Manufacturing facilities in Charlotte and across the United States are constantly working to improve their efficiency and safety and meet deadlines and goals. Charlotte has a long history of making textiles and has expanded into biomedical devices as well. In this article, we’ll explore seven new technologies that are helping manufacturers in Charlotte become more efficient.
Exoskeleton Suits
Exoskeleton suits are a form of wearable technology that can help workers lift heavy objects and perform repetitive tasks. They’re also able to assist in dangerous situations, such as when a worker is working at height. Employees can lift heavier objects without risking injury because the suit gives them extra strength, stability, and support. These suits are improving not only how efficient manufacturing facilities are, but they are also improving safety.
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are being used in a variety of ways to improve manufacturing efficiency. AI is used for predictive maintenance, which allows engineers to predict when equipment or machinery needs repair or replacement. This will help companies save money by reducing the need for unplanned downtime.
Robots are being used to make products more efficiently, allowing manufacturers to produce more goods with fewer employees and better accuracy. AI has allowed robots to become increasingly autonomous, which means less human involvement is required during manufacturing processes. In addition, AI can also be used together with robots in order for them to learn from each other’s experiences and techniques as they work together over time.
Updated Software Management Systems
Software management systems are a key part of the manufacturing process, so it’s important to ensure that you have the latest version and that it can handle any new data types you’d like to add. In order for these systems to work properly, they need to be updated regularly. The user interface should be intuitive enough that even an inexperienced employee will be able to use them with some basic training.
Augmented Reality for Training
Augmented reality is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus enhancing one’s ability to perform a task. While augmented reality may conjure images of wearers strapping on goggles and stumbling around as they try to interact with their surroundings, it can also be used for much more practical applications like training.
In the case of Charlotte manufacturing facilities, augmented reality can be used to train employees in new equipment or processes by providing them with visual prompts and step-by-step instructions instead of having them attempt “hands-on” learning in potentially hazardous conditions.
Use of 3D Printing to Create Products
3D printing is a process that creates three-dimensional objects from a digital file. Objects are created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is complete. 3D printers can be used to make prototypes, tools, and even consumer products out of a variety of materials. Today’s industrial-strength systems are fast enough to print high-quality parts that are virtually indistinguishable from those made with traditional manufacturing methods.
3D printing can save your business time and money in several ways. It reduces product design lead times because it allows you to create new prototypes quickly. It also saves money on labor costs associated with handcrafting custom parts or pieces.
Big Data for Many Applications
Big Data is a very broad term that encompasses many areas of technology. It’s about taking data from multiple applications to evaluate and make decisions in a manufacturing facility. Big data is more than just one data set. Leveraging big data in manufacturing can be used to improve efficiency in manufacturing processes, in the production quality control, and in logistics processes.
Better Automation Systems
With the right automation systems, manufacturers can improve their processes in a number of ways. Automation allows you to streamline your production process by reducing human error and increasing accuracy. You’ll also be able to do more work with less time and labor, which means you’ll be able to get better results faster. It also reduces the environmental impact. Because these systems are more efficient, they produce fewer greenhouse gases, and they use materials more efficiently, which means that there is also less waste.