Artificial intelligence (AI) is finding its way into manufacturing. Machine maintenance—especially predictive maintenance (PdM)—will benefit greatly from this technology, with improved accuracy and real-time updates. New sensor technology, big data, and analytics have improved CBM (condition-based maintenance) effectiveness. Potential breakdowns can now be predicted within minutes allowing operations and maintenance teams to be more proactive.
A safety tool that has found great acceptance and is being used widely within the manufacturing sector is exoskeletons, which range from full body suits to small add-ons like shoulder or arm support to eliminate repetitive motion injuries. New exoskeletons are so customizable that they can easily be user adjusted as well as job and task specific, which should help reduce workers’ compensation issues.