The manufacturing industry has changed rapidly in recent years. Henry Ford once shaped mass production with his assembly line and said, "Progress does not happen by itself, it has to be made." Today, we are on the verge of another revolutionary step: the introduction of artificial intelligence in Industry 4.0. This article shows how the growing shortage of skilled workers, increasing demands for efficiency and precision, and greater sustainability are driving innovative manufacturing processes.
Artificial intelligence is driving digital transformation.
AI is playing a crucial role in the digital transformation of industry. It is already being used successfully in areas such as predictive maintenance, quality control, and production planning. For example, many companies use AI to minimize machine downtime by anticipating maintenance needs. In manufacturing, AI optimizes the use of resources, reduces errors, and increases efficiency. One example of this is CNC machining, where computer-controlled machines produce precise components that are further improved by AI to correct errors in real time.
Will there soon be no manufacturing at all without employees?
Whether manufacturing will be able to operate without human employees in the future is a hotly debated topic. Companies like Tesla are increasingly relying on automation and artificial intelligence to optimize their production lines. Tesla's Gigafactories employ thousands of robots, supported by AI systems that increase efficiency and reduce labor costs. This has enabled Tesla to achieve large production volumes in a short period of time, significantly increasing the company's competitiveness.
However, even Elon Musk has admitted that a fully automated factory also presents challenges. Musk has acknowledged that "excessive automation was a mistake" and that "humans were underestimated." This insight highlights the fact that human flexibility and problem-solving abilities are still indispensable, especially when unexpected challenges arise.
However, some experts, such as Musk himself, predict that artificial intelligence could become so advanced in the future that it will overtake human intelligence. Musk said in an interview with Euronews that it is possible that biological intelligence will eventually no longer be competitive.
More sustainability thanks to AI?
AI-supported systems can significantly reduce energy consumption by making processes more efficient and optimizing the use of resources. For example, AI is used to monitor and predict the energy consumption of machines in real time. This helps to avoid unnecessary emissions by determining the optimal parameters for production processes. The use of autonomous robots in production also helps to reduce energy consumption by working more precisely and quickly, which minimizes material usage.
The US government is increasingly relying on sustainable production methods to achieve its ambitious climate goals. As part of the Federal Sustainability Plan, the Biden administration has set the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes maximizing the use of sustainable technologies and products by government institutions, which sends a signal to private companies. Sustainable practices are not only encouraged but supported by tax incentives and subsidies for companies that invest in green technologies.
In practice, this means that AI support in manufacturing is also being driven by international standards and legislative initiatives that are prioritizing sustainability and efficiency. Many companies are already under pressure to adapt their production methods to meet growing demands for sustainable supply chains and carbon reductions.
