Chris had several questions about Integr8 Playbook #4: AI and Machine Learning that he wanted to find out from Tom:

• Q. Thanks for coming back on our show to talk about Automation Alley’s series of Integr8 playbooks. Your latest one is focused on how manufacturers can benefit from AI and Machine Learning –  and we will get into that – but remind us again what this series of playbooks is?

The 2024 Integr8 Roundtable Series is an invite-only roundtable sessions where leaders from industry, academia and government meet.

Each roundtable is focused on a different topic or challenge related to the Industry 4.0 and the transition to digital manufacturing

And then we publish a playbook from each roundtable that provides advice for manufacturers to help them overcome challenges

It all builds momentum towards the Integr8 Roundtable Summit, to be held Oct. 3 in Detroit

• Q. So, you just released the findings from your fourth roundtable, which is titled  “The Rise of AI: Shaping Industries Through Intelligent Innovation.” And AI has been in the news constantly for more than a year now. What did you learn from this roundtable discussion?
  
  

We are entering a new era of AI technology in our everyday lives; from the media we consume to the products we use. But there are also challenges — fears of job displacement, academic plagiarism, deep fakes, cyber threats and a new degree of misinformation.

There really are all sorts of new, big issues that we are still – as a society – just in the early stages of working through

For business, the big question is – how do we deploy AI to address areas of need? Can AI be the answer to helping small businesses navigate new market realities? Can AI transform the manufacturing process from the shop floor to the top floor?

At Automation Alley, we think it can. We think AI and Machine Learning have the power to level the playing field and allow U.S. manufacturers to compete globally and bring jobs back to America.

• Q. You mentioned Machine Learning. What is the difference between AI and Machine Learning?
  
  

• Q. I’ve heard you say manufacturing is more exciting now than it has been for at least 30 years – but that it is also the most daunting because it is hard for small companies to figure out where to start when it comes to AI. Can you elaborate on that? How should small manufacturers get started with this stuff?
  
  

For successful AI adoption, companies should clearly define the specific goals and objectives they aim to achieve with AI implementation, whether it's improving production efficiency, enhancing product quality, or reducing maintenance costs.

Understanding your objectives will guide your AI strategy and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.

Companies should begin AI implementation with pilot projects focused on specific use cases or areas of improvement.

Start small to validate AI technologies, assess their impact, and refine strategies before scaling across the organization.

• Q. I imagine one of the barriers to adopting AI and Machine Learning is that companies – and their staff – are intimidated by the new technology. Is there a talent and training challenge that comes with this?
  
  

Yes!

There is a need for programmers, data scientists, engineers, and other highly skilled workers who can create and maintain complex AI programs.

Shortages abound in this field and require industry leaders to connect with academia to create training programs and internships that fill specific needs. Companies need to develop internal training programs to reskill and upskill current workforces.

Automation Alley also shared a release about the topic:

“The Rise of AI: Shaping Industries Through Intelligent Innovation” is the fourth in a series of playbooks from the Integr8 roundtable series

TROY, Mich., April 9, 2024 – Automation Alley’s fourth playbook of its 2024 Integr8 Roundtable Series is focused on the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its potential to transform industries, enhance decision-making and foster innovation.

Emerging technology continues to transform the world of production and creates an opportunity for companies that embrace it to gain a competitive advantage – but many companies don’t know where to start or how to incorporate the AI and machine learning into their own processes.

The insights for the playbook that were gathered at a March 13 roundtable discussion hosted by Automation Alley, which featured leaders from technology, manufacturing, government and academic sectors can serve as a guide to help companies find those answers.

“The Rise of AI: Shaping Industries Through Intelligent Innovation” is available to view and download here.

“Artificial Intelligence is the most disruptive innovation of our lifetime,” said Tom Kelly, Executive Director and CEO of Automation Alley. “Today’s manufacturers must invest the time and effort to build new processes to unlock the value in AI and machine learning. This playbook offers important insights for companies on what to consider and how to get started to realize their potential.”

The playbook provides direction on the establishment of artificial intelligence and machine learning in manufacturing and defining best practices for intelligent innovation in the industry.

Topics discussed include:

· Opportunities and challenges of AI in the workforce

· Using artificial intelligence and machine learning in manufacturing

· Ethics of adopting AI

· Recommendations for developing AI objectives and strategies

· The importance of investment in data infrastructure and cybersecurity

· The use of AI in research & development

· Using AI for automation

· Using AI to enhance learning experiences

“The Rise of AI: Shaping Industries Through Intelligent Innovation” is sponsored by Fraunhofer USA, and was produced in partnership with Walsh College.

The 2024 Integr8 Roundtable Series offers invite-only roundtable sessions where leaders from industry, academia and government meet to discuss the opportunities and challenges surrounding various Industry 4.0 topics.

Building upon the momentum of the Roundtable Series of insightful discussions held earlier in the year, the Integr8 Roundtable Summit, to be held Oct. 3 in Detroit, is the apex of this collaborative exploration into the realms of Industry 4.0. For sponsorship opportunities, contact sales@automationalley.com.