The global deep learning market was valued at $49.6 billion in 2022 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.5% between 2023 and 2030.
This surge in demand for deep learning-related technology is primarily driven by the need to make more accurate analytical decisions within shorter timeframes. The manufacturing domain, in particular, is one that is beginning to benefit from deep learning initiatives as the industry 4.0 revolution magnifies.
But how to harness deep learning for real-time analytics and decision-making in the manufacturing domain? Let’s discuss.
Understanding the Role of Deep Learning in Smart Manufacturing
Deep learning plays a pivotal role in smart manufacturing by enabling the analysis of vast amounts of data generated from various sensors and devices in real-time. Its ability to automatically learn and extract complex patterns and features from manufacturing data makes it a valuable tool for:
- Optimizing production processes
- Predicting failures
- Enhancing overall efficiency
As a key component of artificial intelligence (AI), it empowers manufacturers to:
- Make data-driven decisions across the board
- Reduce machine downtime
- Drive predictive and prescriptive analytics for proactive maintenance and resource allocation
Facilitating Data Collection and Preparation
Effective data collection and preparation are critical for the successful implementation of real-time analytics in smart manufacturing. This involves capturing data from sensors, machines, and production lines in real-time and ensuring its accuracy, reliability, and relevance.
Data preprocessing techniques such as normalization, feature extraction, and data augmentation are applied to enhance the quality and usability of the data for deep learning algorithms.
Further, robust data pipelines and storage systems must be established to handle the high volume, velocity, and variety of manufacturing data generated during production processes.
Selecting and Implementing Deep Learning Models
Choosing appropriate deep-learning models is crucial for effective decision-making across the manufacturing facility — be it on the individual department level, plant level, or extended enterprise level.
To better guide you through the process of selection, here’s a rundown of the most prominent deep learning models and why they are used:
- Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are commonly used for image recognition and quality control.
- Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) are suitable for time-series data and predictive maintenance.
- Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks are employed for sequence modeling.
- Transformer models facilitate natural language processing tasks.
Implementing these models involves:
- Training on large datasets
- Optimizing hyperparameters
- Deploying them on edge devices or cloud platforms for real-time analytics
Also Read: How to Choose the Right Machine Learning Model? Here Is a Basic Guide
Leveraging Edge Computing for Real-time Analytics
Edge computing plays a vital role in enabling real-time analytics for smart manufacturing by processing data closer to the source — thus, reducing latency and alleviating the burden on cloud infrastructures.
Notably, deep learning models can be deployed on edge devices. These can include Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Industrial PCs, to enable localized data analysis and decision-making. This allows for faster response times and enhances the overall efficiency and reliability of the manufacturing processes, especially in scenarios with limited or intermittent network connectivity to the cloud.
Enhancing Predictive Maintenance
Deep learning significantly enhances predictive maintenance in smart manufacturing by identifying early signs of equipment failure and providing actionable insights.
Deep learning models can predict potential breakdowns and trigger proactive maintenance activities by analyzing historical sensor data and detecting anomalous patterns. This approach works to:
- Minimize unplanned downtime
- Extends the lifespan of critical machinery
- Optimize maintenance schedules
- Accrue cost savings
- Improved overall productivity
Improving Quality Control
Deep learning empowers manufacturers to achieve higher levels of quality control and defect detection. The models can be trained to identify and classify defects in manufacturing processes. These can be product defects, surface irregularities, or dimensional inaccuracies.
By analyzing real-time sensor data and images, these models enable automated quality inspections, reducing human error and ensuring consistent and accurate assessments. Altogether, this results in improved product quality, reduced waste, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Integrating Deep Learning with IoT for Smart Manufacturing
The integration of deep learning with the Internet of Things (IoT) is critical to realize success with all the aforementioned steps. IoT devices and sensors generate vast amounts of data from various stages of the manufacturing process, and deeplearning algorithms can analyze this data to extract valuable insights.
By merging IoT data streams with deep learning analytics, manufacturers can understand production operations comprehensively. This can help enable predictive maintenance, real-time optimization, and adaptive control of manufacturing processes.
Some Implementation Challenges to Be Aware Of
Implementing deep learning techniques in the manufacturing industry can prove challenging, especially when it comes to validating these methods. That said, here are the common challenges to address:
- Often, manufacturers lack detailed data about the equipment and processes used in their operations.
- Data can be sensitive, so there’s a constant need for encryption to protect data in transit and at rest.
- Data generated can be very complex and difficult to manage, as it comes from a variety of sources and in different formats.
- Many manufacturing facilities use legacy systems that are difficult to integrate into transformative data-driven processes. One way to address this challenge is to use middleware.
How Can Ascentt Help You Harness Deep Learning in Smart Manufacturing?
Ascentt offers advanced AI, deep learning, and data science services that are tailored to unlock actionable insights from manufacturing data. Our teams of skilled data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI experts are well-versed in solving complex data challenges across diverse industries.
All in all, we can help you achieve fast ROIs on industrial AI initiatives through intelligent automation and data-driven insights. Get in touch with us to learn more about our process.