Business Intelligence: PMMI Contextualizes the Place for Artificial Intelligence
The promises of AI are sparking lively debate and reshaping perspectives in 2024.
In the United States, a significant proportion of domestic machinery production still lags global adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven manufacturing and robotics. Analysts expect key investments—including those backed by the Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence—to spur demand for machinery across manufacturing sectors.
For packaging machine OEMs, in particular, AI is expected to have a net benefit when it comes to improving machine design and functionality, improving productivity and enhancing support and services.
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A recent whitepaper, “The AI Advantage in Equipment: Boosting Performance and Bridging Skills Gaps,” published by The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI), aligns the definition of artificial intelligence and its subsets (machine learning, deep learning, generative AI) with the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative and White House Executive Order on AI, as follows: “a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments.”
In a complementary PMMI podcast, “AI in Packaging: Driving Innovation and Overcoming Barriers,” George Blunt, a consulting analyst with Interact Analysis and an author of the whitepaper, commented on the findings and named five areas where AI is demonstrably affecting packaging: AI co-pilots (based on large language models), machine vision (the use of cameras and sensors), predictive maintenance (using generative AI to scale up advanced machine monitoring), digital twins (virtual representations that run simulations of the machines and the whole plant) and connected worker platforms (digital management systems for controlling metrics on parts, processes and staff performance).
The good news for those concerned about AI skills development, according to Blunt, is that packaging employees don’t need to be bogged down with the details of AI technology. Specialized knowledge comes into play when a packaging company wants to develop its own AI tool, such as a generative AI chatbot, without involving another company.
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Beneficial Aspects for Manufacturers That Choose to Implement AI
The PMMI whitepaper outlines the ongoing benefits and challenges associated with the use of AI tools and technologies. Benefits include:
- Better machine performance.
- Efficiency and productivity. AI frees up employees’ time by carrying out routine tasks such as data entry and coding.
- Filling skills gaps and mitigating labor issues.
Barriers associated with AI Deployments
The PMMI report also discusses challenges and barriers to successful deployment of AI solutions, such as:
- Concerns around cybersecurity.
- Inconsistencies with the quality of data and collection methods.
- Resistance to change, particularly among older workers.
- Fears about job replacement.
- Problems associated with data hallucination.
Download the whitepaper, “The AI Advantage in Equipment: Boosting Performance and Bridging Skills Gaps,” at PMMI’s website.
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