For more than 10 years, the industrial segment has been talking about the topic "Industry 4.0". The discussions not only refer to the sensing of machines and equipment, but also to the optimization of processes that have manual assembly. This happens through the integration of different sensors, actuators and management software, through the use of Artificial Intelligence or other resources.
The industry, with its diverse areas, looks very much like smaller, totally distinct and autonomous companies. In this scenario, the concept of "Manufacturing 4.0" emerges, which aims to bring digital transformation directly to production and manual assembly lines.
Below, learn about Artificial Intelligence solutions that can optimize your manual assembly line and insert your company into the "Manufacturing 4.0" scenario.
Transform your manual assembly line with Artificial Intelligence
Computer vision and Artificial Intelligence tools have advanced a lot in recent years. Even in processes that are little or not automated, it is possible to apply these tools, as is the case with manual assembly lines. Through cameras and advanced software, it is possible to collect valuable information.
One of these tools is the Pathfinder Apollo platform, developed by Retrocausal and brought exclusively to the European market by Macnica ATD Europe. Retrocausal's platform monitors in real time the workstations of repetitive manual assembly. With this, it starts to identify if the process performed is correct, optimizing the quality control of the process and the items produced.
One of the main advantages of Retrocausal's platform is that it does not require changes to the industry's infrastructure, layout or processes. This tool adapts to the conditions of the existing environment, making its application easier.
Display shown on Retrocausal's Pathfinder Apollo platform with operator alerts. Source: Retrocausal.
Advantages of the Retrocausal platform for manual assembly lines
With the Retrocausal platform applied to manual assembly lines, it is possible to:
Identify the time spent in each production step and cycle;
Understand which items and steps have the highest number of errors;
Recognize the sources of production inefficiency on the production line;
Optimize the process.
Retrocausal's system enables rapid action and problem identification in the event of a recall event, where an entire product line is defective. This is possible because the entire production process is recorded and assembly records are identified by product serial number. This makes it easier to identify the causes of the recall.
In addition, Retrocausal's platform makes it possible to train new employees quickly and easily. With its machine learning and the recording of all steps of the manual assembly line, the information of each process can be transmitted more simply and assertively to new operators.
The main segments that can benefit from the Retrocausal tool are:
Automotive;
Electronic components and equipment and household appliances;
Plastic, earthenware or metal items for the construction industry.
Automotive industry assembly line. Source: Retrocausal.
For these and other industry segments, Retrocausal's Pathfinder Apollo tool brings several benefits. Among them are:
up to 10% increase in production;
60% reduction of quality problems in the manual assembly line;
44% reduction in training time for new operators;
Improvement of the production process through the analysis of metrics and statistics;
Greater control and management of activities, based on the large amount of data collected by the tool;
Live feedback during training and employee orientation.
If your company has manual assembly lines and you want to ensure the quality of the assembled products, you may have already realized that Retrocausal's tool is the solution. So, how about learning more about it and getting to know other solutions and technologies for Industry 4.0? Click here to contact us.