The industrial use of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics has grown consistently in industries such as medical equipment and devices, automotive, and logistics. It has grown to the point that the worldwide population of industrial robots is 2.7 million. Some robots assist with more critical tasks. The Da Vinci robotic surgical system has assisted in seven million surgeries worldwide. Clearly, the robotics industry has made incredible strides in the past decade.
However, the print and packaging industry has been slower to adopt, with each having its reasons.
The Packaging Industry is Moving Quicker to Robotics
The packaging industry is starting to learn the impact of AI innovation on packaging solutions. These are some of the areas where AI is bringing innovative technology to packaging:
- Use of virtual and augmented reality to design packaging.
- Packaging with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or quick response (QR) codes to reorder stock.
- Sensors within the packaging to help prevent tampering and alert the authorities.
- Prevent downtime with machines by identifying problems before they occur.
As robotics become more prevalent in the packaging industry, AI can program the machines without precise instructions. The robotics will be able to self-diagnose problems with AI serving as quality control.
AI is Beginning to Have a Large Impact on Packaging Solutions
Automated packaging solutions require some extra employee training. However, they ultimately make everything more efficient. They also reduce business costs over time.
The workers who take the time to learn how to operate automated packaging systems are helping their company stay competitive and relevant in this fast-paced economy.
Their development and contribution to improvement help everyone. Take pride in your employees and the mastery you have of cutting-edge automation technology.
Robotics and the Print Industry
The use of robotics in print continues to be limited because of the high-mix, low-volume (HMLV) nature of the business. Robotics are used in warehousing but less so in print workflow automation.
AI Will Have a Major Impact on Printing
AI has a presence in the print industry right now, using algorithms to detect and correct problems with print output. AI has the ability to compensate for a clogged printhead or order a reprint if necessary, meaning that quality is assured on every project even as companies hire less-skilled workers.
AI functions with algorithms that take data generated by machines and, in effect, teach the machines how to perform each assigned task. With the help of sensors, it is possible to perform preventive maintenance on your machines to maintain their performance.
Artificial intelligence will likely have a much bigger impact on printing than robotics simply because AI can do so much more. AI has the ability to teach machines and make them smarter. While it may be a consideration by most proponents that the print industry will rely on AI because it can do so much, we cannot overlook robotics and their impact in the coming decades.
In effect, AI serves as part of your management and robotics as part of your team. Read more about how AI can save your company money.
