Technology at Hand

Recently, Forbes posted an informative article titled “Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing: Four Use Cases You Need To Know In 2023.”

This covered the activities of robotic technology widely used in the automotive and consumer goods industries as well as AI applied to 3D printing, predictive maintenance, generative design and 24-hour capabilities for autonomous working without human intervention.?

The author also makes these key points: “Importantly, rather than replacing human workers, a priority for many organizations is doing this in a way that augments human abilities and enables us to work more safely and efficiently.

“Today, the concept of AI technology in factories goes far beyond the robot-filled workplaces that have been a feature of industries since the 1960s to encompass smart, connected manufacturing plants where humans and machines work together, and data and analytics enable better predictions and decision-making at every stage of the process. So let’s take a look at some of the most interesting use cases for AI in manufacturing in 2023.”

On 6th July 2023 at an international conference held in Shanghai, UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation launched its Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing (AIM-Global).

UNIDO explained that: “AIM-Global is a groundbreaking collaboration platform designed to bring together governments, international organizations, and the private sector and industry leaders who recognize the transformative potential of AI in driving inclusive and sustainable industrial development.?

“By uniting global stakeholders under a common vision, AIM-Global seeks to shape the future of AI while ensuring that ethical considerations, human-centricity, and sustainability remain at the forefront of technological advancements.”

This is a positive development, because there have been many concerns expressed about uncontrolled advances in AI, including its increasing abilities to create false information and credible images for malicious purposes. But if successfully managed and regulated artificial intelligence can offer significant benefits across many areas of work and leisure.?

In the case of engineering and manufacturing, it can act like other advanced technology already being widely applied: generating consistent high product quality, improving efficiencies and cutting production times, reducing operating costs and many other beneficial outcomes.

Precision in action

At ANR Manufacturing, we have made continual investments in advanced technology to support our activities in precision engineering and electronics. To paraphrase the Forbes writer, the objective has not been to replace our human workers but to augment their abilities and help them to work more safely and efficiently.

For instance, our SMT high-speed production line installed in 2020. As we state on our website:

“After initial disruption caused to customer businesses by the pandemic, large scale orders have been flowing in to ANR’s Electronics Division. These have included a project for the production of 20,000 printed circuit boards for the EV (Electric Vehicle Sector.

“The new line features not only dual-line, dual-gantry SMT production line but also offers 16-zone monitored reflow. Mirae Corporation MX Series systems are critical to its operation, providing today’s most advanced developments in linear drive technology.”

Then again, we continually extoll the benefits of our controlling software for our operations:

“Our Manufacturing Software allows control and traceability throughout the manufacturing processes, in line with Aerospace requirements, and aids in the product realisation stages.

“Having the latest cutting edge technology allows our operations to continue long after the workforce have gone home for the day. Lights out manufacturing enables us to meet your orders 24/7, and knowing we have the best software in place for this to happen is extremely beneficial.”?

“The Datatrack software is invaluable to the company. Monitoring, measuring and planning tools are utilised for precision machining tasks, including evidence based data tools, allowing our stocking systems to be as efficient as possible.”

UK engineering and manufacturing will be important drivers for the country’s growth and economic prosperity. We are confident that a skilled workforce working hand-in-hand with AI and advanced technology can achieve these goals.