The modern notion of AI is intelligent systems that can perceive the environment around it and perform activities with absolute accuracy. The man who devised the term AI in 1956, John McCarthy, had the idea that science and engineering could be a means of creating intelligent systems and/or machines. Today, AI is closely associated with other technological advancements such as control systems and robotics. The human brain has mechanisms that allow it to create and cross-check the accuracy of items. AI is a superhuman brain that not only has well-programmed technique of ensuring accurate and more reliable outcomes, but a never ending, never tiring ability to continually perform and produce the desired results. So will AI be the future of all manufacturing processes?
The future of AI suggests that it will affect how we view factory processes. Imagine a world where production never stops and is always accurate. The use of AI will continue and is continuing to revolutionize industrial processes. Major tech companies such as Intel and Microsoft take a stand on applications of AI in the manufacturing industry, “Machine learning allows us to unravel those patterns that would be difficult or impossible for people to identify” (Intel). In the video above, Microsoft explores the exciting opportunities around the development of AI and also looks at the way the manufacturing industry is again facing the challenges of adopting a new technology.
In no other industries is AI potential capabilities more intriguing. There is no doubt when AI is fully adopted and integrated, the manufacturing industry will be the leading users of AI. There is little doubt that AI will increase factories’ bottom line. Think about employee’s safety, improved products and a reduction of unnecessary downtime. Manufacturers will definitely want to be leaders in AI application. Fail to adopt AI, and the manufacturing companies may find themselves lagging behind companies that have already adopted AI.
AI is the technology of the future. Professor Andrew Ng says, “AI will perform manufacturing, quality control, shorten design time, and reduce materials waste, improve production reuse, perform predictive maintenance and more.” The computer science professor at Stanford University is one of the leading supporters of applying AI in manufacturing processes (Thilmany). The other beneficial thing of using AI is applying its ability to perform diagnostic duties that sometimes humans may miss during manual diagnostic processes. Everything is automated. Even a small glitch is promptly identified and corrective processes are initiated. To achieve this though, massive codes will be required for the inspection systems as well as for other processes supported by AI.
There are many other advantages of using AI in manufacturing. Adapting to the ever changing needs of consumers will be easy. Today, workers have to work collaboratively to identify the changing market needs (Kushmaro). AI solves this problem. Algorithms will be created that have a predictive element and hence factories can anticipate what consumers want changed or improved. Patterns such as consumer behaviors, changing political statuses and supply of raw material will all be integrated in AI software. In a world where energy consumption and environmental issue are significant issues, AI will be a very viable solution. Of course this will require highly skilled workers who will regularly review the design processes and software codes.
The return on investment initially might be high. Companies will find it costly to use AI. Still, if there is something we have learned from technological trends is that the more advance a technology becomes, the easier it becomes to produce and adopt it. Some might argue that AI will make some jobs redundant and as such it is not advantageous. Over the years, many jobs have been automated by other technologies and new roles have been created. The proponents believe AI will not create joblessness. Instead, it will enhance existing roles while creating new opportunities (Tegmark). Change is as inevitable as death itself. It is time for people to embrace the fact that AI is necessary for future manufacturers. AI will definitely revolutionize the manufacturing process forever.
The impact AI will have on manufacturing and many other sectors demands a deeper understanding of each aspect of it. In the blink of an eye, we shall have the ability to produce high quality products. By making complex jobs much easier, AI has the potential to lead to better innovations. When workplaces are much safer and more efficient, then undoubtedly, AI will have made the workplace better. Already AI has been adopted in several industries. As opposed to the fear that AI will reduce jobs, industries should view AI as an opportunity for innovation, deeper research and better industrial processes. So many myths still surround AI. We have lost count of the number of arguments as to the dangers of AI. What is true though is that civilizations have been advance by intelligence. AI will make manufacturing and humanity in general flourish like never seen before. This is if we manage to make AI as advantageous and understandable as possible.
Works Cited
Kushmaro, P. 5 ways industrial AI is revolutionizing manufacturing. Accessed on 2 October 2019 from: https://www.cio.com/article/3309058/5-ways-industrial-ai-is-revolutionizing-manufacturing.html
Tegmark, M. benefits & risks of artificial intelligence. Accessed on 2 October 2019 from: https://futureoflife.org/background/benefits-risks-of-artificial-intelligence/?cn-reloaded=1
Thilmany, J. Artificial intelligence transforms manufacturing. Accessed on 2 October 2019 from: https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/artificial-intelligence-transforms-manufacturing
“The Future of AI in Manufacturing.” Intel, https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/manufacturing/article/factories-improve-uptime.html
Images from: https://amfg.ai/2018/08/10/artificial-intelligence-manufacturing-impact/
https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/australia-and-ai-adoption-how-do-we-compare
Video from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=b7Yn4wLr-d0
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