Most Trending AI Use Cases in Manufacturing: 2024 Edition

Many predict that by 2030, robots will dominate factories. Well, it’s 2024, but we still don’t see any robots taking over all the cumbersome factory tasks. But what we do see is growing AI use cases in manufacturing.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming essential for various industries. In fact, McKinsey predicts the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies could bring in a whopping $3.7 trillion in value! And guess what? Here, AI alone is projected to create anywhere between $1.2 to $2 trillion in value, specifically in manufacturing and supply chain management.

So advancing AI use cases in manufacturing do not come as a surprise. But are you still baffled by these advancements? Do you feel left behind? Well, don’t worry because we’ve got your back! Read this blog to get the necessary insights and use cases of AI in the manufacturing industry.

Popular Companies Leveraging AI Use Cases in the Manufacturing Industry

Companies wanting to stay ahead of the technological landscape are taking advantage of AI in full swing. Some of the popular examples include-

AI Use Cases in Manufacturing

Want to become a part of the above-given league? Check out the most popular AI use cases in this industry. But before you dive all in, consider having a reliable AI development company by your side. It’s a necessary prerequisite, as having a team of professional and experienced AI developers and testers will offer long-term comfort.

Cobots

Have you heard about these cool collaborative robots, or cobots, working side by side with human workers? Unlike regular robots stuck doing the same task, cobots can learn different things and avoid obstacles. So, they team up with humans to generate services that are super agile and spatially aware.

Manufacturers love using cobots for heavy lifting and factory assembly lines. For instance, in automotive factories, cobots lift hefty car parts while humans secure them in place. These smart bots are also great at finding and fetching stuff in big warehouses.

Ford Motor Company is a shining example of cobot use. They’ve brought these collaborative robots into their manufacturing process to up their efficiency and safety. The cobots handle repetitive and tough tasks, making the car-making process a breeze.

AI in Additive Manufacturing

This is another one of the most popular AI use cases in manufacturing. Famously known as 3D printing, it’s also known as additive manufacturing. It’s interesting because it builds products layer by layer, unlike traditional manufacturing, where you cut away from a block of material.

And, of course, AI is a superstar in additive manufacturing! It’s that X-factor that optimizes material dispensing and application. So through generative design, you can even create products with extremely intricate details. Plus, AI keeps an eye out for any 3D printing blunders and fixes them on the spot.

Markforged, an additive manufacturing equipment manufacturer, has this tool called Blacksmith. It’s powered by AI and compares product designs with the actual finished products. It fine-tunes the manufacturing process to get things spot-on.

Big players like Adidas and Reebok are all in on the action too. They use 3D printing to create comfortable, high-performing running shoes with intricate lattice structures. All thanks to digital transformation services that aid the process.

Read More The Role of Generative AI in Manufacturing: A New Era for Production

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

So, you now know how manufacturing companies love using cobots on the production line. But they can get a step ahead. When it comes to handling those nitty-gritty tasks behind the scenes, they turn to the rockstar of automation: Robotic Process Automation, or RPA software. One of the most sought-after AI use cases in the manufacturing industry.

RPA is like the superhero of the back office. It’s a pro at dealing with high-volume and repetitive tasks, from transferring data between systems to handling queries, calculations, and record-keeping. Talk about a multitasker!

Also, RPA can take care of order processing too. No more manual data entry, and no need to spend time searching for mistakes. It’s all done automatically, which saves precious time and labor resources.

Siemens, a major player in manufacturing, is all about RPA. They’ve embraced it to optimize their back-office operations. With RPA on their side, they handle repetitive tasks like data queries and calculations with ease, boosting efficiency and accuracy. You can get it too. All you have to do is get custom manufacturing software.

Also Read: What is Robotic Process Automation and How Can You Get Started With It?

Generative Product Development

You know how we’ve seen generative AI in things like ChatGPT and Dall-E, creating text and images? It’s nothing but generative AI. Similarly, AI can also generate designs to aid product development. The twist is, instead of asking it to make art, we tell it to design products!

Here’s how manufacturers are doing this- Designers input parameters like materials, size, weight, manufacturing methods, and cost. Then, generative design algorithms spit out blueprints and instructions. This magical experience is what makes this one of the best AI use cases in manufacturing.

It’s a game-changer for design engineers in manufacturing. They get a bunch of design options for new products and cherry-pick the best ones for production. Excited to try it? Start your journey with technology consulting services. This move will let you know which algorithms best fit your business process. The benefits? Here are the top of them:

• Reducing costs through trial and error;
• Speeding up time-to-market;
• Anticipating and preventing issues before product launch;
• Streamlined and efficient maintenance and debugging process.

Read More The Role of Generative AI in Manufacturing: A New Era for Production

Digital Twins

As the name suggests, digital twins refer to virtual versions of real things. But how is it one of the most popular AI use cases in manufacturing? Well, let’s say you have a complicated machine, and you want to know all about it. Create its digital twin using AI, and voila! You’re in the brain of that machine.

A digital twin is like a computer-generated clone of a physical object. It stays in touch with its real-life counterpart through smart sensors. With AI capabilities, the digital twin spills all the beans about the object!

Companies are using digital twins to keep a close eye on their precious machinery. They use it to monitor and receive crucial alerts about when it needs a check-up or maintenance.

Companies like General Electric (GE) and Siemens are already using digital twins in their manufacturing business to enhance product development and maintenance processes. GE, for instance, uses digital twins to monitor the performance of their gas turbines and predict maintenance needs. Siemens also leverages digital twins for enterprise solutions. They optimize operations and minimize downtime for their industrial equipment using this technology.

Predictive Maintenance

One of the most trending AI use cases in manufacturing is predictive maintenance.

Here, what AI does is it takes data from sensors and machinery on the factory floor to predict failures and breakdowns. Yes, it does sound like a fortune teller, but in smart ML and AI algorithms.

By knowing when something might go haywire, companies stay prepared with the right resources and spare parts for quick fixes. They can even plan for expected downtime in their processes and operations, making scheduling super easy.

What’s more? AI is a wizard with data from vibrations, thermal imaging, and analyzing oils and liquids in machinery. These insights are pure gold for keeping manufacturing machinery in tip-top shape.

Companies like Pepsi and Colgate are nailing this predictive maintenance game already. They’re using AI tech to detect potential issues in their machinery way before they turn into full-blown breakdowns.

Also Read: How is AI Impacting Predictive Analysis?

Quality Assurance

One of the top-notch AI use cases in manufacturing is confirming good quality and product performance. You know what it means, right? No more manual checks! Now, machine learning algorithms can process images and validate your item quality automatically.

Cameras with AI can work in real time, keeping an eye on critical points of the factory floor. Plus, computer vision takes defect detection to the next level. High-res cameras scan every angle, spotting even the tiniest flaws the human eye might miss.

Amazon is one of the top names that use AI for quality assurance. The e-commerce giant relies heavily on AI in its fulfillment centers. They use computer vision and machine learning algorithms to inspect products during the packing and shipping process. AI-powered cameras scan items, ensuring they meet quality standards and are packaged correctly.

Thus, with AI’s help, product returns, and wastage decrease. Additionally, in-depth quality testing ensures high-quality goods hit the market faster. Want to get your hands on custom machine learning solutions for quality checks? Ensure you rely on next-gen solutions experts like Matellio.

The Lights-Out Factory

A lights-out factory is a cutting-edge smart factory that operates completely autonomously without any human presence on site. Although mostly a concept, there are real-life examples of lights-out factories.

For instance, FANUC, a Japanese robotics manufacturer, has been running a lights-out factory since 2001. This remarkable factory can function without human supervision for up to 30 days! Even Philips, the electronics giant, operates a Netherlands factory for electric razors with only nine human staff on site. The rest of the tasks are handled by robots.

Thus, with such big players in the scene, one thing is clear. That this trend is catching pace. It’s making tech look smarter and cheaper. More companies will likely adopt a robots-only workforce for 24/7 operation, boosting output and efficiency big time!

Boost Your Manufacturing Business with Matellio’s AI Solutions

Ready to take your manufacturing business to new heights? Look no further than Matellio’s AI solutions!

With our custom AI and machine-learning algorithms, you can-

• Optimize processes,
• Increase efficiency,
• Predict production bottlenecks,
• Ensure top-notch product performance and so much more!

What’s more? We keep a close watch on industry trends. This way, we ensure our clients are always ahead of the technological landscape. Our firm obedience to ensure their competitive edge comes only with cutting-edge technology. Thus, we take consistent steps to lead you toward a path that sets you as an industry leader.

So, don’t miss out on this transformative opportunity. Take the first step towards a successful future by partnering with Matellio for practical and convincing results. Contact us today to elevate your manufacturing business to new heights!