Have you heard? There’s a lot of talk that the internet of things (IoT) is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry and how it is ushering in the fourth revolution.
IoT is giving manufacturers exciting new ways to improve their production processes and increase efficiency. The utilization of wearable devices and software with machine learning capabilities can take manufacturing to the next level and gives engineers good reason to implement IoT technologies.
Let’s explore how IoT is impacting the manufacturing industry in more detail.
How the Internet of Things (IoT) is Impacting Manufacturing
IoT is defined as the interconnection of devices via the internet. More and more manufacturers are implementing IoT devices into their processes every day.
“Discrete manufacturing transportation, logistics, and utility industries are expected to spend $40 billion on IoT by 2020.”
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology includes hands-free devices that workers and managers use to visualize critical conditions, manage goals and tasks, and to help them understand the details of their assigned work orders.
Factories are loud, with extreme conditions and potential hazards. Rarely are workers or managers sitting at a quiet, secluded desk all day. Wearable devices allow them to take the data they need with them, even out onto the floor in the plant.
These glasses make it possible for workers to minimize errors and increase efficiency.
According to Forrester, 14 million workers will be using smart glasses or similar devices to improve employee performance by 2025.
Wearable Technology Use Cases:
- A technician can log into the headset software and view their job card. The job card tells them what tasks they need to complete and what their main objective for the day is.
- Technicians can receive component requirements for their tasks and the inventory information required so they can find the components in the stock room.
- Technicians can use smart glasses to scan barcodes and use voice commands to update inventory records.
- Technicians can view assembly instructions hands-free with smart glasses as they work.
- Technicians can photograph assembled products for verification purposes.
You can watch the following video to see how a technician would benefit from a wearable headset in an automotive assembly line: Wearable Headset - Industrial Use Case - Automotive Assembly Line.
now and never miss a single post.Machine Learning
Machine learning is when you feed a program large amounts of data, and it makes changes and improvements to its processes based on its analysis and interpretation of that data.
Manufacturers reduce production times and costs by implementing machine learning into their production, operations, and post-production processes.
FANUC is a Japanese manufacturer of automation technology and industrial robotics. They use machine learning to enable their robots to learn new skills without the need for complex and precise programming.
Software such as MInt, help manufacturers get a handle on their data from their machines, SCADA, DCS, QMS, and MES platforms. Their software leverages machine learning to analyze and interpret your data so it can provide you with feedback on ways to improve your processes. You can click here to watch a video that demonstrates how it works.
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance is made possible with the help of machine learning.
IoT technologies allow manufacturers to optimize maintenance schedules based on the data collected and inputted into the software you’re using. Machine learning interprets the data and gives you feedback to make adjustments for maximum efficiency.
You can get real-time alerts about hazards or other operational risks and monitor asset health. Utilizing predictive maintenance maximizes uptime, reduces costs, and improves your production processes significantly.
To get started with predictive maintenance, you’re going to need sensors, a central data store, data communication, root cause analysis, and predictive analytics.
Software providers, such as SEEBO, give you all the necessary tools mentioned above, and much more. You can find out more about SEEBO and how it works here: SEEBO: Predict and Prevent Losses in Production Yield and Quality.
Recommended Reading: AI in Manufacturing: A Game-Changer for Optimized Production
Automation
Automation has been a driving force in the manufacturing industry for decades.
Machinery and equipment with retrofitted devices make it possible for manufacturers to have complete visibility of the production floor. These devices give employers more precise control over resource deployment and influence staffing decisions.
With the rise of AI, VR, and AR, the priority in automation is to improve the production processes. Machine learning makes it possible for robots to perform product assembly instead of fabricators.
Machines can make decisions thanks to the deep analytic capabilities of IoT software. This capability frees up technicians and engineers for more crucial tasks.
Recommended Reading: 6 Tips to Optimize Your CAD Processes for Metal Fabrication
Video Intelligence
Video intelligence is a combination of machine learning and IoT technologies that provides situational awareness. Cameras with IoT sensors collect and interpret data so you can derive actionable insights. AT&T’s IoT video intelligence filters and analyzes recorded footage and provide you with alerts to improve security and efficiency.
Employee monitoring gives managers the ability to keep up with their employees’, detecting their locations wherever they are in the plant.
Live face matching lets you know when employees are in areas of the factory they’re not authorized to be in, or if someone is in your building that shouldn’t be.
Perimeter detection keeps employees safe by detecting and identifying potential intruders at your perimeter, then smart analytics trigger warnings to alert your staff.
Object detection alerts managers when a worker isn’t wearing protective gear on the job.
Find out more about how video intelligence works in the following video: AT&T IoT: Video Intelligence for Manufacturing
Stay Informed on Industry News
IoT is rapidly advancing, and discoveries happen all the time. You will want to keep informed on the latest news in the industry so that you can stay ahead of your competitors.
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