Modern industrial processes are driven by data, but many manufacturers continue to use legacy software and multiple systems to analyze plant information, which often leads to wasted resources and may also require significant manual intervention. In general, many industrial sectors have seen a slow adoption rate for AI across global operations, the companies claim. The pair hope their processes, when integrated, will help pave the way for AI usage in industry and help simplify the development of such technologies. AI offers a number of enhancements for manufacturers. Two companies intend to integrate Google Cloud’s data cloud as well as its AI and machine learning (AI/ML) technologies with its factory automation solutions to help enable the scaled deployment of solutions to help manufacturers innovate for the future.
Companies have continued to innovate machine learning technologies to allow for systematic tracking of a number of issues through a single programme, and even allow for problem-solving and the delivery of real-time solutions. As part of the programme, Siemens will be utilising its Digital Industries Factory Automation (DIFA) portfolio, which will allow manufacturers to harmonise their data, run cloud-based AI/ML models on top of that data and deploy algorithms at the network edge. This enables applications such as visual inspection of products or predicting the wear-and-tear of machines on the assembly line. Deploying AI to the shop floor can be a complex task, requiring significant expertise. The goal of the venture is to allow for the simplification of AI integration processes to increase adoption rates across the board.