The heavy machine industry relies on efficiency with little to no room for human error. However, with the ever-increasing competition, the need for agility and responsiveness is a must, while determining what is ‘humanly possible’ is no longer acceptable. To overcome this problem and to stay ahead of the curve, heavy machinery industries are instead opting for AI technologies for everyday operations. With this kind of integration, increasing efficiency and predicting failures is far more accurate, which is quite frankly, not possible with humans in control. The two technologies are proving to be a crucial aspect for upcoming and established industries. In fact, ever since AI and machine learning have come into being, they have been digitizing any and all industries, including the heavy machinery industry.
If you wish to learn more about how these technologies are affecting this specific industry, in particular, read on.
AI and Machine Learning; a Leap into the Future
AI and machine learning are already solving some of the biggest problems being faced by the heavy machinery industry. These technologies, as previously mentioned, increase efficiency and production output. This can be better understood by how production managers may find it incredibly difficult to process capabilities, production capacity and synchronizing production design which directly impacts cost, schedule and customer expectations. Heavy machinery industries are looking to a future, where AI and machine learning are fully capable of decreasing work-in-progress queues, thus allowing said industries to benefit from reduced lead times while being efficient at serving customer orders as they come.
On the other hand, predictability in operation has mostly been ignored by heavy machinery industries. In the recent past, data operators have only been able to offer past information for human analysis, with machines not being able to determine what may just be right around the corner. The availability of technology for critical thinking and demonstrating reasoning was never really available, until now. The benefits of learning for manufacturing and machine-drive predictability have shown significant results, ushering a new age for heavy machinery industries where unplanned downtimes are slowly and gradually becoming a thing of the past.
Evolution of Industrial Automation
Since AI and machine learning allow for unparalleled precision and accuracy, the technology is turning out to be a stepping stone for the growth of industrial automation. If that is not enough, the next wave of AI is expected to expand its role further to solve even more challenging problems. This includes and is not limited to being able to make sophisticated decision making via enhanced situational awareness. It has already been predicted that in the next 5 years or so, ‘mixed reality’ will be adopted. Mixed reality is a combination of virtual reality and augmented reality, and the two technologies are already becoming quite popular due to their tremendous benefits. Even though VR and AR are in their early adoption stages, they have proven to be a practical solution to overcoming issues related to an aging workforce.
Quick Learning Made Accessible
Considering how AI and machine learning allows information to be passed digitally, experts can guide machine operators through complex operations from a remote location. This opens a world of new possibilities, where an operator may not be required to be on-site at all times. At the same time, machine learning serves as an effective way of capturing knowledge from experienced operators, without having to spend years in the process.
Data Input from Limitless Resources
AI and machine learning can consume infinite amounts of data with thorough analysis’ and assessments. This allows for heavy machinery industries to improve the way they function, quite possibly through data sharing. Although enterprises are not entirely keen on sharing such data, they are taking appropriate steps to forge reliable data sources, which can point out relevant variables. This ensures there is an emphasis on concise and precise data feeds while preventing complicated integrations.
Innovations in the Field
AI and machine learning are primarily responsible for emerging technologies, even in the heavy machinery industry. These changes are slowly making their way throughout the industry in the form of wearables to enhance safety, productivity and health.
Massive Return on Investment
Believe it or not, machine learning and AI can be used in every facet of the modern industry. However, the results vary based on the industry and the complexity of the operation. For instance, a design flaw for specific machinery missed by the operator and even the manufacturer itself can cause considerable damages. This is where machine intelligence comes in, predicting faults way ahead of time. Due to this reason, the cost of failure which could amount to millions can be prevented. This alone is worth anywhere in between 50 to 100 times in the form of return on investment.
Conclusion
It is a given that technology advancements have and will continue to revolutionize not just the heavy machinery industry, but the future of construction as well as day-to-day lives of the every Joe as well. Seeing how AI assistants, self-driving cars, and smart driverless trucks are becoming the norm, it will not be long before society as a whole embraces these technologies to move towards complete automation. While this revolution has not fully come into effect, it will still take decades and billions in investment to fully realize its real potential.
Even though AI and machine learning’s ability to improve what is already available cannot be denied, its impact will be felt most on the bottom line. Despite the fact that its outlandish and futuristic use cases can be exciting to look forward to, improving demand forecast and production levels are really important today. All in all, it is safe to say the industries of the future will be powered by these technologies, and could possibly lead to new discoveries, the kind that could significantly affect how the world works. What is alarming though is that even though the benefits are many, pioneers like Stephen Hawking and Elon Musk believe that this kind of a revolution could backfire unless safeguards are placed beforehand to ensure mankind does not become a victim of its own creation.
About the author:
Rachael Everly loves to write on the topics related to business leadership, finance, technology and education. Her passion and flare for writing got her to write for topics that interest her such as recent technological trends and how they shape the business world. Her thought-provoking writing style has made her work to be recognized on well-known websites. She has been featured on some of the top blogs such as Inman, Forbes, Escape Artist and many others currently associated with Equip Sells It, a heavy machinery and equipment dealer in Sanford, Florida for their blogging operations. Follow her on Twitter @RachaelEverly, become friends on Facebook and connect with her on Linkedin for further updates.