AI is everywhere - but where is it heading in industrial applications? We shed light on how various players - from global technology giants to small start-ups - are using artificial intelligence to drive innovation and optimise work processes.
At all levels of the Austrian industry is currently working flat out to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into existing offerings. In addition to the already presented AI pioneers Let us now take a look at concrete application examples and take a look at how both global giants and small cobot start-ups are using artificial intelligence.
Dell/NVIDIA: Helix makes unused data usable
Anyone looking for examples of AI applications will find Dell Technologies not over. Together with NVIDIAone of the largest developers of graphics processors and chipsets for PCs, servers and game consoles, Dell Technologies introduces the "Project Helix" before.
The aim is to support companies in integrating artificial intelligence into their own work processes in order to improve areas such as customer service and market research. Project Helix offers a complete package of tools and technologies to utilise AI and use data efficiently.
The solutions are based on special servers from Dell and graphics processing units (GPUs) from NVIDIA. They also include special software functions for monitoring AI performance and developing AI-supported chatbots. Data protection is an important aspect that helps companies to comply with data protection regulations. legal regulations helps.
According to Jeff Clarke and Jensen Huangexecutives from Dell and NVIDIA, Project Helix will help to unlock the value of previously untapped data and support companies in transforming their business models.
Jeff Clarke, Chief Operating Officer, Dell Technologies Overview Videos
AWS: Innovation centre for AI
A similar approach is taken by Amazon Web Services (AWS)a subsidiary of the internet giant Amazon. A new programme in the field of generative AI was recently announced. It is designed to help companies of all sizes to fully utilise the potential of artificial intelligence applications in industry.
As part of the (virtual) "AWS Generative AI Innovation Centre" AWS is investing 100 million US dollars to offer customers free workshops and training, among other things. The Innovation Centre team - consisting of AWS experts in the disciplines of strategy, data science, engineering and solution architecture - supports customers step by step in implementing customised solutions based on generative AI faster and more effectively.
Applications of artificial intelligence for industry would be in the area of industrial production, for example, where design and the associated processes could be organised more efficiently.
MVTec Software GmbH: Deep learning learns to count and grasp
Another interesting example of how the industry can utilise artificial intelligence is provided by the MVTec Software GmbHa leading international software provider for industrial image processing.
Since May 2023, a new version of its Software HALCON available on the market. The new version, HALCON 23.05, focuses on deep learning, a form of artificial intelligence that enables machines to "learn".
The main feature of the new version is Deep Counting. This is a method based on deep learning that can be used to count large quantities of objects. This is particularly useful for counting objects such as glass bottles, tree trunks or food.
Improvements have also been made to other deep learning technologies. One of these is the 3D gripping point detectionwhich helps to determine the best point to grab an object. Another is Deep OCR, a technology that reads text in images, regardless of the font or orientation.
With the new version of HALCON, users can optimise these AI networks and adapt them for their own applications. There are also a number of other improvements, including easier integration of external code into HALCON.
Jan GärtnerProduct Manager for HALCON at MVTec, explains: "We are seeing a clear increase in interest from our customers in integrating deep learning methods into their own solutions. When developing the new HALCON version, we focussed precisely on this. The result is new deep learning technologies and further developments that enable us to provide our customers with even more precise results."
Another new feature in HALCON 23.05 is the Easy-Extensions-Interface. This allows users to make their own functions written in .NET code usable in HDevelop and the HDevEngine in just a few steps and benefit from the diverse functions of the .NET framework.
fruitcore robotics: the future of automation becomes reality
Not only the big tech giants, but also small cobot start-ups such as the company fruitcore robotics show with their innovations how the industry can utilise artificial intelligence.
fruitcore robotics has developed a new operating system called "horstOS" which helps industrial robots to work more efficiently and easily. The system is based on the latest technology in the field of artificial intelligence. It enables industrial companies to manage and control their robots and associated components such as gripping tools or camera systems with just a few clicks.
In addition, horstOS offers an integrated "AI-Copilot"which supports users in programming and troubleshooting. fruitcore robotics plans to add further functions to horstOS in the coming years in order to optimise automation processes.
"horstOS makes the future of automation a new reality. The system offers comprehensive support, even for those with little knowledge, and significantly reduces the effort required for installation, operation and sales," explains Jens RieggerManaging Director of fruitcore robotics. "Our intelligent industrial robots should not only offer our customers the best return on investment in the robotics market. They should also help to increase productivity and save valuable time, especially in light of the omnipresent shortage of skilled labour."
Josef Mardijan and Jens Riegger, CEOs of fruitcore robotics
Techman Robots: How the semiconductor industry uses AI
A real innovation in the field of AI applications is the example of Techman Robots. At Automatica 2023 in Munich, the company presented its new Robot TM AI Cobot 25S that can carry up to 25 kilograms.
The high-precision robot has a reach of more than 190 centimetres and has integrated AI and camera systems. The robot's speed has been increased and fulfils high safety standards. It also has very high precision - accurate to within 0.03 millimetres.
In co-operation with the German Company Gessmann an autonomous mobile robot for the semiconductor industry was also developed. In addition, Techman Robot has introduced the user-friendly Tmflow 2 software. It simplifies complex tasks and reduces programming time.
STMicroelectronics: A new generation of microprocessors for selected customers
STMicroelectronicsa company that manufactures electronic components, has launched the second generation of its STM32 microprocessors were introduced. These are smaller and more powerful than their predecessors and contain additional security functions. They are particularly suitable for use in industry and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The new microprocessors in the STM32MP2 series can perform several tasks simultaneously. They have Advanced multimedia functions and can, for example, process images or connect to other devices. They also have additional security functions that are particularly important for use in industry and the IoT.
The STM32MP25 series, the first product of this new generation, has very high computing power. It can process information particularly quickly and is therefore suitable for applications that require a fast response time, such as the predictive maintenance of machines.
The STM32MP25 series also has a high level of connectivity. This means that it can connect to other devices and exchange data quickly and efficiently. This makes it ideal for applications that require fast and reliable data transmission, such as security systems and industrial automation technology.
The microprocessors are also able to process and analyse video signals quickly. For example, they can analyse video recordings in real time and send the relevant information via a fast network.
They can also create sophisticated graphical user interfaces that are used in Android applications. They also have multiple connections and can therefore be connected to displays and digital cameras.
The security features of the microprocessors include a technology called Arm TrustZone, which protects the data on the processor. They also have a secure memory for keys, a secure boot process and strong encryption.
The microprocessors are robust and can be used in environments with temperatures from -40 degrees to +125 degrees. This makes them particularly suitable for use in industrial environments.
STMicroelectronics provides developers with a comprehensive system for integrating the new microprocessors into their products. The company is currently granting selected customers access to samples of the STM32MP25 and evaluation boards. Mass production is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2024. The new microprocessors were presented at a summit in Shenzhen, China.
Conclusion: This is the direction the AI journey is taking
The increasing integration of artificial intelligence in industry shows a clear direction for the future: a more efficient, personalised and automated production and service landscape.
Large companies such as Dell Technologies and Amazon Web Services are paving the way with innovative solutions such as "Project Helix" and "AWS Generative AI Innovation Centre" to support companies in the implementation and use of AI.
These projects help to unlock the value of unused data, change business models and fully utilise the potential of AI applications in industry.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various industrial and business areas is a key issue for the companies mentioned. The integration of AI aims to supplement human capabilities with machine learning so that automated systems are able to complete tasks more efficiently, accurately and quickly. To summarise, the following common characteristics and applications of AI can be derived:
- Optimisation of work processes: Many of the examples show how companies are using AI to improve their internal processes. Dell and NVIDIA's Project Helix is designed to help companies integrate AI into work processes in order to optimise areas such as customer service and market research.
- Data analysis and utilisation of unused data: A key feature of AI is the ability to analyse large amounts of data and gain valuable insights from it. Project Helix aims to unlock the value of previously unused data.
- Provision of training and tools: The AWS Generative AI Innovation Centre offers workshops and training courses to support companies in the implementation and use of AI.
- Specific AI applications for industry: Companies such as MVTec and Techman Robots develop specialised AI solutions for industrial applications, whether for image recognition, object gripping or semiconductor manufacturing.
- User-friendly integration: When introducing AI solutions, it is important that they are user-friendly and can be easily integrated into existing systems. "horstOS" from fruitcore robotics or the Tmflow 2 software from Techman Robots are prime examples of this.
- Improve accuracy and efficiency: AI can be used to improve the accuracy of machines and processes, as shown by the example of the robot from Techman Robots, which achieves an accuracy of up to 0.03 millimetres.
- Security and data protection: When integrating AI, it is also important to focus on security and data protection. These requirements are met by STMicroelectronics microprocessors, which contain special security functions such as Arm TrustZone technology.
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