42 | Focus on AI:
AHX.ai
There will be a turning point over the next five years, with AI, data integration, access, cloud connectivity, where you see an influx of technology all of a sudden digitalising everything in the span of two to three years
Sometimes having very good small data steps that are well structured and informative of the process is better than large datasets. “Our approach to AI in the manufacturing
sector, is you cannot build these large AI models that are trained on all available data. What you want to do is build AI models specifically to that company, which makes that company more competitive than their competitors.
DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO AI IN THE
Mr Rashid Amin recognises three different approaches to AI in the wood-based panels industry.
The first is the panel manufacturers wanting to build their own in-house systems. This self-reliance approach may typically see panel manufacturers hire some specialists from a local university and build their own AI.
The second is the machine manufacturers, who develop their own AI on top of the systems they already have in place in the market – essentially adding value to what they already do.
AHX.ai sees itself in the third camp.
“We work as a third-party company that is impartial to this industry. “Each approach has its own pros and cons. In the future we believe there will be many different solutions and whichever one makes the best decision shall win.” Mr Rashid Amin says
AHX.ai is not overly promotional in the space but has connected with a lot of stakeholders and values trust. “I am a true believer in open markets, but you get companies who feel they need to protect what they have. If you embrace our super transparent approach, then it forces you to innovate.” Currently,
AHX.ai is working with several
European wood-based panels producers, including a major German company. “We have managed to establish ourselves against all odds in a very conservative industry and the reason why we do this is because we know the process well, so we have credibility. It is an industry that needs to embrace technology faster.”
AHX.ai’s proof of concept (POC) work in adjacent industries, such as gypsum and steel, sees a lot faster response from firms. “From first meeting, to POC, to
commercial it is a lot faster,” said Mr Rashid Amin.
“The process in the wood-based panels industry is very large and complex. In Europe
Above:
AHX.ai graphics WBPI | October/November 2025 |
www.wbpionline.com
you have to build trust. It is a very traditional, family-owned industry, and we’re trying to help them over a long period of time. A lot of things need to align to build these systems. If you meet the right owner, it can move really quickly. If you start working with public companies then that is the other extreme in terms of approvals.
“There will be a turning point over the
next five years, with AI, data integration, access, cloud connectivity, where you see an influx of technology all of a sudden digitalising everything in the span of two to three years. But everyone is trying to learn now, and we want to learn with them and prepare for those days.”
Mr Rashid Amin credited former European
Panel Federation managing director Clive Pinnington with showing interest in his work with adhesive research, remembering how the latter visited him at Imperial College in the early days, recommending he join last year’s Symposium. He summarised by saying the industry needed to be able to move faster to adopt technologies. “A lot of things are coming together for AI – from government policy to overseas competition. The last bit is the human aspect, people in the organisations are slowly getting more acquainted with this. It is going in the right direction.” ●
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