Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way in which businesses carry out their operations. According to a Pew Research Survey, 21% of U.S. workers say they’ve used it for work-related tasks. Manufacturing is one of the many industries in which AI has taken hold. From the machines that produce individual components to the software that manages entire factories, AI is reshaping the manufacturing landscape in many ways.
Prototyping
Developing new products often begins with prototyping. Engineers create an initial design, build a physical model, and then test how it functions and performs. A process known as prototyping, it allows manufacturing companies to fine-tune their products before mass-producing them.
Many manufacturing companies now use AI-assisted design software for prototyping. It allows engineers to specify product characteristics like dimensions, weight limits, and operating conditions. The AI-assisted software will then check the design concepts to determine if they meet the required characteristics. After identifying a suitable design, engineers can then use computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D printing to turn it into a reality.
Product Inspection
AI is changing the way in which manufacturing companies inspect products. Products, as well as their individual components, must meet specific requirements. A defective product or component can lead to wasted materials or even costly product recalls. According to a study conducted by McKinsey, just a single product recall can cost manufacturing companies up to $600 million.
In the past, manufacturing companies relied on traditional inspection methods, such as visual checks and using specialized measuring instruments. While these methods are still being used, many manufacturing companies now combine them with AI solutions. Video cameras, for instance, can record products and components through the production cycle. AI-assisted software can then analyze the footage for defects.
Production Efficiency
Manufacturing companies that leverage AI typically have more efficient production processes than their counterparts. The longer a machine sits idle waiting for materials or components, the fewer products the company will produce. AI can identify and reduce bottlenecks such as this.
AI systems can monitor schedules to keep production processes flowing. If a shipment is delayed, the system may recommend an alternative schedule so that machines are constantly running and performing their respective tasks.
Technical Information
Accessing technical information is easier thanks to AI. Technical information, of course, is a byproduct of manufacturing. It encompasses sketches, operating manuals, maintenance records, specifications and more. Trying to access all this information manually via traditional methods can be tedious.
AI offers a faster way for manufacturing companies to find technical information. Generative AI systems can scan vast databases while summarizing the content. AI can also curate and organize this information for better recordkeeping.
