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Writer's pictureMegan Willing

How is Generative AI Being Used in Manufacturing Today?

Updated: Jun 28, 2023


AI has many capabilities, recently there has been a lot of advancement in the area of Generative AI.

Artificial intelligence has come a long way, and one of the most exciting developments relating to this technology is its ability to mimic and imitate various things. AI is capable of replicating the sound of someone's voice, imitating a writer's style, generating artwork, and even composing music. The manufacturing industry is constantly evolving, driven by new technologies, materials, and innovative approaches to problem-solving. As the complexity of manufacturing processes increases, so does the demand for efficient and effective solutions. This is where language models like Large Language Models (LLMs) and GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformers) come into play. By harnessing the power of AI, manufacturers can optimize their processes and improve overall production quality.


The Co-pilot Approach: Capturing Expert Knowledge


One way to utilize AI in manufacturing process optimization is through the "co-pilot approach." This approach involves capturing expert knowledge from process engineers and quality engineers within a manufacturing firm. With the company's authorization, this knowledge is used to supplement the base LLM model, allowing it to answer specific questions about manufacturing processes and troubleshooting production line quality targets.


Human-in-the-Loop Feedback


Incorporating a human-in-the-loop approach, engineers can provide feedback to the AI dataset, refining the model and improving its accuracy over time. This collaboration between human experts and AI systems ensures that the manufacturing process optimization continuously improves and remains relevant in the face of ever-changing manufacturing realities.


Dealing with the Complexities of Manufacturing


Manufacturing processes are inherently complex because of factors such as variation in material quality, machine performance, and the wear and tear of tools and equipment. The co-pilot approach can help address these complexities by using AI as a support system for manufacturing operations during off-shifts and periods when the engineering team needs to focus on other projects, such as new product introductions or troubleshooting tasks.



This ability to imitate can be extremely helpful in various industries, including manufacturing, but it also has the potential to be dangerous if not used correctly.


Voice Cloning and its Applications


AI can also replicate a person's voice using voice cloning, which could potentially be applied to entertainment, advertising, and cybersecurity. By training an AI system using a dataset of speech recordings, it can generate new audio that mimics the sound of that person’s voice. However, the misuse of voice cloning technology, which can be done by creating deepfake audio recordings, raises concerns about spreading false information or defaming individuals.


The Importance of Responsible AI Use


While AI's imitative abilities offer numerous advantages, they also pose potential danger. Deep fakes — videos, audio recordings, or images created using AI that are difficult to distinguish from genuine content—can spread false information or discredit individuals, causing reputational or legal harm. Additionally, AI's increasing sophistication could lead to job displacement and economic instability.


In conclusion, AI's ability to mimic human skills has the potential to revolutionize certain industries, including manufacturing and customer service. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential dangers associated with this technology and use it responsibly and ethically. By prioritizing responsible AI use, the technology's benefits can be maximized while minimizing the risks.


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