Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Modern Metrology
Technology has evolved at a meteoric pace in nearly every industry for the past several decades. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has joined the race, adding functionality and assistance in several different areas. One such area is metrology, which studies measurements in manufacturing. This study was inspired by the need to make standardized parts within a specific range for precision and accuracy, as well as the ability to make parts interchangeable. AI has started lending a hand in this process in many ways, allowing the manufacturing process to move forward with precision, efficiency, and minimal human errors. Here are some of how AI is revolutionizing metrology.
Data Analysis
After properly training an AI system to apply established algorithms to a specific process, it can analyze data much faster than a human and with fewer errors. Such systems can collect real-time data during an inspection process and also manage the manufacturing process itself. AI systems can help allocate resources, find areas of redundancy in different work processes, detect anomalies or defects, and streamline the quality control process.
Automated calibration
When manufactured products must meet a certain standard of measurement and performance, the ability to calibrate machines, robots, and other technology to remain on target is essential. AI systems can do this in real-time, eliminating humans from the process who may become tired or distracted over time. If there is any necessary change to the process, AI systems can implement it immediately.
Customer service
Many industries already use artificial intelligence systems for customer service, and their potential in metrology is equally encouraging. AI chatbots can answer simple and common customer questions, analyze data in forms that have been filled out, and assist customers with their measurement data to ensure accuracy. By using deep learning and algorithms that allow the system to learn each customer’s preferences, AI systems can develop solutions specific to each customer.
Current applications
Various metrology functions, such as plan development through CAD systems, precision manufacturing of custom products, and customer communication, already utilize artificial intelligence. AI systems can drive machinery at all hours of the day, whereas humans cannot work lengthy shifts to complete a project.
A shifting landscape
Integrating artificial intelligence into metrology processes may concern the human workers who currently do the job; AI could potentially take over, but it doesn’t have to be a problem for existing jobs. AI systems typically work best with processes that are repetitive, mundane, or subject to human error. By entrusting some of these processes to AI automation and assistance, we can retrain humans to perform tasks that AI is currently unable to. Machine learning and AI have the potential to drastically increase quality and performance in manufacturing, minimizing errors and delaying projects tremendously. When humans are freed from repetitive processes of this nature, this frees up the person to apply human intelligence to areas that artificial intelligence still has not mastered. Artificial intelligence is a positive for many industries and humans will adapt to these changes as the years go by.