Gain precision in manufacturing with AI-powered robotics

Manufacturing, a domain where precision is essential, often hinges on a matter of millimeters. A meticulously planned production line can be disrupted when a workpiece deviates from its predicted position. This is where the synergy of robotics and AI emerges as a game-changer. The integration of AI empowers industrial robots with the ability to adapt to unforeseen scenarios, giving flexibility to manufacturing processes that were previously rigid.

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The flexibility imperative

Imagine a scenario: a robotic arm adeptly handling workpieces suddenly encounters a deviation. Traditionally, this would necessitate human intervention, negating the very purpose of automation. The marriage of AI and robotics circumvents this roadblock. By equipping robots with AI controllers like MIRAI, the machines gain the autonomy to respond to unexpected shifts in real-time. This synergy not only reduces production delays but also enhances the overall value creation process.

A MIRAI-guided robot performs a screwdriving task.

‍Empowering robots with autonomy‍

The essence of AI in manufacturing lies in its capacity to revolutionize how industrial robots operate. By pinpointing specific challenges and addressing them with remarkable efficiency, AI-driven solutions redefine the scope of automation. Robots, once confined to pre-defined routines, can now navigate uncharted territory, guided by the intelligence embedded in AI algorithms.

What's intriguing is the democratization of AI knowledge. Employees can now become AI trainers, seamlessly adapting the technology to evolving production requirements. The convergence of human guidance and machine learning empowers robots to learn and adapt to novel scenarios within mere hours. The once insurmountable complexity of automating intricate tasks now becomes accessible, driving a profound shift in the manufacturing paradigm.

Here are two examples of how AI is being leveraged to revolutionize the use of robots in manufacturing:

• ZF Friedrichshafen is a global technology company that manufactures automotive components. The company uses a robot powered by our AI-based vision system MIRAI to automate machine tending in a high-volume milling station where gears are manufactured. Metal rings are picked from a crate and placed onto a conveyor belt. This task brings multiple challenges. The rings in the crate shift during transportation, making their positions unpredictable. The position of the crate, once delivered and facing the robot, can vary 20–30 mm in all directions. The form of the crate can vary. Bubble foil on the inside of the crate covers some parts of the rings. The surface of the rings can have oil and rust; this creates variance in their visual representation from the robot’s perspective. Using AI has helped ZF to improve the efficiency and flexibility of its manufacturing process.

• BSH is a manufacturer of refrigerators. The company uses AI-powered robotics to check for coolant leaks in solder joints. This is a monotonous and error-prone task that is now performed by robots with repeatable precision and consistent quality. BSH was able to reach all cycle time, accuracy, and performance KPIs.

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Get the most out of robotics and manufacturing production

‍These examples demonstrate that AI is a logical step in the evolution of automation technology. Thanks to AI, robots that falter at the smallest variances are becoming true wonder weapons in everyday industrial production. Equipped with hand-eye coordination, robotics can respond in real time to unforeseen situations. Vision systems like MIRAI enable great flexibility while maintaining precision. And that is precisely what defines the intelligence in AI.

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