Fanuc Corp. Announces Partnership with Preferred Networks

Artificial Intelligence Leads to Natural Improvements

Human error is one of the main production problems that seem impossible to escape. As long as humans are involved in the manufacturing process, mistakes will be made. When it comes to CNC machines, a single problem in the manufacturing process can have long-term and high-costing consequences.

Due to a recently announced partnership between Fanuc Corp. and Preferred Networks, human error may eventually become a thing of the past. The machine-learning software of the Tokyo-based company will pave the way to artificial intelligence in Fanuc machines.

As explained by Fanuc Corp. representative Kiyonori Inaba, CNC machines “are currently bound to follow rules set by humans” despite being capable of much more. Preferred Networks will be able to innovate the technology of the entire robotics design process.

“Deep Learning”

This artificial intelligence, or “deep learning”, is intended to result in robots able to diagnose themselves with errors and the capabilities to repair themselves. The goal is for them to understand when to troubleshoot themselves and fix their own problem rather than slowing production or shutting down to wait for human repair.

Work will eventually become more efficient as these same machines learn how to best configure themselves for manufacturing without human input. Rather than an engineer having to select the exact steps for a product, the machines will be able to figure things out for themselves.

For example, a machinist’s program might contain unnecessary steps a robot with “deep learning” could identify. From there, the machine would use that knowledge to adjust the program to be more efficient in future manufacturing. The sky will be the limit as robots learn how to constantly improve designs for greater components and faster manufacturing times.

Someday, entire factory floors may consist of machines with minimal human supervision, leading to less industrial accidents and long-term health problems currently experienced in some industries. Workplaces around the world would become instantaneously safer thanks to advanced artificial intelligence CNC machines.

Humans Still Have a Role

Of course, these innovations are still years away from reality or reliability. Though machines will be able to identify their own errors, performing their own repairs may prove difficult or even impossible depending on the nature of the problem.

Initial component designs will also have to come from humans in the first place. The technology for a CNC machine to completely go through the entire product design process has yet to be invented. From medical parts to engine blocks, robots cannot come up with their own designs, only improve upon existing ones.

Until then, Tri Star CNC Services has the greatest value on Fanuc part repair, from replacing custom parts for far cheaper than OEM Fanuc parts to thorough in house testing on every component we manufacture. Our 1 year warranty covers complete assembly repair, not just parts and labor. Tri Star CNC Services engineers have over 90 combined years’ experience and are able to perform timely and quality CNC machine repairs.

Contact CNC repair specialists of Tri Star CNC Services today.