Embedded and reliable Artificial Intelligence to optimise industrial production

The implementation of advanced artificial intelligence technologies in production processes can produce major benefits in terms of operations and maintenance for machines and process lines and facilitate collaboration between humans and machines.

It is in this context, that the Tekniker technology centre, a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), is currently involved in the European AI-PROFICIENT project (Artificial Intelligence for Improved Production Efficiency, Quality and Maintenance) to develop a new range of smart services that will improve the quality, productivity and maintenance of industrial assets and processes. Thanks to AI capabilities and workforce expertise, it will be possible to develop proactive control strategies that will improve manufacturing processes in three main areas: production efficiency, quality and maintenance.

Tekniker will provide its expertise with regard to developing AI technologies to produce a wide range of smart products and solutions ranging from sensors and components to robotics and complex optimised systems. Of special interest is the introduction of local processing (also called ‘Edge computing’), an activity that is being led by Tekniker.

Although algorithms can pre-process data, identify anomalies and operate autonomously, their main feature is related to learning and self-adaptation capabilities that will be embedded at the level of Edge (MEMS and PLCs for instance) to implement better monitoring actions for process lines and components.

The project will also focus on integrating smart systems allowing plants to support their workforce and produce a natural, self-adaptable and reliable interaction that will enhance professional development. Consequently, Tekniker will attempt to improve interaction capabilities with these systems and reliability within the framework of a strategy based on implementing the ‘ethics by design´ concept.

In AI-PROFICIENT, Tekniker will coordinate the project and develop solutions for process industries such as Continental’s tyre production facilities in France (Sarreguemines) and INEOS Olefins and Polimers in Belgium and Germany.

Finally, the technology centre will also collaborate with Ibermática’s Industrial Division to produce new algorithms and benefit as much as possible from digitisation actions currently underway in the industry to develop smart systems to support shopfloor workers at different levels. This collaboration is backed by the Manufacturing Operational Management (MOM) Expertise Center, a partnership established by Tekniker and Ibermática to address strategic Industry 4.0 projects.