How AI and ML are Revolutionizing Electronics Manufacturing
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS A PIVOTAL ROLE
FLEX
How AI and ML are Revolutionizing Electronics Manufacturing
By Murad Kurwa , VP , of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Rahul Katkar , Data Scientist in Automation Engineering at Flex .
Artificial intelligence ( AI ) is taking the world by storm , with every industry across the globe destined to be impacted in some way . Within manufacturing , AI is already being deployed to great effect , and will continue to scale .
So far , we have seen the rise of the fourth industrial revolution ( Industry 4.0 ), which has not only introduced significant opportunities for manufacturers but also helped with optimizing processes , costs and streamlined operations . These successes are prompting manufacturers to tap into the power of these advanced technologies and reap the benefits .
The applications of AI and machine learning ( ML ) in electronics manufacturing environments in particular are more common , with those on the ground using advanced predictions and quality assurance , to waste reduction and more . As these technologies are broadly implemented and continue to evolve , it is crucial that organizations recognize AI as a way to introduce greater efficiencies into existing processes , while also identifying challenges on the factory floor that could be improved in the future .
Challenges vs Benefits for Electronics Manufacturers
Inefficient maintenance and downtime have long been a concern for those working with technology in manufacturing environments . Factory equipment requires frequent maintenance , and without regular monitoring and updates costly repairs and replacements could be needed . Additionally , inadequate visibility into operations makes it difficult to detect abnormalities and predict required maintenance , which can lead to unplanned downtime .
Manufacturers must detect and address product defects and quality issues early in the product lifecycle to meet volume and avoid scrap . Relying solely on human inspection can be lengthy and costly , yet is often necessary to meet quality standards . However , the human eye cannot catch every imperfection in a product going through the production line . This can result in unplanned interruptions later , that cost significant amounts of money , cause delays in output , and are disruptive to customer relationships .
AI and ML can play a vital role in tackling the challenges faced by electronics manufacturers . These advanced manufacturing technologies have quickly become essential tools for optimizing the manufacturing process . For example , manufacturers can deploy AI and ML for predictive maintenance , which detects and alerts manufacturers to potential failures in their factory equipment so that they can be resolved with minimal downtime . AI and ML algorithms also support quality control , and can provide insights into process optimization to make the manufacturing process faster and more efficient .
How AI and ML is Being Used for Visual Inspection
Products that require visual inspection are traditionally inspected by human workers as they
58 PECM Issue 68