AI and automation as keys to the future of industrial production

As part of Advanced Manufacturing Madrid, Ángel C. Lázaro, head of Robotics and Automation for GMV’s Industry Sector, participated in HispaRob’s roundtable discussion on “AI and automation for the new era of industrial large-part production.” This event brought together leading experts to discuss how artificial intelligence and automation technologies are transforming the way large components are manufactured and assembled, optimizing industrial processes and boosting operational efficiency.

Ángel highlighted the importance of working on the design of collaborative architectures that enable the integration of multiple technologies, from manipulator and mobile robots to support systems such as bridge cranes. He also stressed the key role of technological collaboration, especially through the use of frameworks such as ROS, which facilitate communication and coordination between robot teams. Finally, he noted that technology transfer, leveraging innovative developments from other sectors such as space, is essential in order to address the most complex challenges in industrial production.

Ángel argued that AI is beginning to completely transform all aspects of robotics and industrial production. For example, in process optimization, AI-based systems offer extraordinary precision and adaptability, enabling robots to perform complex tasks that were unthinkable until recently. In the field of advanced planning, simulating millions of scenarios helps to identify the most efficient strategies for handling and assembling large parts.

Another area of interest is reinforcement learning, which enables robots to acquire skills autonomously, adapting to changing environments and conditions. Recent examples, such as MIT’s developments in this field, demonstrate how robots can learn complex tasks with immediate practical applications. Machine vision is also playing a crucial role, both in defect detection and in solutions such as uPathWay, which leverage semantic odometry for autonomous navigation in unfamiliar environments. Finally, AI-driven predictive maintenance is making it possible to anticipate malfunctions, thus optimizing operating times and cutting operating costs.

By participating in this roundtable discussion, GMV is reaffirming its commitment to innovation and the development of disruptive solutions that combine AI and automation to tackle the major challenges of modern industry.