Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay and today’s automation specialists are making AI-powered tools more accessible and user friendly by developing manufacturing solutions that can be easily integrated into key processes.
The TwinCAT 3 Machine Learning Creator - TE3850 series – is one such example, as Ben Harrison, Project Manager for Beckhoff Automation explains: “The TwinCAT 3 Machine Learning Creator is a tool which has been developed to give controls and process engineers the ability to create, maintain and harness AI in their applications,’ he explains.
Ben continues saying that machine learning involves three key steps:
1) Data collection
2) Model training
3) and integrating the model into the control systems.
“As OEMs, machine builders, or process engineers, you have access to a wealth of data—from temperature, pressure, vibration and torque readings to production counts, downtime, and user interaction. All this data, is readily available through Beckhoff’s control system and sets the stage for effective machine learning applications.”
Now, instead of involving experts in the fields of data science and AI for model training, customers can perform these steps in-house, using the TwinCAT 3 Machine Learning Creator. “You have the ability to own your data and process knowledge,” Ben continues.
When asked about the key features of this product, Ben adds: "The no-code development platform enables non-AI experts to efficiently develop high-quality AI applications. The Creator automates time-consuming AI development using cutting-edge methods from the field of automated machine learning. This helps standardise and conform to best practices.”
“Additionally, as part of the training process, the trained models are optimised for low latency to meet the real-time requirements of TwinCAT."
This simplicity and standardisation also makes AI more accessible and offers a competitive edge to smaller enterprises that often lack in-house AI expertise. “Such features allow these companies to implement advanced technologies without the need for extensive resources or specialised knowledge.”
When discussing the practical applications of this technology, Ben highlights, "an ideal application area for real-time models is AI-supported image processing for quality assurance and classification.”
Other applications include replacing traditional sensors with AI model outputs – a cost-effective solution in scenarios where sensors are prohibitively expensive or unsuitable.
Harrison emphasizes the importance of accessible tools in the realm of machine learning. "The true potential of these advancements in machine learning can only be realized when they are in the hands of domain experts. Therefore, it is crucial that we reduce the complexity and the level of AI expertise required to leverage this technology effectively.”
“This is precisely why the TwinCAT 3 Machine Learning Creator has been developed—to provide a user-friendly platform that empowers professionals across all industries to harness the power of machine learning in their applications,” he adds.
For seasoned AI experts, this solution serves to streamline their workload considerably while minimising the potential for errors. “The tool accelerates project development through a transparent process that covers development, testing, and validation of the AI models. It supports the use of models in third-party environments via the ONNX open standard and facilitates automated report generation for auditing AI model creation” he concludes/
Website: https://www.beckhoff.com/en-au/
For sales enquiries please contact +61 39912 5430 or info@beckhoff.com.au
