Armagard is on a mission to help manufacturers improve manufacturing floor productivity through the protection of computer applications. Part of that remit includes protecting Artificial Intelligence Applications in Manufacturing.

With Artificial Intelligence becoming a feature of the modern manufacturing floor, a feature that relies heavily on computers, here are some tips for protecting your AI assets…

‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the science of mimicking human intelligence inside a computer.’ That’s according to Loughborough University’s computer science department [based in the UK]. In that case, if AI computers are being used in manufacturing, there’s a need to protect those assets, right?

It’s no secret that manufacturing firms worldwide, including US manufacturers, have grown increasingly reliant on AI technologies. Robotics and computers are being used to replace humans when it comes to performing back-breaking and repetitive tasks, while millions of clerical jobs have made way for computers and software packages.

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However, introducing AI to manufacturing processes hasn’t been without its challenges, particularly when it comes to integrating the computers responsible for controlling such AI Technology, into an atmosphere that’s lethal to electronic equipment.

It’s not uncommon for manufacturers to invest thousands, if not millions, of dollars in bringing AI computer systems to the manufacturing floor.

This often comes at a practical cost too, often resulting in restructuring a plant layout, leading to downtime and a rethink of the entire manufacturing process to accommodate new computer systems supporting AI robotic processes.

Following a very cost intensive investment in AI technology, the protection of the relevant control centres are as paramount as the actual robotic appliances themselves. Adequate protection of these AI computers will prevent downtime and further your productivity.

AI controlling computer stations arrive on the manufacturing floor expected to work flawlessly, but can result in creating more challenges if not integrated with protection in mind.

AI computers used on the manufacturing floor should be protected.

The Issue with Artificial Intelligence Applications in Manufacturing

The most common complaint from manufacturers who have experienced first-hand the failure of AI computers is reliability issues, which leaves them facing incidents of unnecessary downtime, increased lead times, loss of customer confidence and ultimately loss of market share.

Ironically, those systems they had brought in to improve the manufacturing environment were in fact failing because of the environment they were in. So, what’s causing the crash of these AI computers?

It probably won’t surprise you to learn that the culprits for these problems are something most manufacturing floors find themselves immersed in everyday:

• Dust
• Dirt
• Powders
• Liquids
• Heat
• Humidity

AI computers used on the manufacturing floor last longer when protected.

These are just some of the elements that can cause AI computers to breakdown completely. While the impact of these elements is not immediate, over time, the problem manifests.

It might start with a couple of glitches, which are ignored. Your AI computers then may inexplicably shutdown every now and then, which is ok because after a reboot they’re fine.

Then it happens, you arrive to boot up the system one Monday morning and nothing. The build-up of dust and dirt have finally taken their toll on your AI computer, leaving you with a hefty repair bill, or worse, a huge bill to replace your capital investment that you’ve just spent thousands or even millions of dollars on.

This happens because, who has the time to check for dust or dirt build-up on a regular basis on the inside of computers? Not many…

Don’t wait for unseen elements to damage your AI computers. Protect them. It will cost you less long-term.

The Key to Protecting Artificial Intelligence Applications in Manufacturing

…With that in mind, preventing damage to AI computers in the first place is the logical solution. So, having identified the problem, the key to protecting Artificial Intelligence applications in manufacturing is as simple as encasing your capital investment in an environmental computer enclosure.

Fully sealed to US, National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards, computer enclosures are purpose-built to keep out those elements that harm AI computer equipment used on the manufacturing floor.

Rather than being caught out by a fatal computer failure, be prepared. Moving forward, computer enclosures add value to your manufacturing floor by protecting your AI assets long-term.

Not only does that reduce repair and replacement expenses, it minimizes downtime, improves lead times, protects market share and heightens customer confidence.

If you have questions about computer integration on the manufacturing floor, ask us in the comments section.

Meanwhile, help yourself to the free, manufacturing floor computer integration handbook.

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