The same applies to the status of a machine or an entire series of laser systems - here, too, changes can be tracked over time or across a number of machines. This generates considerable amounts of data, which are processed locally or centrally. Furthermore, images consist of huge amounts of data, and artificial intelligence has already become established in evaluating them. The systems are trained to detect and clearly classify deviations from the norm or even errors or malfunctions.
"These AI capabilities are well known, now it's a matter of building new machines that are designed from the outset to make the most of AI's potential," is how Professor Carlo Holly describes an important trend. "The sensor technology and the algorithms must fit together and ideally be planned in a coordinated manner from the outset," he adds.
The next goal is self-learning machines. They are to work in four steps: First, the sensors generate the data from the process. Then, the data is analyzed and made understandable, i.e. interpreted on the basis of existing data. In a third step, the system simulates how the results of the process will develop. For this purpose, the previous trend can be extrapolated or the influence of certain parameters can be simulated. This enables the fourth step: system control. So far, AI has been used mainly for quality monitoring and predictive maintenance of the machine. A closed control loop is the "next big thing."
But as digital process data becomes increasing available, AI can do even more. The data from the past makes it possible to calculate a parameter range for a new machining task and a specific material in which the process should run well. When a new machining process is planned and set up, AI can save time and resources, and therefore money.
"AI can find an optimal solution within multi-parameter systems, for which a human would need much more time," Holly explains. With AI, new processes can be tested in the computer, as is known from digital twins in the field of Industry 4.0. The complexity here has another dimension: "With these high-tech systems, we are increasingly facing the challenge of finding junior staff with suitable multiple qualifications," says Holly. After all, anyone who wants to simulate and plan a system like this should have knowledge of mechanical engineering, computer science and physics.
"We're already seeing AI in use, but that's just the beginning" is how Holly describes the status quo.
COMPAMED-tradefair.com; Source: Fraunhofer-Institut für Lasertechnik ILT
