PC-JUL24-PG26.1_Layout 1 12/08/2024 13:38 Page 26
PROCESS AUTOMATION
Dijam
Panigrahi, Co-founder and COO of GridRaster,
explains how Digital Twins, 3D AI, robotics automation, and immersive reality technology are
T
TECHNOLOGIES COMBINE TO modernising industries TRANSFORM MANUFACTURING
he manufacturing sector today is being driven by rapid advancements in sophisticated technology. Among the
most significant contributors to this modernisation are Digital Twins, 3D AI, robotics automation, and immersive reality technologies. These innovations are not just enhancing traditional manufacturing processes but are fundamentally altering how industries approach production, quality control, and overall operational efficiency. Digital Twins: Bridging the physical and digital worlds
Digital Twins technology provides manufacturers with a virtual replica of physical assets, systems, or processes. This technology allows for real-time monitoring, simulation, and optimisation of manufacturing operations, leading to improvements in efficiency and productivity.
In the automotive industry, for instance, Digital Twins enable manufacturers to simulate the entire production process, from design to assembly. By creating a digital counterpart of a car, engineers can test different design iterations and manufacturing processes without the need for physical prototypes. This not only accelerates the development cycle but also reduces costs and material waste.
Similarly, in the aerospace sector, Digital Twins are used to monitor the health of aircraft components. Sensors embedded in the physical parts send real-time data to their digital counterparts, allowing for predictive maintenance and reducing the risk of unexpected failures. This technology ensures higher safety standards and prolonged lifespan of critical components. 3D Artifical Intelligence
3D AI, which combines three-dimensional modeling with artificial intelligence, is another technology reshaping manufacturing. It allows for the creation of detailed and accurate 3D
models, which can be analysed and optimised using AI algorithms.
In the medical device industry, 3D AI is revolutionising the design and production of prosthetics and implants. By using AI to analyse patient-specific data, manufacturers can create custom-fitted devices that offer better performance and comfort. This personalised approach not only improves patient outcomes but also streamlines the production process.
The retail industry is also benefiting from 3D AI. Virtual try-ons powered by this technology allow designers to visualise how garments will fit on different body types, reducing the need for physical samples and fittings. Robotics Automation: Enhancing efficiency and precision
Recent advancements in robotics automation are taking it to new levels. Modern robots are more intelligent, flexible, and capable of performing complex tasks with greater precision.
In the electronics industry, for example, the production of circuit boards involves intricate and delicate processes. Advanced robotics automation systems can handle these tasks with high accuracy and consistency, reducing the likelihood of defects and increasing throughput. Furthermore, collaborative robots, or cobots, are working alongside human operators, enhancing productivity and safety on the factory floor.
The food and beverage industry is also witnessing a surge in robotics automation. Robots are being used for tasks such as packaging, sorting, and quality control. These machines can operate at high speeds and with remarkable precision, ensuring that products meet stringent quality standards. Moreover, robotics automation helps in maintaining hygiene and safety standards, which are critical in this industry. Immersive Reality Tech: Transforming
26 JULY/AUGUST 2024 | PROCESS & CONTROL training and maintenance
Immersive reality technologies, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are offering new ways for manufacturers to train employees, conduct maintenance, and enhance overall operational efficiency. In the heavy machinery industry, VR is being used to train operators and maintenance personnel. By simulating real-world scenarios in a virtual environment, workers can gain hands-on experience without the risks associated with on-the-job training. This not only improves skill levels but also reduces the likelihood of accidents and equipment damage.
AR is playing a crucial role in maintenance and repair operations across various manufacturing sectors. For instance, in the oil and gas industry, AR headsets provide technicians with real-time information and guidance, overlaying digital instructions onto physical equipment. This enables faster and more accurate repairs, minimising downtime and operational disruptions.
The true potential of these technologies is realised when they converge to create a smart factory ecosystem. In such an environment, Digital Twins, 3D AI, robotics automation, and immersive reality tech work in unison, enabling a seamless flow of data and operations.
Consider a smart factory in the automotive sector. Digital Twins provide a virtual replica of the entire production line, 3D AI optimises the design of car components, robotics automation ensures precise and efficient assembly, and AR assists maintenance teams with real-time information. The result is a highly efficient, flexible, and resilient manufacturing operation capable of quickly adapting to changing market demands.
GridRaster
www.gridraster.com
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