Artificial intelligence (AI) is seen by many as the core of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), yet its vision is not fundamentally new. The ideas have been around since the mid 1950s, but progress languished as the technology of the day simply wasn’t advanced enough to allow further research in the field.
Steven Meyer.
AI finally ‘made the scene’ in 1996 when IBM’s chess-playing computer, Deep Blue, exhibited true human-like decision making capability by defeating then reigning world chess champion, Gary Kasparov, in an exhibition match. The technology had arrived in the sense that it proved that the most powerful computers of the time could be coded to ‘think’ and not simply follow a set of pre-programmed instructions. But it would be another 20 years before the digital technology that characterises the era of the 4IR finally provided the platforms to take the benefits of AI down to the plant floor of a modern manufacturing facility.
In principle, the applications of AI are almost unlimited. In practice though, the main areas of interest in manufacturing at present are in quality and maintenance management. Two areas where it is relatively easy to collect the data required to baseline the before and after performance, and thus quantify the benefits of an AI project in monetary terms.
A recent report by the ARC Advisory Group indicates that while there are no defined limits to the use of AI in manufacturing applications, the success of any AI project depends on a clearly defined use case with measurable targets. Both maintenance and quality management fit the bill because the relevant data is easily accessible, and the AI is used in a way that aids human decision making, rather than replacing it altogether.
According to ARC, even though this only represents the tip of the iceberg in terms of possible AI applications in manufacturing, it is likely that rather than supplant human problem solving and creative thinking, for the foreseeable future AI will be used as a support technology.
Endress+Hauser’s virtual exhibition booth
Undaunted by the cancellation of all major trade fairs this year thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, Endress+Hauser has used digital technology to add an extra element to its already formidable marketing machine. By visiting the company’s new virtual exhibition booth, industry professionals are able to explore all the latest instrumentation and process automation technologies, almost as if they were at a live exhibition. Available on both mobile and desktop devices, this augmented reality experience allows guests to click and swipe their way through a 3D visualisation of the Endress+Hauser portfolio, discovering how the people for process automation can help them improve workflow, increase uptime and optimise overall operating effectiveness. Visit anytime you like, for as long as you like, from anywhere in the world. To take the virtual tour, visit https://tinyurl.com/y5hacfzr
Offshore jack-up rig leg extension works completed ahead of schedule
News
Mammoet has completed heavy lifting operations to extend the legs of a jack-up drilling rig being converted into a wellhead platform at Drydocks World Dubai, marking the first deployment of a CC8800-1 Boom Booster crane configuration in the United Arab Emirates.
Read more...Helping mines get results from water improvements
News
South African mines operate under constrained, water-scarce conditions where every investment must be justified. Xylem’s Chetan Mistry explains how the right water technology partner helps mines prioritise high-value water systems across the mining lifecycle.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Pushing engineering to the limit Technews Publishing
News
Among the many things robots can do, it’s a lot of fun to follow how fast they are. They go from the Boston Dynamics cheetah, which first reached a record-breaking speed of 45,5 km/h, to the robot Charlie ...
Read more...Schneider Electric concludes Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric's Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa, held in Abu Dhabi with more than 2500 attendees, explored the convergence of energy, AI and industrial software, launched an Industrial AI study and announced the NEST Accelerator Programme for energy and industrial tech startups.
Read more...VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026 VEGA Controls SA
News
VEGA used its Electra Mining Africa 2026 stand to demonstrate that its level and pressure measurement instruments extend well beyond mining, covering water, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas applications across the continent.
Read more...Sustainable solutions for sugar Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
News
BMG received a Special Commendation Exhibition Stand Award at the South African Sugar Technologists’ Association Congress, where it showcased an integrated turnkey drive solution designed to simplify the upgrading of ageing crushing-mill drive systems.
Read more...Measure, Manage, Maintain: The operating model behind SA’s water resilience Siemens South Africa
News
South Africa’s growing water crisis is putting pressure on infrastructure, municipalities and the economy. Siemens highlights how digital technologies, smarter operations and safe water reuse could help shift the country from crisis response towards a more resilient and sustainable water future.
Read more...VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026 VEGA Controls SA
News
VEGA used its Electra Mining Africa 2026 stand to demonstrate that its level and pressure measurement instruments extend well beyond mining, covering water, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas applications across the continent.
Read more...Schneider Electric concludes Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa, held in Abu Dhabi with more than 2500 attendees, explored the convergence of energy, AI and industrial software, launched an Industrial AI study and announced the NEST Accelerator Programme.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version