Enhancing everything from efficiency to compliance with international standards, there’s no denying the benefits of AI within the manufacturing sector.

And such benefits are expected to be more widely realised, with a recent survey of manufacturers highlighting the prioritisation of factory automation investments enabled by AI.

Committed to driving industry progress and supporting better-informed decisions, we share examples of successful AI adoption here.

1. Toyota – Automating Vehicle Safety Checks

The automation sector has been one of the leaders in AI adoption, as reflected in Toyota’s integration of a deep learning inspection system for the automation of vehicle checks. 

Developed by Acrovision, this AI-powered system has effectively minimised the need for time-consuming and error-prone manual inspections.

Consisting of 12 x GigE PC cameras with external lights, the Acrovision deep learning system increases the capacity to over 60 inspections for each vehicle. 

Vehicle images are captured in each of the inspection areas, then automatically transferred to the central PC for analysis and decision-making.

The integration of Acrovision’s deep learning system has led to improvements in reliability and efficiency, with Toyota going on to realise AI benefits across other areas.

2. Vivaldi Digital Solution – Intelligent Camera Networks

Continuing the automotive theme, Germany’s Vivaldi Digital Solutions has demonstrated the potential for AI-powered quality enhancement with the SensorBox. 

As highlighted in the May/June edition of Machinery Update (page 22), this system has been integrated with 70 autofocus cameras for the inspection of vehicle components.

Developed for an automotive parts supplier in the Czech Republic, SensorBox enables the automatic identification of surface defects such as scratches, pores, and dirt. 

It has made a great difference to the notoriously difficult process of checking highly reflective surfaces, such as aluminum parts.

3. Ishida – AI-driven Sentinel 5.0 Monitoring

AI is having a transformative impact on food sector manufacturing too, with the Ishida Sentinel unlocking maximum throughput, performance, efficiency, and value.

Compatible with production line systems across and beyond the Ishida range, the AI-powered Sentinel can be relied on for the automatic monitoring and identification of machine issues.

Going beyond the basic presentation of machine data, Sentinel 5.0 analyses and highlights changes that can be made to improve performance.

Being cloud-based, the Sentinel data can be reviewed remotely, with the secure sharing of highly valuable real-time insights.

Connected with the extensive Ishida system database, Sentinel 5.0 also allows for easy troubleshooting and interrogation through an integrated chatbot.

As Ian Hodgson, Systems General Manager at Ishida Europe, says, “Sentinel 5.0 essentially makes it easier than ever before for food manufacturers to obtain smarter insights from their machines and entire production lines. 

It provides a platform for much more joined-up thinking, and with the AI within the software, it is possible to optimise performance, without operators having to alter settings themselves. 

The result is better throughput, less potential for product giveaway and waste, and ultimately, better value and profit.”

4. Multivac – Smart Vision in Meat Packaging

Multivac has extended the range of food sector applications, combining vision and AI for the identification of meat varieties.

Besides the inspection of packs, labels, and print, such AI-powered vision systems can also be used for enhanced food product classification and quality control.

The combination of AI and vision ensures greater accuracy in labelling and packaging. Waste reduction is an added benefit.

5. Sealpac UK – Vision Systems for Seafood Safety

The benefits of connected AI and vision are also being realised in the seafood sector, with support from Sealpack UK.

The production line specialists have developed a range of modular systems combining vision, AI, and advanced sensors for the assured detection of seal defects.

Sealpac UK technologies allow for the detection of seal contaminants, label errors, and foreign objects in seafood packs.

Such systems can make a vital difference when it comes to meeting quality standards in highly regulated food sectors.

6. KHS – AI-enhanced Closure Inspection

The benefit of improved compliance has also been realised through KHS’s AI-powered closure inspection unit for the scanning of tethered caps.

As reported in the September/October edition of Machinery Update (page 18), such caps have been made a legal requirement in a bid to reduce littering and increase recycling.

Previously installed inspection systems were limited in their capacity for checking such closures.

The increasing range of bottle and cap designs also posed a problem.

Making use of patent-pending algorithms, the KHS unit enables the real-time analysis of closures, with AI evaluating the data and highlighting any issues.

AI In Focus at the PPMA Show

The potential of AI has once again been a core focus of the PPMA Show. Held from the 22nd to the 24th of September at Birmingham’s NEC Arena, this always-popular event provided insights into the latest innovations.

Lining up along with more than 350 exhibitors, Festo invited the show visitors to step into the World of Motion and explore a range of electronic automation, pneumatic systems, and digital tools powered by AI.

Festo’s technology experts were on hand, providing guidance on the best ways of optimising production, integrating smart systems, and upskilling teams for the greatest AI impact.

The combined potential of vision and AI was also one of the main show focuses for RARUK Automation.

This included the showcase of the newly developed Cambrian Vision technology, which enables the routing and AI analysis of 3D images.

Seeing the Possibilities with Automate UK

From the monitoring of machine performance to the inspection of manufactured components, there’s clear potential to boost efficiency, quality, and compliance with AI.

It’s little wonder that an increasing number of manufacturers are looking to realise such benefits, with a much-increased AI investment expected over the coming years.

Automate UK promises ongoing support and guidance, with insights and access to the latest trends and technologies.

We’ll help our members and their clients thrive and increase productivity in an increasingly competitive and tech-focused marketplace.

Together, we’ll innovate the future of automation.