Answers on artificial intelligence at Machine Building North

From production line optimisation to quality inspection to predictive maintenance, artificial intelligence (AI) is anticipated to play an increasingly important role on the plant floor in the coming years. It will make processes smarter, more efficient and more adaptable. But what is the state of the art today, what can it do, and where might it lead? And perhaps most importantly, in areas of automation where AI is just around the corner, how can companies be assured that any investment they make today is future-proofed for tomorrow.

Follow the AI technology trail to get answers to some of these questions from the leading players in machine automation.

B&R - stand 73: B&R Automation Studio 6 has introduced some exciting new features, particularly focusing on AI tools for code creation and cooperation. These tools are designed to boost productivity, accelerate time-to-market, and enhance teamwork in software development for industrial automation.

Beckhoff - stand 71: The TwinCAT Machine Learning Creator from Beckhoff adds the automated creation of AI models to the TwinCAT 3 workflow. This allows users to handle the entire process, from data collection to the trained model, for themselves without any AI expertise of their own. The finished model is optimally adapted to real-time requirements in the control environment in terms of latency and accuracy.

Eplan - stand 96: Since 2018, the research and development team at Eplan, AIDA (Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics), has been working on analysing and validating engineering data, machine learning and the use of AI models in the context of engineering solutions for automation technology. Not only are these solutions technically advanced, they also offer tangible benefits and add value to engineering processes.

Festo - stand 29: Visitors will be able to talk to the Festo team about the company's new AX Motion Insights Pneumatic an easy-to-use, accessible product that can provide AI-based pneumatic condition monitoring.

IDS - stand 28: Image processing plays a pivotal role in expediting, managing and refining operations. IDS presents a comprehensive solution comprising AI cameras and an intuitive software platform. At the core lies the adaptable AI vision studio, IDS Lighthouse, facilitating all stages of application creation, from image training to real-time implementation. This democratises AI-driven image processing, making it inclusive for all, not just experts.

Igus - stand 54: igus has embraced AI at a number of levels, from an AI chatbot that helps companies to quickly and safety assemble robotics solutions, to smart maintenance and condition monitoring technologies that enhance operational efficiency and prevent unexpected downtime.

IXON - stand 89: The Dataray AI app from aiXbrain is fully integrated with IXON Cloud data, components and dashboards, empowering users to perform AI predictions for the smart maintenance and service of machines. Dataray AI analyses real-time data from IXON Cloud to learn the unique digital footprint of each machine.

Lenze - stand 70: Modern variable speed drives can collect information about the state of health of machines, and analysis of this data using machine learning (ML) and AI can identify anomalies quickly for effective condition monitoring.

Mitsubishi Electric - stand 81: The Dataray AI app from aiXbrain is fully integrated with IXON Cloud data, components and dashboards, empowering users to perform AI predictions for the smart maintenance and service of machines. Dataray AI analyses real-time data from IXON Cloud to learn the unique digital footprint of each machine.

Murrelektronik - stand 24: As AI moves from theory to practice, it is fundamentally altering how machines operate and adapt. AI-driven predictive maintenance is reducing downtime by 30%, while machine learning-powered quality control is cutting defect rates by 25%. As AI anticipates production issues, it can adjust in real-time, optimising production schedules.

Siemens - stand 50: Siemens' AI-driven vision software enables robots to perform previously manual-only tasks such as picking and placing unknown objects, empowering our industrial partners to unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency and productivity.