Page 4 - AeM_April_2022

RESEARCH, ANALYSIS & TRENDS

With artificial intelligence into a new

age of automation

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning also crucial for AI-based robotics applications. For
arrived in industrial production a long time ago – many years, vision systems have been the prerequisite
at least in theory. In any case, it is undisputed for the autonomy and flexibility of robots. If robots are
that AI-based automation solutions will be the to act intelligently, powerful image processing is one of
big topic in the coming years. However, the the basic requirements.
question arises as to how quickly the immense … with AI computing power
potential of this technology can be tapped for the
producing industry. Other characteristics robots need to have for
integration into intelligent production environments are
A survey by Longitude Research and Siemens image or force data. However, most robots today work
revealed that more than half of business leaders blind by default. In the future, the integration of
assume that industrial plants, machines and critical cameras and force sensors must be part of the scope
infrastructures will be controlled by AI in the next five of performance of a standard robot for the smart
years, provided that the end-to-end digital networking factory.
of all components involved in production takes place.
Once this hurdle has been cleared and the autonomous To be able to act autonomously, the virtual training
data exchange of all systems involved is ensured, the environment is also crucial. In order for the real robot to
basis for intelligent production is created. be productive immediately, industrial robots need a
digital twin to generate training data in the simulation.
Act smart … After all, robotics is always cycle time-critical, which
means it requires real-time AI with low latencies.
Even if digital networking is often not yet Therefore, AI with large computational resources is
comprehensive, nothing stands in the way of the migrating from the cloud to the edge. This requires
realization of isolated AI solutions today. One of the computing power in the robot controller to run and train
pioneers for intelligent production processes is AI models.
industrial image processing, as a trip into space shows
us how far advanced imaging is. From 2023, ten Overall, the megatrends of digital networking and
satellites equipped with ABB multispectral imaging artificial intelligence are ushering in a new era of
systems will orbit the earth and map our planet's automation. They enable the realization of highly
ecosystem. The system delivers first-class images with flexible intralogistics and production concepts that were
a resolution of up to five meters. An AI-based analysis previously not possible. ◊
system, managed by the satellite operator, evaluates
changes on our globe – of a natural nature or caused By Daniela La Marca
by human intervention – in almost real time. Imaging is

4 April 2022: Marketing Automation: AI, Big Data & Deep Learning