James Selka

CEO, Manufacturing Technologies Association

As advanced manufacturing and engineering continues to develop, Artificial intelligence (AI), now plays a key role in the development of the sector. 

It is easy to assume that when you hear about artificial intelligence (AI), that it is nothing to do with you, but rather is something from a Sci-fi movie or for some big tech company.  

However, from digital voice assistants to sending and receiving email, we all encounter with some form of AI in our lives. The benefits of AI in consumer products are obvious; it helps us find the things we want, block what we don’t want and makes navigating the digital world easier. 

AI and automation 

As AI has continued to develop it has moved rapidly from the consumer to business environment. A recent poll of Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) members highlighted that AI and automation were the two most important technologies in the development of the manufacturing sector. However, what are the benefits of adopting AI within a manufacturing context, and how will it change how a manufacturer operates? 

Customised mass production 

Firstly, AI will allow for an increased personalisation of products. Consumers will be able to order what they want and how they want it. This will allow businesses to offer a diverse range of products and solutions without having to lay down multiple production lines – essentially a company will have a form of customised mass production. 

In short, AI will allow companies to be more productive with their manufacturing systems, more resilient through product diversification and reduce costs and waste through optimised processes.

Skills and labour 

AI will also address some of the labour and skills shortage within manufacturing. Machines and manufacturing systems currently require a highly trained operator to function. However, it will free up the operator to work on other tasks or allow them to control multiple systems simultaneously – therefore making a company more productive.  

Process optimisation 

Finally, AI will be able to monitor and optimise production processes. Optimised processes will lead to an increased productivity, a reduction in waste, reduced system maintenance, and a more sustainable manufacturing process.  

In short, AI will allow companies to be more productive with their manufacturing systems, more resilient through product diversification and reduce costs and waste through optimised processes. 

Further development is required before these benefits are realised. But, with the current rate of change don’t expect to be waiting too long before you see AI designing and manufacturing some of the products you use on a daily basis.  I