CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION | MACHINERY
Digitalisation and AI boost extrusion control
Increased use of digital technology – and the recent advent of AI – means there are more options than ever to control the plastics extrusion process. At K2025, Reifenhäuser showed how its Next AI
chatbot helps even inexperienced line operators solve complex tasks quickly. It says this will help manufacturers reduce their dependence on highly qualified personnel and raise overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). “Google, OpenAI and others are demonstrating
what AI can do in the consumer sector – but AI is only as intelligent as the data it has been trained with,” said Jan Karnath, chief digital officer at Reifenhäuser. “We have integrated our bundled knowledge into an AI solution.” The Next portfolio is based on three product
streams: Next AI, Next Learning and Next Data. Next AI is an AI chatbot that provides real-time
support during operations. It accesses Reifenhäu- ser’s expertise in engineering, service, maintenance and process technology – and, if needed, the user’s documentation and production data. Operators receive actionable recommendations via simple
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Options to control the extrusion process include several line supervision systems, a new way to measure online flow and AI-based chatbots and ‘virtual assistants’
text entries (prompts) in the chatbot – such as in the event of quality problems. Overall, it reduces downtime, lowers service costs and makes produc- tion processes more efficient, says Reifenhäuser. “Our assistance systems act as constant com- panions for the production team, giving quick solutions to problems and delivering proactive alerts and optimisation suggestions,” said Karnath. Next Learning combines on-site training and a
digital learning platform, individually tailored to the needs of customers. Thanks to the use of AI avatars, customers can access the virtual training courses in over 100 languages. Reifenhäuser can also adapt and provide content quickly to meet customer-
March 2026 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 25
Main image: Reifenhäuser’s ‘Next’ AI chatbot can help line operators solve complex tasks quickly
IMAGE: REIFENHAUSER
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