If any kind of issues are found at initial stages, they can be taken care of immediately. Quality 4.0 ensures improved quality of products and the enhanced output for manufacturers.
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance is one of the major factors looked for by manufacturers these days. It makes use of algorithms to predict failures of a system or machine to prevent failures and prevent downtimes in the manufacturing units.
Generative design
Manufacturers can make use of artificial intelligence in the design phase. Engineers and designers can use AI algorithms, collectively known as generative design, to check all the possibilities of configurations of the systems. The solutions can then be tested using AI and machine learning. The engineers and designers can make improvements using trial and error methods to deliver the best solutions.
Five Rules to designing User Interface and User Experience for IoT based Application
Cost Optimization
One of the major benefits of AI and IoT in manufacturing is cost optimization. Manufacturing companies can make optimum use of the available resources, machines, systems, and robots to derive the maximum outputs. Sensors can be used to boost the productivity and efficiency and gain the maximum ROI.
In a nutshell
With so many advantages of AI and IoT in manufacturing industry, you cannot ignore adopting it for achieving maximum machine uptime, minimizing costs, and boosting operational efficiency. Incorporate AI in your manufacturing company to see the patterns and improve the quality of products, deliver amazing customer service, and warranty of the goods. Manufacturing companies can involve such modern technologies in production units, warehouses, and other places to boost business efficiency and ensure profits.
