AI Extends Human Capabilities and Helps People to Achieve More

November 27, 2018

Of the six technologies that will drive the next innovation wave, artificial intelligence (AI) is probably the most important one. (The other five: The Internet of Things (IoT), advanced robotics, blockchain, new materials and autonomous devices).

Robotic process automation is one of the broad categories encompassed by AI, and the topic has created a lot of conversation around the influence of robots on the way we work – and the jobs that will be created (or disappear) as a result of this innovation.

Research is proving that industrial robots have been a substantial driver of labor productivity and economic growth without putting jobs at risk. Just one example: Working with German carmaker BMW, scientists at the MIT found that robot-human teams were about 85 percent more productive than either alone.

So rather than debate human OR machine, let’s talk about human PLUS machine – what that interaction looks like, and what AI means for manufacturers around the world.

Which Path Will You Take?

We’re at a pivotal point in our acceptance and use of AI.

I agree with authors Paul Daugherty and H. James Wilson. In their book, Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI, they make a compelling case for AI extending and augmenting (not replacing) human capabilities and empowering human achievement.

Those who forge ahead and smartly deploy technologies like AI can embrace its unique ability to sense, comprehend and learn to achieve breakthrough improvements in performance. Adoption leaders will be capable of game-changing innovation.

Beyond The Linear

Here’s why this next wave is so important to companies. Each evolution of manufacturing has focused on automation improvements that enhance a workflow or process that’s linear, sequential, repeatable, measurable and optimized.

If you’re looking to leverage AI and advanced robotics for incremental progress, you may be missing out on a lot of potential improvements. That’s because technologies like AI allow us to envision processes as fluid and adaptive – moving beyond assembly lines to flexible teams of robots and humans able to continuously adapt to new data and new market conditions to deliver new results.

Leave Your Comfort Zone

There will always be a place for incremental change. This is a familiar space.

Applying AI and advanced robotics for significant change can feel uncomfortable because this path requires different ways of thinking in territory that is new and evolving for most people.

At its core, AI allows us to find different ways to relieve people from tedious, repetitive tasks and free them to do more complex work – exercising judgment, making decisions, applying creativity and innovating.

It’s time to remove the veil from AI, automation and robots, and re-imagine what’s possible.

Put to the Ultimate Test – Part 1: Torsion Tests by HELUKABEL

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Cables and wires in industrial robots and other moving machine parts are often required to withstand extreme stresses caused by torsion. Constant repetitive movements put materials under considerable strain. At the same time, operators expect components to function perfectly and reliably throughout their entire service life to avoid disruptions, outages and safety hazards.

For this reason, at HELUKABEL, we simulate intensive and continuous torsion stresses under realistic conditions with our high-tech testing equipment in Windsbach. We have several types of apparatus for doing this because some of our customers, for example those in the automotive industry, have very precise specifications for how a torsion test is carried out. The tests show that our cables and wires withstand speeds up to 1,000°/s, accelerations up to 2,000°/s² and torsion angles up to 720°. Hence, we make sure that each product always meets our customers’ high standards, and that they receive the impeccable quality they rightly expect from us as a leading supplier of cables, wires and accessories for more than 40 years.

What Is Torsion?

To learn the answer, click here

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Festo Didactic at the Forefront of Developing Canada’s Future Work Force

DCS Festo Didactic at the Forefront of Developing Canadas Future Workforce 1 400x275

With Canadian manufacturing suffering from a growing labour shortage, the participation of industry in skills development is emerging as a vital component in hiring and retention.

The needs are stark: The Canadian Exporters and Manufacturers Association says almost 40% of its members have jobs they can’t fill. Five years from now, 60% expect to be short-staffed, especially when it comes to skilled trades. Statistics Canada forecasts the country’s labour force growth rate will remain below 0.2% for the rest of the decade, below replacement levels.

This growing shortage is affecting companies of all sizes. Already, some manufacturers acknowledge losing out on contracts because they can’t find the manpower to fulfill them.

In reality, the challenge is two-fold: to replenish and expand the workforce to help close the gap between the number of job seekers and vacancies through 2030 when the last baby boomers reach age 65, and ensure workers get opportunities throughout their careers to upgrade or add to their skillset as current technologies evolve and new ones emerge. Festo, through Festo Didactic, one of the world leading provider of equipment and solutions for technical education, intends to help Canada meet this challenge on both fronts. In essence, the approach Festo has always taken is that the learning never stops.

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