Digital technologies and AI are on the advance – also in the glass industry. They hold great potential. Some companies are already using digital and AI tools to optimise products or processes in the value chain.
With increasing digitalisation the glass industry is entering a new era worldwide. Innovation and efficiency can be increased enormously by using digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The potential they hold for all segments of the glass industry is vast – from the container glass and flat glass industry to glass machinery building and glass processing and finishing. Possibilities are far from exhausted. The world is currently undergoing a digital revolution – driven by Artificial Intelligence, data analysis and automation. With the help of digital tools processes can be optimised, costs cut, efficiency increased and competitiveness boosted, to name but a few advantages. In a nutshell: digital technologies break new ground in terms of quality, growth and innovation; and glasstec as the world-leading trade fair is right in the middle of it.
Valuable potential by using digital tools
1. Process optimisations by data analysis and AI
Progressive data analyses and AI algorithms can be used to optimise manufacturing processes. From raw material sourcing and manufacturing to quality control, AI-assisted data capture and evaluation enable producers to increase efficiency and reduce rejects.
2. Smart maintenance and servicing by means of IoT sensors
By installing IoT (Internet of Things) sensors combined with learning digital instruments service and maintenance expenses can be minimised – and what’s more – defects, errors or repair needs of machines and technical equipment can be detected early on, avoiding high manpower needs and long, costly downtimes.
3. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in design and production
VR and AR help to optimise design processes and visualise the finished products faster and better for customers. This applies to both custom “glass” solutions such as container glass design and to customer or staff training. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality already form an integral part of this industry – and will increasingly do in future.
4. Quality control and inspection by image processing
Extremely advanced image processing techniques and tools are needed to enable machine vision and, hence, an extremely precise quality control and visual inspection of glass products. Defects or irregularities can be quickly detected and remedied this way. This positively impacts product quality and substantially reduces rejects.
These are just four benefits of digital tools but one thing is for sure: digitalisation changes the glass industry and opens up entirely new avenues for many firms – from more efficient processes and optimised production workflows to innovative automation solutions. The use of digital and AI tools is progressing – in the industry just as much as with glass producers and companies involved in the glass cycle, as the following examples of our exhibitors’ use cases show.
