Industrial Automation - Top 5 Trends to Watch Out For

The new industrial revolution is far from over, and new developments keep coming up from the technological front. After all, digital technologies like AI and big data keep giving, and researchers keep finding innovative ways to integrate them with the factory floor. Here are some of this year’s most important developments that are already available or expected.

tificial Intelligence and Big Data

When it comes to industrial automation, it’s impossible not to mention artificial intelligence and big data. Both technologies typically work together. The concept of big data concerns incredibly large data sets involving every aspect of industrial operations, which are too large for the human eye to make sense of.

That’s when AI comes into play, harvesting those data sets and turning them into actionable information, allowing for further automation of machines. Several industries, including manufacturing, have extensively used this combination. More powerful AI algorithms will likely come up this year, making everything even faster and smoother.

Co-Bots

Humans and robots working together is no longer science fiction. Enter the collaborative robots or co-bots. Factories are filled with all sorts of automatic machinery. Still, few can work alongside humans without threatening their safety. That’s not the case with co-bots, who can manage routine tasks independently while sharing space with employees.

Co-bots have been playing a key role in the food industry, where they’re programmed to keep hygiene standards during food processing. Apart from obvious benefits such as increased automation and productivity, this solution also increases workers’ satisfaction, as they can focus on more important tasks.

AI-Powered Vision Technologies

In robotics, vision technologies are concerned with scans and cameras generating visual input, which AI-powered machines can use to work. They allow robots to recognize their surroundings, empowering them to manage more complex tasks. It also greatly impacts quality control, as it can identify defects during production, drastically reducing errors and optimizing the entire process. New and more efficient AI models are emerging, requiring smaller data sets for training, which means this technology will likely become more accessible this year.

Automatic Bar Loaders

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines have been around for a while, using pre-programmed software to operate manufacturing tools with unprecedented precision. However, such machines require very stable surfaces to operate at their best since vibrations can reduce their precision. That’s what bar loaders are for, but automatic bar loaders go the extra mile, reducing setup times and self-adjusting to different kinds of bars. Learn more about the latest models at https://www.topautomazioni.com/en/products/fusion/.

Augmented Reality on the Rise

Augmented reality is quite popular for entertainment; just think of Pokemon Go. However, it’s also becoming more common on the factory floor, where workers can use it to get real-time support while operating a machine, for instance. Instead of projecting cheeky little monsters on the surroundings, they project crucial information during maintenance tasks. Additionally, they allow for deeper collaboration between humans and machines, increasing safety and efficiency.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com