Production tracking and analysis have been made more accessible, more effective, and undeniably accurate. That is due to technological advancement in (AI), Deep Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and computer vision.

Today, manufacturing and production companies use such advancements to avoid defective products and save tons of cash. We have done intense research and compiled this article to help you understand how to use AI to analyze and improve production quality.

Manufacturing in this Digital Era

This modern era is ruled by digital manufacturing and automation. If you visit most production companies, you will find out that their lines are automated and augmented by intelligent algorithms.

As history tells us, production experienced intense developments in the 1950s with the introduction of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) to factories. Then, the 1990s came with the implementation of computers that used design software to produce complex designs in 3D.

The 90s computers could also use Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) to translate the 3D designs they rendered into CNC instructions. It was in this same period when Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software started maturing.

Nowadays, production has been transformed intensively. Entire processes in production industries are now digitized using technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), IoT, Digital Twins, and Robotics.

Digitization has, as a result, led to vast improvements in efficiency, reduced lead times, and increased the rate at which new business models are completed. Today, production plants are being changed by digital manufacturing. Furthermore, advancement in technology has allowed businesses to exploit real-time data analysis and increase efficiency levels.

Some of the improvements brought about by digital production include: Improved product quality, reduction of inventory, quicker introduction of new products to the market, getting read of bottlenecks, adequate satisfaction of customer requirements, the increased pace in production.

As it happens, most businesses today pay extra attention to quality improvement. And, thanks to Artificial Intelligence and digital manufacturing, this is entirely possible.

Machine Learning in Production Quality AI

You can teach machine- learning algorithms to identify defective products because ML involves algorithms that train themselves from extensive initial training. But before ML does that job for you, you need to teach it to differentiate between good and defective products. You can do this using images of different products that you either consider good or bad.

Once you have given ML algorithms good base examples they can use to identify defective products, they will teach themselves over time and, eventually, become super-effective.

Computer Vision

Computer vision production quality is technology related to AI. It uses cameras to monitor every activity on a production line consistently. Moreover, since this technology uses smart cameras, manufacturers now can exploit relatively better quality inspection faster and cheaper.

One subset of computer vision that is used mainly in the manufacturing sector is known as machine vision. It uses sensors and cameras to detect any deviations or quality defects as well as process a plethora of visual information at the same time.

Image Analysis

Image analysis production quality works together with computer vision. Image analysis algorithms conduct a thorough analysis of images and alert the relevant personnel if a defect or error is identified.

You can use machine- learning in this context to evaluate data from images submitted to a system based on AI and come up with relevant corrective measures. Furthermore, ML can analyze results to determine whether your programs and processes are susceptible to risk.

Predictive Maintenance

Most new devices and machines require proper maintenance for them to operate without a hitch. Predictive maintenance helps you improve the quality of your products and reduce the cost of maintenance.

Therefore, you can use predictive maintenance to give your customers extended warranties and quickly undertake repairs whenever a problem arises. If you think you are in an industry where costly glitches and defects are unavoidable, use predictive maintenance.

Some sectors that extensively use predictive maintenance include aerospace, aviation, mining, and metalworking.

Deep Learning

Deep learning algorithms have heightened learning capabilities and don't need as much initial training as ML. That is why deep learning is a critical component of production quality AI.

Unlike deep learning, conventional solutions like machine vision require human experts to point out what aspects to consider in a product. Some of the aspects covered include size, color, and curvature.

However, when it comes to sensitive situations that require much more advanced solutions, conventional approaches come up short. That is when deep learning algorithms come into play. Deep learning does not need to point out essential parameters. It simply analyzes the production processes and their outcomes and learns from the data.

Through analyzing and learning, deep learning algorithms can come up with varied implicit rules that only apply to them. These rules help them determine how to combine different features in order to attain the desired quality level.

Note that deep learning still requires a certain level of initial training because the algorithms involved need to know what you are looking for and what to avoid. Once you have trained the deep learning algorithms, they will be able to identify defects and glitches on their own.

Do You Need More Information or Professional Help?

As we have established, you can use artificial intelligence solutions to improve production and single out defects and glitches in your manufacturing company. And, if you want your machines or devices to be operational for much longer, all you have to do is incorporate predictive maintenance in your production processes.

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can improve your production process using advanced AI-based technologies, Advanced Data Analytix is your go-to company. Contact Us for any AI services. We are here to serve you.