Uplifting Innovations – The Right Perspective
Published on : Friday 17-01-2020
Artificial Intelligence and penetration of other innovative technologies is dramatically changing the current environment, says Jasbir Singh.
Emerging technologies have led to demands for better productivity in business. New developments are surfacing to support existing lines and create new techniques/designs for the same functions to be executed more efficiently for high productivity with the use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is predominantly a reproduction of human intelligence or behavioural actions by machines for the same task by using computers. The process is achieved by way of learning (collation/gathering information and framing rules for accomplishing the same requirement); modulating reasoning (mathematical comparison to reach at definite conclusions); and acting accordingly. A high speed tiny computer makes it possible for mechanical machines to learn from human action, adjust output for new variable inputs on real time basis for reproduction of human-like tasks. Using AI technologies, computers are programmed, or we can say trained, to accomplish specific tasks by processing huge collection of data to act by recognising patterns. For AI based machines to succeed, it requires large volumes of data, advanced algorithm, enhanced computing capability, high speed calculation and large storage space.
Independent and formal reasoning, added with decision support systems, picoseconds search and retrieval capability, AI can be designed to complement and enhance human abilities. AI is good for high speed repetitive task of machines performed
with consistency and without fatigue. It adds intelligence to existing applications from large amount of collected data to give more productivity from its current performance. While in operation, it acquires volume of data, simultaneously improving performing skills in delivery. Reverse propagation technique of AI allows current model to adjust itself, through new available data, when the first answer is not the best option to react. It also improves its algorithms during operation. It learns from data and improves its model. The accuracy is directly proportional to data it gathers. The accuracy improves and becomes more accurate the more we use it. Google and GPS are good examples of this. The algorithms are self-learning which improve based on real life working, with right storage and instant retrieval.
The Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor system ability to gather large amount of data in right format through sensors gives enormous strength to AI. The system learns patterns to automate tasks, which build capability to perform/demonstrate the desired result and improve business returns. AI is designed to analyse factory IoT data from the running streams to forecast the expected load and demand output. It also simultaneously learns the data pattern from the sequence of operation. AI is not developed to replace human intelligence but augment our abilities to produce better. AI algorithms learn differently and store the pattern to redo rightly at every instance required.
New application areas
AI application in 3D printing is gaining high importance every day. AI in 3D printing optimises the printing process and produces error free output: A real-time control of AI considerably reduces time and material waste in 3D printing. AI could be used during or after the printing process is completed to detect problems and further improve quality in future operations. The biggest challenge in 3D printing is reproducibility and precision for making additives. Right model-building algorithm builds on volumes of stored data, the application software controls geometric accuracy to improve parts printing. It keeps on correcting computer-aided design models to produce parts with improved geometric and printing accuracy within the design tolerance. It gives same result even if it is printed in different machine. Computer added models create highly complex design that could never be possible in traditional processes.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) uses software developed on AI, where the machine learns to handle high-volume repeatable tasks with precision and self-diagnostic capability. RPA is technology governed by rules from business logic controlled by structured inputs, to automate processes. By using RPA tools, enterprises can configure application software to capture and process a transaction, triggering responses and communicating with other peer digital systems. RPA is developed to eliminate tedious and complex tasks, freeing large number of workers to focus on high value work. It provides organisations the ability to reduce staffing costs and human error. It reduces mistakes and improves accuracy in large applications. For research or industrial application in many functional areas, robotics hardware will be essential to quicken the process.
In RPA large numbers of bots (web robots) are integrated that are simple and structurally defined/developed, which do repetitive work at a much higher pace that wouldn’t be possible for a human beings. Bots are easy to implement at low cost without the requirement of customary software for integration. This technology is becoming crucial nowadays for the organisations to pursue growth at minimum investment. By using RPA, companies can serve better by automating low-value tasks, for business growth in current environment, with the right selection of superior brackets, mounting fixtures, controllers, and high definition cameras required to design right robot to meet specific requirement. Open source hardware and software platform for robotics with AI applications is gaining market for rapid prototyping. Development on open source robotic software is faster compared to open source robotic hardware. Some of the systems that are designed and created for advanced applications have turned out to be extremely costly. The innovation and development in commercially available hardware is extremely slow. Open-source hardware that is inexpensively fabricated at substantially lower costs would drastically improve innovation and customisation of available hardware. Many open source robotic hardware and software platforms are available to work with at lower cost.
The technology gaining popularity in current environment is Blockchain, also referred to as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), which protects the history of digital asset, making it unalterable and transparent by decentralisation and cryptographic hashing. Using Blockchain, a document is shared with a group of people simultaneously, instead of copied or transferred. Here everyone can access the document at the same time. Recipients can carry out modifications/changes to the same doc and comments are being recorded in real-time, making those changes completely transparent. All the data stored by using Blockchain is recorded digitally which has a common historical trail and available to all the network participants in real time eliminating risk of any fraudulent activity or duplication of transactions.
AR/VR/MR
The new form of artificial automation is Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). Virtual reality technology engrosses people in entirely virtual environment created by a computer. The advanced VR gives rise to such experiences which allow a person to feel the freedom of movement in a digital environment and hear it resonate or resound. Hand controllers are sometimes added to intensify VR experiences in real world. This technology immerses the user in a completely virtual environment that is generated by a computer. Many advanced VR systems even provide freedom of movement – where users can move in a digital environment and hear sounds. Moreover, special hand controllers can be used to enhance VR experiences. Special VR headsets are used to experience virtual reality connected to a computer and/or work in combination with smartphones. The other similar technology gaining place in market is AR, where users can see and interact with the real world while digital content is added to it. Special headsets are required for experiencing AR where digital content is displayed on a tiny screen in front of the user’s eye.
MR starts with the real world where virtual objects are not overlaid on the real world but interact with the real. While user remains in the real world environment, a digital content is added to it and the user interacts with these virtual objects.
MR has two distinct formats such as, in one MR starts with the real world – virtual objects are not just overlaid on the real world but can interact with it. In second format, MR starts with the virtual world – the digital environment is anchored to and replaces the real world. Windows MR headsets are available to experience this environment.
Jasbir Singh, Director, ECPR Technologies has over 32 years of business experience with extensive international exposure, both from business and cultural points of view. He is one of the experts in Foundation Fieldbus technology and recognised for continuous improvement in technological development.