Machine Collaboration for Manufacturers in 2023
- By Leonard Lee, Beyond Limits
- February 13, 2023
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most influential technologies in the business world today, driving digital transformation and fundamentally changing the modern workforce. The widespread adoption of AI and better data practices have changed the way humans interact with technology and is helping the world address some of its most pressing challenges, particularly through smart manufacturing.
The Asia Pacific manufacturing sector has cemented its role as a major hub, accounting for 48.5% of the worldwide manufacturing output. This is expected to grow significantly within the next decade, offering a $10 trillion opportunity for manufacturers in the region. Additionally, EY found that the use of digital technologies, including advanced manufacturing techniques, human-machine interaction, advanced analytics, and intelligence, is transforming the industry. Industry 4.0 enables manufacturers to optimize productivity and maintain their status as leading global producers, of which significant developments in this sector are anticipated in the coming year.
Technologists seek to innovate the existing layers of AI, with global spending in the AI market forecasted to grow from US$17.6 billion in 2022 to around US$32 billion in 2025. Consequently, there are several branches within the AI tree that will gain more prominence than others. From an APAC perspective, smart manufacturing is coming of age, and leaders must work to understand how this alters business models and improves operations.
Looking back at 2022, we have observed several growing trends emerging, which industry players should consider implementing to be on top of their respective digital transformation agendas. In 2023, several areas in the industrial landscape will witness accelerated adoption and some of the top trends include:
- Continued advancements in deep learning algorithms
- Increased adoption of cloud computing for AI
- Greater focus on responsible AI
As one of the leading industrial and enterprise-grade AI technology companies, Beyond Limits offers extensive expertise that leverages a significant investment portfolio of advanced technology to drive leading AI solutions for smart manufacturers. Our technology, developed at Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NASA space missions, puts the company in an excellent position to address each of these trends moving forward.
Deep Learning
As AI systems become more advanced, they will continue to rely heavily on deep learning technologies. Conventional AI relies on the input of clean data for algorithms to analyse and develop recommendations. Deep learning is the process by which AI systems can learn from vast amounts of data without explicit programming or human intervention.
This type of “self-learning” allows AI to make decisions based on patterns it recognizes within the data it collects, making it invaluable for a variety of applications such as facial recognition, autonomous driving, and natural language processing (NLP). As this technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more applications for deep learning emerge in 2023.
However, it is imperative for industry leaders to understand how the AI system learns and provides recommendations.
Cloud Computing
As more manufacturers enable digital operations and transition to the cloud, AI technologies have followed suit to remain competitive. Cloud computing offers scalability and flexibility that traditional IT infrastructures cannot match. These benefits are especially important for businesses within smart manufacturing, as using AI technologies often require substantial amounts of processing power or storage capacity.
Innovative solutions such as AI for refinery cloud-based decision support, advises operators on realising optimal refinery plans, hit production planning targets, and improve refinery operational and start-up dependability in the region. Our expertise as a leader for refinery cloud-based solutions allows us to understand that profitability for manufacturers is constantly at risk, margins are tight, decision-making is complex, and variability is a challenge to current processes. Reaching or exceeding optimization goals requires a uniform application of best practices and unique human expertise to achieve planning objectives.
To overcome this, smart manufacturers must implement AI technology that combines engineering knowledge and experience with real-time process data to advise them on how to best achieve refinery plans through human-readable, auditable recommendations.
Increased Focus on Responsible AI
As AI becomes more prevalent in society, there is a growing awareness of the need to ensure that these technologies are developed and used responsibly, with consideration for ethical and social impacts. 2022 saw a marked shift in responsible AI awareness from government and industry. New AI regulations were drafted, and continue to be developed, at both local and national levels across the world.
Big tech companies are coming together to establish common codes that will drive AI for good. As AI regulations continue to develop, organizations will formulate responsible AI practices to prepare for certification and regulatory compliance.
We're currently experiencing a time of extraordinary complexity and historic macroeconomic change. This requires building AI tools as platforms that lots of people can use to build businesses and solve problems. As platforms democratise access to AI to far more industries and people, a richer set of problems will be solved, and a more diverse group of people will be able to participate in the creation of technology.
The Year of Cognitive AI
The move towards digitalisation will only continue to advance as more organisations embrace technology and improve business outcomes. In the manufacturing sector, driving operational excellence, using techniques like Lean Six Sigma, is no longer sufficient to drive the level of productivity and efficiency needed. Combining the best features of technology and human knowledge, Cognitive AI will allow manufacturers to elevate their efforts on their smart manufacturing journey. Digitalisation is a "must have," and Cognitive AI is the key differentiator.
While the economic outlook for 2023 is uncertain, Cognitive AI is likely to be a worthwhile investment for heavy weight industry players who are seeking to optimise automation and efficiency. There is no doubt we can look forward to the progress of the smart manufacturing industry in Asia Pacific, while we continue our efforts to shape this dynamic region into the next global smart manufacturing hub.
Leonard Lee, president at Beyond Limits Asia Pacific, wrote this article.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of CDOTrends. Image credit: iStockphoto/Vanit Janthra