Industrial artificial intelligence: Revolutionizing industries

Posted: September 01, 2023

What is industrial AI (artificial intelligence)?

Industrial AI is software or hardware that can perform tasks that are typically performed by humans—but it’s purpose-built for highly specified industrial applications to amplify the knowledge and skills of existing workers, which lets them exceed their own individual capabilities. It’s particularly good at analyzing massive amounts of data to identify trends or problems and then making decisions or finding opportunities for improvement. AI is revolutionizing industries, making them more efficient and productive.

By using data science, machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, natural language processing and large language networks, AI can analyze enormous amounts of data to uncover valuable insights. Successfully implementing industrial AI requires a data-driven culture with purpose-built AI-infused software designed to optimize resources, assets, and processes effectively throughout the entire value chain.

How is AI transforming industry?

AI has the power to transform industries by unlocking the value of data. First, industrial AI eliminates data silos by collecting all data into a single database. Then, industrial AI analyzes that data, contextualizes it, and displays key information. Teams can then collaborate and operate from that single source of trusted data.

AI solutions help organizations achieve their bottom-line goals while advancing sustainability initiatives, including:

• Increasing workforce efficiency
• Reducing energy usage while optimizing throughput
• Decreasing downtime by increasing reliability

Industrial AI is rapidly changing sectors like manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Industrial organizations use predictive analytics and optimization techniques to optimize their processes. For example, in process manufacturing plants, AI monitors production in real time, preemptively identifying potential issues and providing guided remediation steps to optimize overall equipment efficiency.

AI data analysis also improves supply-chain management by optimizing inventory, preventing shortages, and identifying inefficiencies that affect profitability. Some organizations have used AI to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption and increase efficiency by optimizing planning and scheduling.

The sky is truly the limit.

What industries are most impacted by industrial AI?

All industries are being impacted by industrial AI, but any industry that needs to make fast decisions based on massive amounts of data benefits the most. For example, in oil and gas, a huge variety of changing information—delivery delays, equipment failure, or even the weather—affects refining schedules. Industrial AI can incorporate all that information as it changes to quickly readjust the refining schedule and ensure it remains safe and effective. Other industries, like power generation, food and beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG), use AI to monitor equipment performance and identify equipment problems in advance of any failure.

What is an example of artificial intelligence in industry?

AI has brought significant advancements to industries, providing insights that were previously inaccessible. Predictive maintenance uses AI algorithms to detect equipment issues before they occur, avoiding costly downtime. By analyzing sensor data, predictive models anticipate failures and enable proactive maintenance. Such preemptive maintenance is especially valuable in process manufacturing, where machine downtime has financial implications.

AI is also transforming supply-chain management. Predictive analytics helps identify bottlenecks and disruptions in advance, allowing for timely contingency plans. Using AI to automate routine tasks enhances productivity, such as automating production-line scheduling to optimize inventory levels and reduce costs.

What is the future of AI in industry?

AI is revolutionizing industrial operations, delivering substantial value to organizations. Technological advancements open opportunities for digitalization, using AI-powered solutions to optimize performance and drive business outcomes.

Automation will have a profound impact, reducing manual labor costs as process manufacturers embrace digital technologies. AI solutions that learn from past operations and predict future outcomes will optimize processes and increase efficiency.

Industrial AI fosters a data-driven culture within organizations. Collaboration between data scientists, engineers, and operators unlocks value through data utilization. While AI has been successful in healthcare and finance, the industrial sector has not used it to its full potential.

Adopting industrial AI brings undeniable benefits, providing numerous opportunities for process optimization throughout the value chain. It is essential for businesses striving for long-term sustainability and competitiveness in their industries.

What current AI trends will transform industry the most?

AI is a vast field with various branches, and one of its most impactful subsets is machine learning, which emerged about 20 years ago and has revolutionized businesses. Additionally, deep learning and reinforcement learning have already significantly transformed industries like finance, operations, medicine, and cybersecurity. Sectors such as manufacturing, process, and power industries are now integrating AI into crucial areas like design, construction, operation, maintenance, and optimization.

Another notable trend is generative AI, exemplified by large language models (LLMs), like GPT (generative pre-trained transformer), made accessible by OpenAI. This technology is rapidly advancing, giving rise to innovative ideas and tools like Microsoft's Copilot and competing offerings from companies like Google. As AI progresses, there’s a future where software collaborates with humans, gradually assuming more tasks and responsibilities, eventually leading to fully autonomous operations.

Currently, task-based AI is transitioning to objective-driven AI with human supervision. This shift offers significant benefits for businesses, as objective-driven AI sets goals, dynamically links information and knowledge, and autonomously identifies and solves problems, while human supervisors focus on strategic decision-making. However, this only scratches the surface of AI's vast capabilities and potential as a crucial asset in business operations.

How will generative AI impact industry?

Generative AI is poised to revolutionize industries. The development of advanced language models like GPT-3, 3.5, and 4 marks a game-changing breakthrough. However, the true power lies in combining such models with real-time industrial data and additional AI technologies. Such integration allows for tailored solutions that go beyond mundane tasks and instead focus on achieving specific objectives that meet the unique needs of different industries.

The impact of generative AI is profound and far-reaching. By using real-time data and advanced AI capabilities, businesses can unlock enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. Just imagine the possibility of optimizing asset performance and operational control to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. This transformative technology is reshaping how businesses operate, paving the way for intelligent and adaptive systems that redefine industry norms. 

Will low-code and no-code accelerate the democratization of AI?

Low-code and no-code platforms have the potential to make AI more accessible to a wider range of people. These platforms allow individuals with limited coding knowledge to create and deploy AI solutions using user-friendly visual interfaces.

This democratization is a two-way street, as AI itself also plays a role in democratizing access to low-code and no-code tools. Generative AI, powered by large language models, can automatically generate code based on user input, making it easier for individuals to use these platforms. This creates a positive feedback loop where AI empowers people to use low-code and no-code tools, and these tools, in turn, make AI more accessible.

As AI continues to evolve, objective-driven AI will likely replace task-based AI. This shift raises concerns about the need for safeguards and oversight to ensure responsible and ethical use of AI technologies. Nevertheless, the advancements in AI and its accessibility through low-code/no-code platforms hold enormous potential for improving sustainability and enhancing productivity across different industries.

Are all industrial AI vendors the same?

Not all industrial AI vendors are the same, and it is important to consider key factors when choosing one. One crucial factor is whether the vendor offers comprehensive software that covers the entire enterprise. This type of software seamlessly integrates with different systems and departments, enabling a comprehensive approach to industrial AI implementation. With such comprehensive software, organizations can make data-driven decisions throughout their value chains, optimizing operations and increasing productivity and operational excellence.

Another important aspect to consider is the vendor's ability to create robust custom-built models for data analysis. Each organization has unique requirements and datasets that require analysis to deliver meaningful insights. A vendor that can develop customized models tailored to specific needs is highly valuable. These custom-built models enable deeper analysis, providing accurate and relevant insights. Organizations that use custom models can make informed decisions, identify trends and patterns, and uncover opportunities for improvement.

Look for vendors that provide software that’s both comprehensive—covering your entire enterprise—and customized to analyze your enterprise’s data specifically. Such software allows organizations to fully utilize their data and gain actionable insights that drive business outcomes. Choosing the right vendor means implementing industrial AI solutions that meet your specific requirements, maximizing efficiency and gaining a competitive edge.

A key question you need to ask is whether a vendor is just providing AI for the sake of checking a box for marketing collateral. A vendor should instead be using AI to enhance their products so that they produce more value than they did without AI. A company with a track record of producing products that deliver value has the potential to incorporate AI into its products in a way that delivers even more value. 

What is AVEVA doing for industrial AI?

AVEVA is the best choice for organizations seeking an AI provider that truly excels in industrial applications. As a global leader, AVEVA empowers process manufacturers with unparalleled technological solutions that optimize operations and drive remarkable growth. Its expertise lies in delivering a seamless experience that enhances productivity, reduces costs, and improves overall efficiency.

With AVEVA's industrial AI solutions, organizations can streamline their processes by harnessing the power of data analysis from sensors. That analysis results in increased output, reduced waste, and a remarkable improvement in product quality. By providing real-time visibility of the entire value chain, AVEVA enables informed decision-making regarding inventory levels, order fulfillment, and transportation planning. The outcome? Cost reduction and enhanced customer satisfaction.

AVEVA goes above and beyond by offering comprehensive training programs for both technical personnel and end users. It ensures that its customers have the necessary skills to effectively use AI technologies and maximize the benefits from AVEVA solutions. By infusing AI into its existing product portfolio, AVEVA covers the entire value chain, delivering unparalleled value to its customers.

To witness the transformative power of AVEVA's industrial AI, visit its AI solutions webpage. There, you will discover a wide range of AI-infused products that have already revolutionized industries. You will also witness the incredible value that emerges when these products interact, surpassing expectations and providing significant additional benefits.

Choose AVEVA as your AI provider and unlock the full potential of industrial AI to drive your organization's success.

Conclusion

Industrial AI has revolutionized industries and plays a crucial role in achieving operational excellence by providing data insights, optimizing processes, and accelerating problem solving. Industrial AI boosts productivity, reduces costs, and improves decision making. 

For more information, download the free whitepaper: "Artificial Intelligence: from Predictive to Prescriptive and Beyond