Manufacturing equipment keeps reaching new stages of capabilities and intelligence. What starts as a smart machine transforms into equipment infused with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Data coming off the equipment becomes big data and moves through data analysis. The digitally generated data is used to produce leaps in productivity.

AI and machine learning assist engineers and data scientists to structure, analyze, and evaluate a huge volume of data. The application improvements include smart recommendations, generative design, anomaly detection, and preventive maintenance. Altogether AI and machine learning optimize the way products are designed and produced.

Let’s take a look at all of the functions that are moving into AI and machine learning.

Rob Spiegel has covered manufacturing for 19 years, 17 of them for Design News. Other topics he has covered include automation, supply chain technology, alternative energy, and cybersecurity. For 10 years, he was the owner and publisher of the food magazine Chile Pepper.