Industrial automation has made significant progress. If it once meant only mechanization and repetitive processes, today it is synonymous with intelligent systems capable of adapting, predicting and optimizing. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are at the center of this evolution. Technologies that seemed reserved for the future are now concrete tools for companies that want to remain competitive.
The companies we work with — SMEs, large companies and startups — are looking for solutions to reduce costs, increase efficiency and ensure security. With the advance of Industry 4.0 and the push towards 5.0, ignoring these innovations means risking being left behind. In this article, we explain how AI and machine learning can make a difference in industrial automation and how we can support you on this journey.
When our customers ask us the difference between AI and machine learning, we answer that AI is the set of technologies that mimic human intelligence, while machine learning is the branch that allows systems to learn from data and improve over time.
In the industrial context, this means having machines that don't just execute orders, but that know how and when to optimize production. A SCADA system integrated with AI can analyze data in real time and suggest operational changes, while advanced PLCs adapt to line changes without manual intervention.
1. Optimized production processes
AI makes it possible to identify bottlenecks and apply solutions that reduce time and waste. Production lines become more fluid and responsive.
2. Reduced operating costs
Thanks to predictive systems, it is possible to anticipate failures and limit expenses related to emergency interventions, optimizing resources.
3. Predictive maintenance
Let's overcome reactive maintenance: machine learning makes it possible to predict failures, planning targeted interventions and reducing plant downtime.
4. Increased security
By integrating intelligent sensors and advanced interfaces, we detect dangerous situations before they occur, protecting both workers and productivity.
5. Flexible and customized production
With Industry 5.0, production must be versatile. AI allows parameters to be modified in real time to respond quickly to market needs.
AI in PLC, SCADA and HMI systems: how plant management changes
PLC systems that comply with the IEC 61131 standard are essential for industrial automation. By integrating AI, they become able to learn from operational data and optimize operations without lengthy reprogramming. In this way, the machines automatically adapt to production needs.
SCADA and HMI are also evolving: they are no longer just visualizing data, but interpreting it. Operators receive clear indications to improve production, while anomalies are promptly reported, preventing more serious problems.