Artificial intelligence (AI) is already more than just abstract technology - in production, the use of AI and machine learning (ML) can reduce costs, improve quality and shorten throughput times.

A number of challenges need to be overcome in order to use AI profitably in production: The right data must be obtained from machine control systems and sensors. Furthermore, the appropriate machine learning methods must be selected in order to generate models from the data, and a suitable IT system architecture must be created in order to process data and models quickly. In addition, methods and instructions must be developed on how typical ML use cases can be easily implemented in production. Fraunhofer IOSB is conducting research in all of these areas and developing concrete solutions.

AI methods tested with customers and in demo factories

The Fraunhofer solutions are being tested at an automotive manufacturer, for example, where 3D defect images on car body parts are to be recognized and the process parameters responsible for them automatically adjusted.

Fraunhofer IOSB is investigating how AI can be used in various manufacturing companies - in specific projects with application partners and in its own demo factories. In order to be able to transfer innovative solutions and incompletely understood processes to industry more quickly in the future with the help of AI, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is opening the Karlsruhe Research Factory in cooperation with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in 2020.

Dr. Olaf Sauer, Deputy Director of Fraunhofer IOSB and coordinator of the research factory, accepted the award from State Secretary for Economic Affairs Katrin Schütz. He explained: "We are proud of the award because it encourages us that we have taken the right direction with our plans and projects. With the research factory, we have a development and demonstration center for new, challenging manufacturing processes that combines industry with science. [...] We are delighted that our significant contribution to Industry 4.0 has now been recognized as part of the competition."

The Industry 4.0 Alliance's "100 Places" competition recognizes companies in Baden-Württemberg that are leading the way in the field of Industry 4.0. The current focus topic "Artificial Intelligence" centered on the question of what possible AI use cases in production look like. A jury of experts made up of representatives from business, chambers of industry and commerce, trade unions and politics assesses the market relevance and degree of innovation of the applicants.

The Industry 4.0 Alliance is a network of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs with the aim of pooling expertise in production technology and information and communication technology and supporting medium-sized industrial companies in the direction of Industry 4.0.