Key Technologies Used In The Manufacturing Industry : Manufacturers must stay ahead of demand by continuously innovating to remain competitive and meet rising customer expectations. According to technology experts, processing power doubles every two years; manufacturers that don’t adopt new technologies risk falling behind their competition.
Key technologies that are helping transform manufacturing include CAD software, which enables engineers and designers to create detailed models of products before going into production; 3D printers; and automated robots that use artificial intelligence (AI).
1. Robotics
Robotic automation refers to the use of industrial machinery to perform repetitive, manual tasks. This enables human employees to focus on more complex assignments while improving quality.
Robots are more precise than humans and can work continuously without needing breaks or lunch, saving time, and materials waste reduction and providing manufacturing companies with higher returns on investments.
Given a labor shortage is leading more companies towards flexible production methods, robotics is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after manufacturing technologies. Although investments in heavy-duty robots were temporarily put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are expected to keep investing as they look for ways to enhance efficiency while decreasing costs.
As well as saving money, many factories that implement robotic automation also find it straightforward to switch product types quickly due to current technological advancements that allow robots to be programmed with specific procedures – this enables companies to keep pace with consumer demand while adapting quickly to market changes.
2. Automation
Automation technology is an indispensable asset to manufacturers who wish to increase production while decreasing labor costs. Automation offers greater accuracy and efficiency than humans can, increasing both productivity and product quality while providing predictive maintenance tracking to decrease downtime and prevent costly machine breakdowns that might disrupt production.
Manufacturers that utilize automation may employ three primary approaches, namely fixed, programming, and flexible automation. Fixed automation is generally associated with high volume single part production – for instance, a hobbing machine producing one type of gear at once with some downtime for changeover. On-demand or real-time production are both common characteristics of this approach to automation.
Flexible automation combines both fixed and programmable automation. It enables more responsiveness to changing production needs while requiring lower upfront investments, by permitting program creation offline on a computer system that can then be uploaded or run to existing pieces of equipment.
3. Artificial Intelligence
Manufacturers utilize AI to identify issues during production and ensure products meet quality standards. Cameras installed to monitor key points within factories can detect defects quickly, sending real-time alerts back to humans if any are discovered – saving both human labor costs and eliminating the need to manually inspect every product – thus increasing productivity by up to 85%! As per reports by Senseye, world-class manufacturing sites typically operate at about 85-87% of their theoretical capacity.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can also reduce maintenance costs by helping predict which parts need fixing and when. According to McKinsey, decreasing machinery failure rates by 20-30% could result in substantial savings.
Manufacturers can utilize AI for tracking inventory and monitoring equipment. This enables manufacturers to easily keep tabs on each piece’s condition while anticipating future needs, helping prevent production delays while fulfilling orders on time. This form of AI is known as predictive analytics and supports lean manufacturing by suggesting optimal times to perform maintenance tasks to minimize production downtime.
4. Machine Learning
Manufacturing refers to the transformation of raw materials into finished goods on an industrial scale (Encyclopedia Britannica 2020). Its ultimate aim is to produce high-quality goods that satisfy customer demands while simultaneously increasing revenue for businesses.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides manufacturers with an effective means of accomplishing these goals by automating tasks, improving product quality, and lowering costs while increasing productivity. Machine learning technology allows manufacturers to detect patterns in data sets, optimize processes, and predict future outcomes – which all make AI technologies invaluable tools in reaching these goals.
Machine learning algorithms enable predictive maintenance for manufacturers by drawing insights from data to predict when equipment will fail and taking preventive steps before problems emerge. Such solutions eliminate downtime and repair expenses through proactive maintenance measures that stop issues before they develop into full-blown issues.
Warehouse automation and control are made possible through ML systems that utilize machine learning algorithms that learn to recognize inventory items and optimize stock replenishment. Furthermore, ML-based computer vision aided quality assurance by identifying defects in production and triggering corrective actions; this increases end-user product satisfaction while decreasing returns, waste, and rework for manufacturers – particularly useful for detecting flaws in industrial objects that would be hard for humans to notice on their own.
5. Internet Of Things (IoT)
IoT provides businesses with the ability to monitor and optimize physical assets via the Internet. Sensors relay this data directly into the cloud for analysis and visualization purposes; additionally, this data may assist in automating processes or predictive maintenance processes.
An IoT monitoring system equipped smart container can notify its driver immediately when its cooling system fails during delivery, thus protecting pharmaceuticals inside from spoilage and saving the manufacturer the expense associated with replacing spoiled goods.
IoT has become an essential enabler of new product-as-a-service business models. Additionally, it enables superior inventory management by tracking and ring-fencing physical assets; and allows better inventory control by tracking physical assets more closely. Furthermore, this technology increases safety in potentially hazardous environments by optimizing equipment and workflows; for instance, wearable IoT devices can detect dangerous vibrations in compressors, motors, robotic equipment, and transport vehicles, enabling users to take corrective actions before any damages occur. Furthermore, wireless industrial sensors monitor environmental conditions like temperature and humidity; additionally, these sensors allow users to monitor energy consumption costs as well.
6. Blockchain
Blockchain was introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto as part of his Bitcoin cryptocurrency in 2009, providing a means of safeguarding information through digital stamping that makes data unchangeable. Manufacturers can leverage this technology for improved transparency and supply chain efficiency.
Manufacturers rely on complex supply chains with thousands of components needed for each product they produce. If one component’s production delays or disruptions cause inventory issues throughout the supply chain – as happened when Chipotle experienced an E. coli outbreak in 2015–it took weeks before they found its source through their suppliers.
Blockchain can assist manufacturers with increasing supply chain visibility and streamlining process flows by recording and sharing data in real-time. Manufacturers must select an appropriate blockchain solution that matches up with their business needs, and ensure it aligns with their overall strategy; for instance, if using it to manage supplier contracts it must understand their legal environment as well.
7. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Manufacturing industries are turning to robotic process automation to streamline back-office functions such as invoice processing and reporting. These software robots integrate easily with existing IT apps without needing an expert to program complex scripts.
Manufacturers can leverage RPA to optimize their operational and back-office processes and focus on what matters. RPA also reduces manual errors while increasing productivity – all benefits they should embrace to stay ahead of the competition.
Implementing RPA can automate repetitive tasks, such as compliance reports or data entry for accounts payable and receivable. RPA software bots can perform these tasks much more quickly and accurately than humans can. RPA tools have technical similarities with user interface testing tools in that they allow you to capture and repeat human interactions, but RPA bots can handle multiple applications at the same time; their flexibility enables businesses to respond rapidly to changing business needs with quick automation solutions.
8. 3D Printing
3D printing uses computer-aided design (CAD) files to produce solid three-dimensional objects. It is an incredible technology, helping companies develop small yet intricately-shaped objects at an affordable cost and quickly.
Prototyping is one of the primary applications of 3D printing technology. Product designers and engineers rely on prototypes to test their designs before taking them into production, shortening time-to-market times while helping companies avoid costly re-design costs when introducing new products into the marketplace.
MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) is another prominent use for 3D printing technology. Metal 3D printers like SLM and DMLS printers are being increasingly employed to manufacture replacement parts for aerospace and military equipment, while also creating complex interlocking parts that would not otherwise be possible through traditional methods.
3D printing technology has enabled manufacturers to lower Bills of Materials and inventory costs through part reduction. HP engineers employed 3D printing to cut their cooling duct from 60 pieces down to five, leading to huge cost savings as well as faster assembly time.
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