Manufacturing event features revolutions in automation

The MT360 event in June will feature Cognitive Automation, the use of AI and Machine Learning to improve the capabilities of automated systems. The goal of artificial intelligence (AI), despite what Hollywood movies tell you, is to accomplish complex...
May 17, 2019

The MT360 event in June will feature Cognitive Automation, the use of AI and Machine Learning to improve the capabilities of automated systems.

The goal of artificial intelligence (AI), despite what Hollywood movies tell you, is to accomplish complex tasks with minimal oversight. While existing automation systems – not just robots, but also pallet changers, bar feeders and other systems – are reliable to a point, programming these systems can be complicated. Moreover, a poorly defined command can easily lead to damaged equipment of scrapped parts. The next step in automation is to eliminate the burden of programming actions the machines must perform, replacing this practice with AI-integrated automation systems capable of deciding how to best complete a defined objective on their own. Called Cognitive Automation, this approach to automation systems is a major focus of the MT360 event in Santa Clara, Calif., this June.

WHAT IS COGNITIVE AUTOMATION?

This question is, by far, the most common reaction to hearing the term. While the term seems esoteric, the idea behind it is firmly planted in the realm of practical applications. According to Tim Shinbara, vice president of technology for AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, cognitive automation refers to any automated system that develops its own path to accomplish its goal. “For something to fall under the umbrella of cognitive automation,” says Shinbara, “it needs to be able to perform a defined task without needing the user to decide on the intermediate steps.” Instead, the user defines both an objective and the constraints that limit the automation system, and the program figures out how to approach the task itself.

Essentially, rather than program each step in the process for a robotic arm, CNC machine or other automated systems, cognitive automation uses a variety of technologies that enable the system to determine the path to a goal. Once the user sets the objective and limits, the system will work within those constraints. For example, using artificial intelligence (AI), a CNC machine could use its measuring systems to determine whether it is within the defined acceptable range of the optimal material removal rate, making automatic adjustments to meet that criteria. Rather than following an if/then sequence that resolves the issue, AI can determine the root cause, then adjust the depth of cut, change out the cutting tool, or otherwise adjust the toolpath to reach the optimum rate.

Adaptability is the key strength of cognitive automation, according to Shinbara. “Anytime there is a disparity between the data you know and the data you need to know, combined with high volumes of tasks, cognitive automation can help.” Plant managers, discrete parts manufacturers and public works can all benefit from this, whether it is using machine learning to improve scheduling for jobs or deliveries, using sensor data to perform predictive maintenance, or using a combination of technologies to enable robots and autonomous vehicles to adapt to dynamic environments.

Cognitive automation will be on display at the MT360 event, June 18-20, where it will be one of the four technologies that make up the focus of the show:

Additive Manufacturing – Manufacturing using 3D-printing technology, which is now achieving full production of complex parts.

Augmented Reality – Technology that uses digital displays to assist with manual tasks.

Cognitive Automation – Using AI to create automated solutions that are reactive to changing conditions.

Digital Thread – Electronic connections that allow manufacturing information to follow a part through the entire production process.

According to AMT, these transformative technologies represent not just new ways of approaching challenges, but fundamental changes to how manufacturers will approach day-to-day tasks. In the case of cognitive automation, Shinbara says, “This technology is about more than improving the efficiency of automation. Using techniques like AI and machine learning, manufacturers can drastically expand what can be automated and to what degree.” To explore the capabilities of cognitive automation, AMT has joined with many technology partners for MT360.

JOINING INDUSTRY 4.0 TO AUTOMATION FOR MANUFACTURING

Mazak will display solutions using iSmart Factory, the company’s Industry 4.0 solution for CNC machine shops. The system draws information from equipment in a manufacturing plant, from the machine tools to the HVAC. It draws in and analyzes such a wide range of information to identify problems in the manufacturing process. The goal, says Plant Manager Kevin Sekerak, is predictive maintenance. “To improve something, you must first measure, then analyze and finally predict.” Once the system has analyzed enough data about a factory’s machines, it can identify developing problems before they affect the production line, and even address those problems in some cases. Essentially, with iSmart Factory, Mazak hopes to automate parts of the maintenance process using data analysis. “Mazak is a working research and manufacturing facility,” Sekerak says. “It is dedicated to improving what is possible for systems to achieve.”

At MT360, Mazak will be demonstrating iSmart Factory solutions at one of the tech garage showcases. The tech garage is a key feature of the event, featuring practical solutions that incorporate multiple technologies working in tandem to overcome practical manufacturing challenges. These displays will be demonstrating each of the four major technologies that serve as the focus of the event, showing case studies to spark ideas in the attendees. “MT360 is designed for the tech leaders in manufacturing, bringing them together with software companies and venture-capital firms to explore these new technologies together,” says AMT President Doug Woods. “Historically, there has been a gulf between these groups, and we want this event to serve as a hub for bridging that gap. All three groups will greatly benefit from seeing these technologies come to fruition, and we want to show them the path forward.” The tech garages are designed to show how these different companies can all benefit from investing in the transformative technologies on display.

INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY THAT DRIVES AUTOMATION

To be successful, cognitive automation solutions have to incorporate technology that enables flexible approaches to solving problems. Autonomous vehicles need to be able to sense obstacles in order to safely navigate a plant, which is where Humatics comes in. Humatics has developed a microlocation software based on ultra-wide band radio frequency technology. Essentially, this low-frequency radar can determine the locations of people and objects within a plant at a precision of 2 centimeters, transmitting those locations to a central hub. This enables autonomous vehicles to adapt to the changing circumstances of a plant floor, avoiding collisions and locating objectives easily. According to Humatics Vice President of Sales Phil Mann, “We’re participating in MT360 because we feel our technology provides an adaptive automation solution unlike what has come before.”

Technology that is redefining the norm is at the heart of MT360. AMT has set the stage to cross the historic divide between manufacturers, big tech companies, and technologies. Cognitive automation shows just how blurred the line between them has become. Moving forward, companies will need to understand both the practical needs of manufacturers and the technical capabilities of the AI-assisted technologies that will change the nature of the business. Register for MT360 today.

PicturePicture
Author
Travis Egan
Chief Revenue Officer
Recent technology News
While additive manufacturing has significantly matured, further development depends on the current market evolving, which will require developing opportunities to showcase it as well as changing how we think of it – that it's more than 3D printing a part.
The hub of metal AM. The revolution of laser machines. Bugatti Is making a hybrid... Humanoids are trending. The next LeBlond Lathe.
Formnext in Frankfurt marked the pivotal moment when additive manufacturing seamlessly integrated into the broader manufacturing landscape. The entrance of traditional giants into the additive space exemplifies the industry’s evolution.
Not gouda 'nough? Digital twin improves robotic programming. Fires are recession-proof. FBI anti-piracy warning.
Formnext 2023, held November 7-10 in Frankfurt, Germany, reminded the additive manufacturing (AM) and broader manufacturing industry that Formnext is the international destination for AM technology...
Similar News
undefined
Intelligence
By Tim Shinbara | Feb 12, 2021

Company knowledge and expertise is a strategic asset and a source of competitive advantage in business. Knowledge management technologies, processes, and applications enable a company to identify, collect, store, evaluate, retrieve, and share digital...

4 min
undefined
Technology
By Benjamin Moses | Jan 29, 2021

Episode 42: Ben and Stephen open with more egregious spending. Steve bought a new phone when he said he wouldn’t, and Ben bought another RC car. Ben talks about robotic trends for engineering students in 2021...

34 min
undefined
Technology
By IMTS | Jan 04, 2021

If you missed it, check out the IMTS spark interview with Siemens USA President and CEO Barbara Humpton. She touched upon a number of subjects, but here are a few key takeaways. Barbara shared her thoughts on the role that manufacturing is playing...

2 min