Many of us have seen photos of robots working in factories. We have also read stories about them. They speed up old assembly lines to build more products. The use of robotics in manufacturing is growing. But, it’s not the only way technology, including AI, and automation impact the industry. Automation is changing manufacturing. It makes workers safer. It moves goods from point A to point B. Tech experts expect more changes and improvements soon. Below are 17 members of the Forbes Technology Council. They include innovators like those at Bizzo Casino. They talk about how tech and automation improve manufacturing efficiency, safety, and productivity.
Automated Decision Workflows
Manufacturing is updating its digital systems. The goal is to be more flexible with product development, sourcing, and reporting. This is driven by changing customer demands, regulations, and supply shortages. Using external data helps. Linking data silos helps too. So does creating automated workflows. They all speed up development, cut costs, and reduce risks.
Quality Assurance
Through AI, the manufacturing industry is converting the “art of what’s possible” to the “art of what’s real.” Automation has helped with tasks such as quality assurance and supply chain resiliency. For example, AI can now find wrinkles in car seat assembly lines. Generative AI has arrived and will open up new uses to help many people.
Repetitive Tasks
Automation is speeding up factories! Now, machines can handle repetitive tasks, which workers had to do before. Intelligent machines are becoming more prevalent in factories, increasing production and reducing errors. As we progress, these smart machines will enable more automation. They will go beyond the assembly lines.
Machine Monitoring
Manufacturers can use AI tools. The tools send automatic alerts to maintenance about machine faults. This helps them make repairs and avoid unplanned downtime. Such tools boost ROI, help teams meet production goals, and cut waste. Industrial AI is evolving daily, with tools becoming true copilots for plant workers. Manufacturers should talk to startups. Then, new AI tools can meet their changing needs.
Productivity And Quality Enhancement
Automation has been vital to evolution. It drives change by improving quality and cutting costs. It also optimizes operations. They integrate modern sensors and robotics. They also analyze the data from these devices. This helps manufacturers get insights and improve productivity and quality. These capabilities serve as the foundation for expansion that leverages AI.
Hazardous Work
Automation and robotics are lifting manufacturing to the next level. They do this by getting rid of much human labor. This labor is filthy, dangerous, or monotonous. The rise of things like Tesla’s humanoid Optimus bots shows a future. In the future, robots can do complex tasks. This trend will likely grow in manufacturing.
Standardized Processes
Automation has made manufacturing more stable. It did this by making processes standard and providing better data for decisions. Standardized processes help predict production times. Automated data collection helps manufacturers understand each production stage. It also helps them cut waste and defects as time goes on.
Centralized Data
Automation has let manufacturers use decades-old data. It used to be stored in many places. Manufacturers who centralize their data now use AI and data analytics to do new things. They use them to predict inefficiencies and find anomalies in complex processes. This boosts productivity and quality, and it also helps the customer.
Just-In-Time Inventory Management
Logistics management and automated ordering have reduced parts inventories in factories. In recent decades, manufacturers have stopped storing goods in on-site warehouses. Instead, they keep them on pallets on the floor. The past five years have moved just-in-time management from the trailer to the machine. With AI and better supply chain prediction, I’d expect even shorter lead times.
Autonomous Material Transport
Autonomous material transport has improved manufacturing, with drones and self-driving vehicles moving goods. This reduces the need for people to do dangerous tasks. It also helps with logistics. We expect advances in this area to boost adoption and sharpen navigation. This will make production lines more flexible.
Eco-Friendly Practices
The manufacturing industry transforms through automation’s enablement of environmentally conscious methods. Robots and automated systems save energy and cut waste. They also boost productivity. This helps makers reduce their environmental impact. This trend will grow. Sustainability is becoming a top priority for consumers and businesses.
Worker-Directed Process Improvements
Digital twins map entire manufacturing plants. They use many sensors and improve the data flow from the factory floor. Their capabilities are astounding. This trend is improving how we work and make products in the factory. More workers can use technology to make changes on the floor. This can boost efficiency or raise production.
3D-Printed Products
3D printing changed how we design products. It allows for complex designs and fast prototyping. This speeds up development. It also allows for customization in manufacturing. And it does so at a lower cost. 3D printing will keep evolving. It will become more accessible and versatile. It will impact many sectors of manufacturing.
Collaborative Automation
AI and new sensors have spurred the adoption of cobots in manufacturing. They make it safer and improve teamwork with humans. The robots learn and adapt by watching. This shows a shift to more smart, collaborative automation. It could lead to more growth in the sector.
Final Thoughts
Automation is transforming manufacturing by boosting efficiency, safety, and productivity. Technology is changing old processes. It does this with automated decisions and checks. It also uses eco-friendly practices and robots. AI and robotics will advance. They will drive more innovation, making manufacturing agile and tough. Ongoing automation is tying the future of manufacturing. It promises big improvements and new chances.