Food & Drink Processing & Packaging Issue 47 2023 | Page 34

Rediscover the synergy between AI and humans in manufacturing

Robots get sacked !

Rediscover the synergy between AI and humans in manufacturing
With the development of AI , the manufacturing industry is considered one of the most impacted industries across different sectors .
While AI improves efficiency and production , it also raises worries about job displacement and ethical ramifications . As a result , seeking a balance between exploiting AI ’ s benefits and addressing humanitarian concerns is critical for a responsible and sustainable manufacturing future . In this article , we discuss some good practices of AI in the manufacturing industry and rediscover the synergy between AI and humans .
THE RISE OF AI IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
There have already been some innovative practices within the manufacturing industry . McKinsey predicts that by 2030 , fully autonomous cars will be able to operate “ anywhere , anytime ” with Level 5 technology , without the need for drivers . Imagine a world where vehicles operate autonomously , offering the potential to reduce accidents caused by fatigue or impaired driving , for a future where safety and convenience go hand in hand .
There are other notable innovations taking place in the manufacturing industry . The University of Lincoln , in collaboration with industrial partners , has revolutionised fruit picking through the development of innovative robots that aid growers in vital tasks . The robots pick the strawberries accurately and at a decent pace , greatly enhancing the efficiency and productivity of fruit harvesting processes .
Embarking on the exciting journey of AI development , Harford continuously improve our solutions to support manufacturers on their journey to operational excellence . To that end , we ’ ve strengthened our partnership with Visicon Vision Inspection Solutions .
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Using sophisticated cameras with ‘ Deep Learning ’ software , we have already helped manufacturers detect and quantify the ingredients in ready meals even when the ingredients have similar colours to the background .
With the rapid development and increasing impact of AI in factories , more and more people are concerned about technology . Will autonomous vehicles displace drivers ? Will robots replace workers ? Will machines take over human operators ?
ROBOTS GET SACKED : HUMANS RECLAIM THE SPOTLIGHT
Despite the widespread adoption of AI and robots in the manufacturing industry , Toyota has taken a unique approach by reintroducing human workers to assembly lines and workstations that were previously automated using robots , due to their lack of quality consistency .
Beyond addressing the underperformance of robots , factories that only implement robots can become stagnant in their development stage . While robots excel at executing repetitive tasks , they lack the creative thinking and discernment needed to identify opportunities for continuous improvement . Human ’ s invaluable contribution and creativity go beyond the capabilities of robots alone .
THE SYNERGY OF HUMAN-CENTRICITY AND AI
It ’ s the spirit of a human-centric , smart technology approach to automation that can drive manufacturing performance to a new level . AI has great potential to transform the manufacturing industry , but it should not replace human workers . Through combining the creativity and capabilities of human workers with cutting-edge AI technologies , factories can continuously improve their efficiency and reduce wastage .
At Harford , we not only offer cuttingedge MIS / MES systems to help factories eliminate risk , reduce wastage and improve performance , but also provide a consultative approach for manufacturers to give them practical advice on how to further reduce wastage and improve their efficiency .
The journey toward a tech-centric and human-centric manufacturing industry requires responsible MIS / MES technology and worker empowerment . By embracing collaboration between AI and humans , we can create a harmonious ecosystem where technology and humanity thrive together .
To find out more , call our team on 01225 764461 or contact us at www . harfordcontrol . com / contact / See us at PPMA23 on Stand B46 .