FOCUS ON AI
Machine data collected by TRUMPF in its smart factory helps the computer vision team to train the AI .
TRUMPF demonstrated the power of its AI solutions at INTECH 2024 .
TRUMPF demonstrated its ‘ Runability Guide ’ AI solution at INTECH 2024 . every aspect of the machine ’ s operation and deliver a non-stop stream of data . If a sheetmetal part gets stuck , the cameras record a short clip starting a few seconds before the event and ending a few seconds after . This helps the AI to learn how to avoid such errors in the future .
AI offers numerous potential benefits and uses , some of which are still in their infancy . Examples include more efficient machine utilisation ; longer running times ; higher part quantities ; savings on materials ; predictive maintenance and assistance systems .
“ There ’ s a lot happening in computer vision at the moment ,” said Weiß . He highlighted TRUMPF ’ s 2024 activities , and its introduction of features such as smart cameras ( some with AI functions ) to TRUMPF machines .
A call to action
Professor Dr . Sepp Hochreiter is regarded as one of the world ’ s pre-eminent experts on artificial intelligence . Originally from Bavaria , he heads the Institute for Machine Learning and the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at Johannes Kepler University Linz . Last year , he received the German AI Award from the Axel Springer Group ’ s news brand Die Welt , the most generous award of its kind in Germany . His current projects include his own language model .
Five years ago , Professor Dr . Hochreiter gave a presentation at Hannover Messe in which he called on the German mechanical engineering industry not to “ drop the ball .”
“ You have a real edge in building machinery , so don ’ t throw it away !” he implored . Machine builders work blind , he said . He added that they don ’ t have constant contact with their customers , like Facebook or Apple , and even if they have customer data , they don ’ t tend to analyse it ……
“ Machine builders and users need to wake up !” he exclaimed .
TRUMPF has been working with the Institute for Machine Learning at JKU Linz since 2023 . Under the leadership of Professor Dr . Hochreiter , researchers from TRUMPF and the JKU Linz are transferring the latest AI algorithms from research to TRUMPF ’ s sheetmetal processing and laser processes . This will help TRUMPF in its goal to become a market leader in AI .
TRUMPF is also cooperating with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology ( KIT ) to generate new AI solutions . For example , students at the research institutes used
TRUMPF ’ s HQ at Ditzingen , Germany .
About TRUMPF
In 2022 / 23 , TRUMPF employed some 18,400 people and generated sales of about 5.4 billion euros . With over 80 companies , the TRUMPF Group is represented in nearly every European country as well as in North America , South America and Asia . The company has production facilities in Germany ; France ; the United Kingdom ; Italy ; Austria ; Switzerland ; Poland ; the Czech Republic ; the United States ; Mexico and China . the iAssist design software to optimise assemblies . TRUMPF , in turn , uses the data generated in this way to further train the AI .
Five years after Hochreiter ’ s summons to arms , he insists that his wake-up call is as urgent as ever . Mechanical engineering companies may be making good progress , especially in south-west Germany , but he says that nowadays it ’ s not just about building the best machine but the elements that are added to it …..
In conclusion
However , AI is also a disruptive technology that will engender changes to the way that manufacturers , such as TRUMPF , operate and will affect business models .
“ The speed of capability and innovation of AI is so rapid that we must conduct our research and development at a much faster pace than previously . We must also apply a trial-and-error approach because AI is not 100 % precise . This means that we need to change the way that we develop [ products ]. If you get the basics right for a problem to solve with AI , it is shocking how rapidly you can scale ,” explained Stephan Mayer , CEO , Machine Tools , TRUMPF , at the company ’ s in-house INTECH exhibition earlier in 2024 .
Despite challenges such as economic downturns and the softening of the Chinese economy , TRUMPF ’ s Management Board has decided to speed up its AI efforts .
“ There is no time to lose . AI is a tool that enables us to act faster in a changing environment and improve our internal processes where it makes sense ,” concluded Hagen Zimer , ( CEO , TRUMPF Laser Technology ), earlier in 2024 at INTECH . n
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