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ai in manufacturing

Distributed intelligence: Using AI to manage power

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Artificial intelligence is transforming how we manage power, offering solutions to optimize energy consumption across various sectors.

Studies suggest that AI-powered energy management systems can lead to significant cost savings, with some reports indicating potential reductions of up to 20 percent in energy expenses for buildings and industrial facilities.

This article explores the key applications of the growing market for AI in power management, the companies driving this revolution, and the technologies involved. [Read more…] about Distributed intelligence: Using AI to manage power

Smart manufacturing delivers ‘20 percent productivity gains’, but challenges remain, says Deloitte

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Smart manufacturing is delivering measurable value, with manufacturers reporting productivity gains of up to 20 percent in both production output and workforce efficiency, according to a new report from Deloitte.

The findings come from Deloitte’s latest Smart Manufacturing and Operations study, Navigating Challenges to Implementation, which shows that while many companies are beginning to reap the rewards of digital transformation, they still face major hurdles related to operational complexity, labor shortages, and cybersecurity. [Read more…] about Smart manufacturing delivers ‘20 percent productivity gains’, but challenges remain, says Deloitte

Sole Source Capital’s portfolio company Peak Technologies acquires Automation Intelligence

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Sole Source Capital, an industrial-focused private equity firm, says its portfolio company, Peak Technologies, a system integrator in the automatic identification and data capture market, has acquired Automation Intelligence.

The acquisition marks Sole Source Capital’s 18th add-on acquisition for Peak Technologies since Sole Source acquired the company in 2021.

Automation Intelligence enhances Peak Technologies’ portfolio with advanced robotics and machine vision solutions, further strengthening its industry-leading digital supply chain offerings. [Read more…] about Sole Source Capital’s portfolio company Peak Technologies acquires Automation Intelligence

Automate 2025: North America’s biggest industrial automation event

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Automate 2025 – which starts Monday – is North America’s largest robotics and automation event, a key meeting point for professionals in this rapidly evolving field.

Since its beginnings in 1976 as the first “Robots Show”, it has grown and adapted, becoming Automate in 2011 after merging with other industry events. Recognizing the increasing importance of automation, Automate became an annual standalone event in 2022.

The goal of Automate 2025 is to showcase the latest advancements across various industries. The event features an extensive exhibition with over 800 exhibitors presenting their newest robotics and automation technologies. [Read more…] about Automate 2025: North America’s biggest industrial automation event

BMW experiments with AI for smarter vehicle quality control

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Can artificial intelligence (AI) make quality control in vehicle production more efficient, faster and more reliable?

A software solution developed at BMW Group Plant Regensburg as part of the “GenAI4Q” pilot project is making this a reality.

At its core is an AI that delivers tailored inspection recommendations for the approximately 1,400 vehicles manufactured each day. [Read more…] about BMW experiments with AI for smarter vehicle quality control

Hitachi and Daikin test AI chatbot for diagnosing factory equipment failures

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Hitachi and Daikin have launched a trial of a new AI-powered chatbot designed to help diagnose equipment failures on factory floors.

The digital agent, developed through a co-creation partnership, acts as a conversational interface between factory operators and complex machinery data.

The system draws on Hitachi’s Lumada data analytics platform and Daikin’s manufacturing expertise to assist workers in identifying failure causes and suggesting remedies. [Read more…] about Hitachi and Daikin test AI chatbot for diagnosing factory equipment failures

Industrial digitalization: Noux Node and Kuka Digital enter strategic partnership

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Kuka Digital, the newly established business segment of specialist automation company Kuka, has entered a strategic partnership with software provider Noux Node, headquartered in Finland.

Noux Node offers cutting-edge technology that enables industrial companies to leverage the best IT and DevOps practices, including version control, continuous integration, and continuous deployment of software.

Additionally, it facilitates optimized utilization of local and global IT infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence- and Machine Learning-driven applications. [Read more…] about Industrial digitalization: Noux Node and Kuka Digital enter strategic partnership

Techman Robotics, CSBC and AMET to jointly develop welding solutions for shipbuilding

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Taiwan’s leading collaborative robot manufacturer Techman Robot, Taiwan’s largest shipbuilding company Taiwan International Shipbuilding (CSBC), and the US leader in smart welding technology AMET, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 

The three parties will work together to develop robots that are more suitable for shipbuilding environments, promote the intelligent transformation of the shipbuilding industry, and improve welding efficiency and quality. [Read more…] about Techman Robotics, CSBC and AMET to jointly develop welding solutions for shipbuilding

GFT and Google Cloud collaborate on new AI applications for Google’s Gemini Models

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Global digital transformation company GFT and Google Cloud are collaborating to bring their newest manufacturing-specific AI capabilities to factory floors.

Last year, GFT announced its implementation of Google Cloud’s Manufacturing Data Engine (MDE), which fueled new AI use cases, such as visual production line inspection, predictive machine maintenance, and production forecasting.

Now, GFT is unveiling its next set of applications built on Google’s Gemini Models, including the ability to determine the root cause of errors and defects, visual dashboards that enable users to query organization – wide data in natural language, predicting parts obsolescence before it results in machine downtime, and the ability to convert thousands of machine training manuals into avatar-led video demonstrations. [Read more…] about GFT and Google Cloud collaborate on new AI applications for Google’s Gemini Models

The quiet race to build America’s first fully automated factory

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In anonymous industrial parks across the United States, a new kind of race is quietly under way – one that could redefine the future of American manufacturing.

Major companies and ambitious startups are investing billions in a dream once thought decades away: the fully automated, human-free factory.

Driven by rising labor costs, supply chain nationalism, and the accelerating power of AI and robotics, organizations like Tesla, Foxconn, and a growing list of automation startups are pushing toward a once-unimaginable goal – factories that run 24/7 with little or no human presence. [Read more…] about The quiet race to build America’s first fully automated factory