Artificial Intelligence in Industry and Logistics
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been one of the key driving technologies of Industry 4.0, which has brought about a major change in the way industry operates, achieving greater human-machine interaction. Several studies have stated that more than 80% of companies have already begun to investigate the use of AI in their businesses, and although we may not be fully aware of it, AI has been in our daily lives for much longer than we think. We are beginning to see it commonly in facial detection on smartphones and virtual voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. But what exactly is Artificial Intelligence and how is it used in industry?
What is artificial intelligence?
It is the combination of algorithms that create technological systems capable of perceiving, understanding, and acting similarly to human abilities. With the help of Big Data, AI processes large amounts of data and learns from it, allowing for more precise and complex decision-making. Consequently, solutions and improvements are achieved in the different sectors where AI is used.
What applications does AI currently have in industry?
When designing, generative design uses this technology to automatically generate designs based on specific characteristics that optimize the design. It also takes into account factors such as materials, manufacturing processes, and costs, which are fundamental in the design phase.
Furthermore, failure patterns in industrial equipment are analyzed to predict when maintenance will be necessary to avoid unwanted downtime that could cause financial problems for the company. Machine learning algorithms are also used to analyze different manufacturing processes to identify potential production problems and thus comprehensively control and monitor the entire plant.
Until now, one of the challenges companies faced was identifying relevant and useful data. AI significantly accelerates this process, as it is capable of processing large amounts of data and finding beneficial solutions to improve business. With the data that AI can analyze, it is possible to predict product demand and also solve production problems, such as bottlenecks, thereby optimizing the supply chain.
Advantages of using AI in logistics centers
It automates routine processes and tasks so employees can dedicate their knowledge to more valuable tasks.
It reduces costs thanks to the greater operational efficiency generated by the introduction of AI in various operations.
It drives technological advancement and opens up new opportunities for business development.
It can optimize energy consumption and identify more environmentally friendly materials and practices.
Its impact on today’s industry
The implementation of AI in factories, warehouses, and logistics plants has revolutionized the way we work in industry and has undoubtedly generated a series of advantages for companies and customers.
Just-in-time: This logistics method has led to the optimization of production based on demand. AI enables production to adapt to the order, and with the help of algorithms, delivery times are shortened.
Consumption Transformation: Purchasing habits often fluctuate over time, and data analysis helps us understand consumer preferences and changes in demand.
Changes in the Labor Market: With the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, new specialized jobs in these technologies have emerged. Although their development is progressing rapidly, all their potential uses in the industry are still unknown.