Have you ever wondered just what manufacturing technology is capable of today? The answers are truly astounding. From augmented reality production lines to additive manufacturing, the capabilities of today’s most innovative companies are changing the way products are made in the most surprising ways. Here are ten examples of manufacturing technology in action, guaranteed to amaze:
1. Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, lets manufacturers create customized products at unusual sizes or dimensions. 3D printing cuts down on material waste and products can be made faster compared to traditional methods.
To illustrate, Boeing uses additive manufacturing to make lightweight aircraft parts, improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. It has been using 3D printing for decades with over 140,000 parts in service. According to Voxel Matters, the Boeing 777X aircraft featured GE9X engines that used over 300 3D printed parts, including titanium aluminide engine blades.
2. Artificial Intelligence
No one can dispute that artificial intelligence has quickly made its presence known in every aspect of our lives, from setting appointments to setting the perfect ambiance to welcome us home.
In the manufacturing world, AI helps optimize supply chains, points out when predictive maintenance is needed and uses detailed data analysis to improve quality control.
AI manufacturing machines are even gaining the ability to self-diagnose their issues, saving time and money on maintenance while helping to reduce downtime and bottlenecks.
3. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
Hershey’s, of chocolate candy bar fame, using the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), specifically sensors, to improve its candy production efficiency and keep its product in line with current size standards. The IoT sensors monitor temperature and moisture levels, which are a must not just for chocolate production, but for other candies that are heat and moisture
sensitive, like Twizzlers.
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4. Robotics and Automation
Tesla is well-known for its Gigafactories: highly-automated production facilities that use robotic assembly lines to quickly build autonomous vehicles to scale without sacrificing quality. Ford is yet another vehicle manufacturer that uses robots extensively for manufacturing tasks like welding, painting, and vehicle assembly to help improve overall efficiency across every aspect of its production line.
5. Cloud Computing
Cloud-based computing solutions have boosted the efficiency and operations of a variety of companies throughout the manufacturing sector. For example, D4M has led over 100 implementations of cloud computing architecture including cloud-based manufacturing execution systems MES to improve production output, identify product flaws, and reduce downtime.
This cloud computing infrastructure also helps with quality assurance and design iteration, allowing teams from around the world and across timezones to communicate in real-time and provide ongoing feedback and suggestions in a continuous cycle of improvement.
6. Generative AI
Generative AI lets manufacturers create digital prototypes of their designs before they ever reach the factory floor, greatly accelerating the design process and paving the way for more innovations that ordinarily wouldn’t be feasible without a great deal of engineering back-and-forth.
Machina Labs uses AI-driven sensors in its sheet processing factors to create parts to scale alongside higher demand. The data these sensors collect helps improve future processes while maintaining strict quality regulations.
7. Digital Twins
A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical process, system or object that’s updated with real-time data. It’s a bridge between the physical and digital which allows for a variety of simulations, analysis, and optimization. Siemens pioneered the use of Digital Twins to simulate the entire production process for its products, improving space efficiency by 40% and productivity by 20%.
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8. Machine Vision
Machine vision uses sophisticated cameras and sensors to inspect products along the production line, uncovering defects with far greater detail and accuracy than if the same assessment were done manually.
Volvo’s Atlas computer vision system uses over 20 different cameras to inspect its vehicles from various angles, spotting defects up to 40% more effectively than manual inspections. It takes the system anywhere from 5-20 seconds per cycle to do its analysis.
Meanwhile, Foxconn Technology Group uses machine vision to inspect its manufacturing production lines, identifying the thirteen most common defects with 100% accuracy.
9. Advanced Materials
New and more innovative materials are being developed thanks to the digital revolution in manufacturing. For example, Boeing uses advanced materials like carbon fiber when making aircraft. This innovative fiber reduces the weight of the aircraft while improving its performance and fuel efficiency. Lockheed Martin also uses advanced materials in the aerospace industry, focusing on safety and precision in crafting its components.
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10. Augmented Reality in Production Lines
Lockheed Martin used AR (Augmented Reality) goggles during the creation of the NASA Orion spacecraft. The AR gave workers precise instructions overlaid onto the spacecraft which made assembly less error prone and more intuitive. The company also uses AR to guide workers in the stud welding process. By using an optical tracking system, they improve their accuracy in targeting specific welding points.
These are just a few examples of companies that have embraced digital manufacturing, leveraging the latest technology to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and stay competitive.
At D4M International, we help companies large and small improve their manufacturing processes through automated quality checks and better resource management. This is made possible by a wide range of digital upgrades, including SAP Digital Manufacturing for Cloud-Based Solutions.
We invite you to learn more about our comprehensive IT solutions and custom digital manufacturing technologies, including Virtual Twin technologies. As one of the foremost companies trusted by over 100 well-known brands to spearhead their Industry 4.0 automation upgrade, our expertise and in-depth knowledge is second-to-none. Contact us today to learn more about how we can work together to deliver a superior end-to-end solution that takes your manufacturing processes to the next level.
