Creating comprehensive solutions for efficient manufacturing

By OEM Update Editorial June 9, 2021 2:38 pm IST

Availability data and technologies like AI, ML and connected robotics can take  manufacturing to a whole new level of predicted future.  

Hardik Mistry, Dy. General Manager- MTM & Industry 4.0, Ceratizit India Pvt. Ltd., in an interview with OEM Update, talks about creating flexible designs and leverage IOT for enhanced productivity and efficiency.

With industries embracing Industry 4.0 and allied technologies, how ready are we to accept Industry 5.0?

Indian machining industries are driven by technological innovations, and are constantly emerging even more rapidly. Look at the history and technological adaptability for the revolutions; the first industrial revolution was in mid-17^th centuries with shift from manpower to machine power using water, steam, or coal as fuel. Revolutions continued in mid-18^th and 19^th centuries with electricity and computers in manufacturing. With this, a new journey began for information technology in manufacturing. Now, nearly a decade passed ever since the industry 4.0 surfaced for smart manufacturing in 2011 to connect the dots in manufacturing with data, sensors, and various computing approaches.

Many companies embraced industry 4.0 very well. And more and more companies have come on board to witness exponential growth, thanks to IoT, Cyber Physical System and Machine Learning in connected network in private as well as government sectors. You also see alot of initiatives like – “SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0”. an Industry 4.0 initiative of Ministry of Heavy Industry & Public enterprises under its scheme on enhancement of competitiveness in Indian Capital Goods Sector.

No matter how fast manufacturing companies implement industry 4.0 but certainly it will lead to form a “Future of Manufacturing” in couple of years. The companies which are industry 4.0 ready are naturally talking of industry 5.0. The visionary predicts industry 5.0 – The future, where human workmen and collaborative robots resolve the issues and work together to boost the speed, achieve highest ever productivity with required precision manufacturing across the processes.

With the advent of 3D Printing, AI, robotics, connected data enterprise, what are the major areas where the industry witnessed transformations and business prospects?

These are doors to unlimited opportunities to accelerate substantial growth. 3D printing permits flexible design and rapid print of most complex part which were even not possible with conventional manufacturing process in the past. We have witnessed huge transformation in product design and manufacturing at our facilities. Ceratizit uses 3D printing technology to make revolutionary tools which can substantially reduce manufacturing time. It offers more than double machining parameter and promises doubling the productivity which increase customers competitiveness.

The AI, Robotics, and connected data enterprises leverage IOT to gain more insight and productivity improvement with efficiency enhancement. It has great ability to harness data and analytics for better and quick decision making. Ceratizit offers comprehensive solution based on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Cyber physical system which gives assistance to transform manufacturing to all new level of speed with precision manufacturing.

How is AI, 3D printing, machine learning and robotics easing the machining processes across the machine tools sector?

While the artificial intelligence is now widely used in industry for machining process monitoring, optimising process, and controlling the process which further supports wastage reduction and unproductiveness in manufacturing. There are challenges to get planned efficiency in repetitive work, production downtime due to glitch in manufacturing today which can be bridged by robotics, AI, and ML. The goal of integrated robots are zero down time to maximise the production efficiency in repetitive work with safety even at hazardous environment.

What are the challenges for the SME and MSME sector in adopting factory automation, digitization, and robotics for efficient processes?

Well, as one fit does not fit all. Likewise, challenges are different for different industries. Some of the challenges we see today are lack of understanding of these technologies and vision, limitations in existing infrastructure, data storage and IT securities, deficiency in fostering digitisation and standardisations, shortage of trained data analytic who can make use of appropriate data, management readiness for initial investment, and realisation of ROI.

How do you see the role of financial and regulatory assistance to leverage these newer technologies and enhance efficiency in the machine tools sector?

Unlike any other regulatory body, there is significant role of financial and regulatory assistance in taking new initiative and steps to adapt newer technology for improvisations and enhanced efficiencies. The means can be different as per specific requirement. An overall eco-system remains healthy by following the guideline and protocols set rather than following presumptions and predictions.

How far are we moving towards society 5.0 or industry 5.0, and what can be the potential future of India’s machine tools with this? 

Couple of years back Japan has introduced “future development society 5.0”. it is about evolution of human society and changes that will concern every aspect of society. While the industry 4.0 or 5.0 are more into industrial production and technologies.

Now a days, machine tools, cutting tools, automated fixtures or surrounding objects are equipped with many sensors which means, todays big data comes from sensor than before. The availability of such vast data along with newer technology like AI, ML and connected robotics take manufacturing to a whole new level of predicted future.