FEATURE MACHINE BUILDING, FRAMEWORKS & SAFETY
sponsored by
SMART, COLLABORATIVE, MACHINE BUILDING
Digitalisation is revolutionising machine building, with Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced automation, sustainability initiatives and technologies such as Augmented Reality providing a host of benefits. Colin Cartwright, director of business development –
Murrelektronik CA, takes a look at why embracing intelligent systems, and collaboration with partners and suppliers, is essential
A
s we enter 2025, the machine-building industry is experiencing a major transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI)
has moved from theory to practice, fundamentally altering how machines operate and adapt. AI-driven predictive maintenance is reducing downtime by 30%, while machine learning- powered quality control is cutting defect rates by 25%. This shift is not just evolution but a revolution, with AI anticipating issues, adjusting in real-time, and optimising production schedules. In the automotive sector, production lines
now need to handle both EV and traditional powertrains seamlessly, with adaptive systems that switch between modes quickly, reducing changeover times by 60%. As battery and drivetrain configurations evolve rapidly, AI-driven quality control ensures critical components, such as battery cells, meet safety and performance standards. Manufacturers are also partnering with innovative suppliers of advanced technologies to lower the total cost of ownership (TCO), reduce installation times and improve diagnostics. The logistics sector is benefiting from AI and smart automation. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are optimising warehouse workflows, boosting productivity by 200% and reducing energy consumption by 30%. Not only do these robots dynamically redistribute workloads to ensure smooth operations, but quality control powered by AI ensures precise sorting, reducing errors and improving efficiency. Furthermore, collaborative automation, where humans and robots work together, is enhancing operational efficiency. The food and beverage industry is also
undergoing a technological leap. AI and advanced automation allow modern production lines to switch seamlessly between product formats in minutes, with vision systems ensuring consistent quality by detecting inconsistencies with 99.98% accuracy. In addition, sustainability initiatives are being integrated with innovation, with energy monitoring systems reducing utility costs by 25% and intelligent cleaning solutions optimising water use and minimising waste. This combination of precision, flexibility, and sustainability is helping manufacturers stay competitive while meeting consumer demands.
16 DESIGN SOLUTIONS MARCH 2025
Feature
Digital twins are being used for virtual commissioning, reducing development time, costs, and errors
In fact sustainability is now a business
necessity. Green initiatives like energy-efficient systems and waste-reduction technologies are driving measurable results. Manufacturers are partnering with suppliers to develop systems that use AI to optimise energy consumption, saving costs and reducing carbon footprints. These collaborative relationships are becoming essential, as suppliers with advanced diagnostics and streamlined installations help reduce TCO and improve long-term ROI.
ADDRESSING THE SKILLS GAP Technology is also addressing the skills gap in manufacturing. Augmented reality (AR) is transforming training by allowing technicians to learn through interactive, on-the-job, guidance. Collaborative robots (cobots) are complementing human workers, and this human-machine collaboration is attracting younger, tech-savvy
workers, while retaining experienced talent. Decentralised automation is also providing solutions to the labour challenge. With IP67-rated connectivity, manufacturers are moving control points directly onto machines, eliminating the need for complex wiring and centralised terminal blocks. This approach reduces installation times and simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance, enabling less experienced workers to operate flexible machines. Modular plug-and-play systems designed with IP67-rated connectivity make it easier to build adaptable control systems without relying on specialised staff. Strategic partnerships between machine
builders, component suppliers, software developers and AI specialists are crucial to speeding up innovation. These collaborations are reducing implementation times by 40% and accelerating advancements in predictive maintenance, process optimisation, and
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