Although buzzwords like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning are loud enough. Many of us still believe AI synonym to Robots. As stated by ZDNet – In one of the surveys conducted by Hubspot of more than 1,400 people from Ireland, Germany, Mexico, Colombia, UK, and the US, they found that many respondents did not know that they were already using AI.

However, of the respondents who said they had not used AI, 63 percent were using it. They just were not aware that they were.

Image Source ZDNet

And if you also thought that you are not using an Artificial Intelligence tool, lets sail through your daily activities to help you in figuring out AI tools that are now a necessity.

Google Maps/ Google Search/ Google Photos/ Google Translate

Yes, all of these default apps on your smartphone uses artificial intelligence and machine learning. As you start typing into the search field, the box responds with some of the search terms as suggestions. The suggestions shown are derived from looking for similar words you types, what is trending or your location.
Google photos, on the other hand, scan and identifies similar images and group them/animates based on date/occasion or people. It again uses artificial intelligence and is driven by robust algorithm to locate/group similar stuff.

With individuals sailing on foreign land, Google translate is another handy tool that was built using Artificial intelligence technology. Algorithms/programs used to read and analyze millions of existing translated documents and built specific vocabulary for a particular language. While a user types in a word in his preferred language, the programs look for the most suitable match and provides a translation in the desired language.

Email Filters

Ever wondered how an email lands into the spam folder when a user hasn’t manually selected it? Or why some emails are under promotions? It is again the magic woven by machine learning. The spam filter analyses the sender’s address tracks the network address maintain a list to be referred later,and as an email hits the recipients server, it scans against its data center and labels it appropriately.

Fraud Prevention

I remember when I was making a transaction through my credit card and twice entered incorrect CVV number. Within minutes I got a call from my bank asking if I am the one making a purchase or is it someone misusing the card. In fact, another incident when I was at my native place and logged into my bank account from a new IP, I was alerted via an email and an SMS – there is a new login from an unknown IP.
All of these fraud prevention techniques are possible because of Artificial intelligence as a monitoring tool.

Social Media

Social Media viz Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest that are a lifeline to many uses Artificial Intelligence extensively. Facebook or FB uses AI to present you a personalized newsfeed,and even alters the post that you see on your page.
Instagram recently used AI to replace slang with emojis; just for e.g., if you type rofl it would suggest you emojis or hashtags and make emojis more meaningful.

AI is everywhere and expanding its reach on a daily basis. Although all of this is running in the background, we would love to see self-driving cars and kitchen appliances communicating to Siri, Cortana or Alexa. Possibilities are limitless.

Smart Machines & Smarter Humans: AI in the Manufacturing Industry

By : Sampada S M

Published on Feb 19, 2025

AI Artificial Intelligence Manufacturing

We have all witnessed Industrial Revolutions reshape manufacturing, not just once, but multiple times throughout history. Yet perhaps “revolution” isn’t quite the right word. These were transitions, careful orchestrations of human adaptation, and technological advancement. From hand production to machine tools, from steam power to assembly lines, each transition proved something remarkable: as machines evolved, human capabilities expanded rather than diminished.

Take the First Industrial Revolution, where the shift from manual production to machinery didn’t replace craftsmen, it transformed them into skilled machine operators. The steam engine didn’t eliminate jobs; it created entirely new categories of work. When chemical manufacturing processes emerged, they didn’t displace workers; they birthed manufacturing job roles. With each advancement, the workforce didn’t shrink—it evolved, adapted, and ultimately thrived.

Today, we’re witnessing another manufacturing transformation on factory floors worldwide. But unlike the mechanical transformations of the past, this one is digital, driven by artificial intelligence(AI) working alongside human expertise. Just as our predecessors didn’t simply survive the mechanical revolution but mastered it, today’s workforce isn’t being replaced by AI in manufacturing, they’re becoming AI conductors, orchestrating a symphony of smart machines, industrial IoT (IIoT), and intelligent automation that amplify human productivity in ways the steam engine’s inventors could never have imagined.

Let’s explore how this new breed of human-AI collaboration is reshaping manufacturing, making work not just smarter, but fundamentally more human.

Tools and Techniques Enhancing Workforce Productivity

1. Augmented Reality: Bringing Instructions to Life

AI-powered augmented reality (AR) is revolutionizing assembly lines, equipment, and maintenance on factory floors. Imagine a technician troubleshooting complex machinery while wearing AR glasses that overlay real-time instructions. Microsoft HoloLens merges physical environments with AI-driven digital overlays, providing immersive step-by-step guidance. Meanwhile, PTC Vuforia’s AR solutions offer comprehensive real-time guidance and expert support by visualizing machine components and manufacturing processes. Ford’s AI-driven AR applications of HoloLens have cut design errors and improved assembly efficiency, making smart manufacturing more precise and faster.

2. Vision-Based Quality Control: Flawless Production Lines

Identifying minute defects on fast-moving production lines is nearly impossible for the human eye, but AI-driven computer vision systems are revolutionizing quality control in manufacturing. Landing AI customizes AI defect detection models to identify irregularities unique to a factory’s production environment, while Cognex’s high-speed image recognition solutions achieve up to 99.9% defect detection accuracy. With these AI-powered quality control tools, manufacturers have reduced inspection time by 70%, improving the overall product quality without halting production lines.

3. Digital Twins: Simulating the Factory in Real Time

Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical assets are transforming real-time monitoring and operational efficiency. Siemens MindSphere provides a cloud-based AI platform that connects factory equipment for real-time data analytics and actionable insights. GE Digital’s Predix enables predictive maintenance by simulating different scenarios to identify potential failures before they happen. By leveraging AI-driven digital twins, industries have reported a 20% reduction in downtime, with the global digital twin market projected to grow at a CAGR of 61.3% by 2028

4. Human-Machine Interfaces: Intuitive Control Panels

Traditional control panels are being replaced by intuitive AI-powered human-machine interfaces (HMIs) which simplify machine operations and predictive maintenance. Rockwell Automation’s FactoryTalk uses AI analytics to provide real-time performance analytics, allowing operators to anticipate machine malfunctions and optimize operations. Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure incorporates predictive analytics to simplify maintenance schedules and improve decision-making.

5. Generative AI: Crafting Smarter Factory Layouts

Generative AI is transforming factory layout planning by turning it into a data-driven process. Autodesk Fusion 360 Generative Design evaluates thousands of layout configurations to determine the best possible arrangement based on production constraints. This allows manufacturers to visualize and select the most efficient setup, which has led to a 40% improvement in space utilization and a 25% reduction in material waste. By simulating layouts, manufacturers can boost productivity, efficiency and worker safety.

6. Wearable AI Devices: Hands-Free Assistance

Wearable AI devices are becoming essential tools for enhancing worker safety and efficiency on the factory floor. DAQRI smart helmets provide workers with real-time information and alerts, while RealWear HMT-1 offers voice-controlled access to data and maintenance instructions. These AI-integrated wearable devices are transforming the way workers interact with machinery, boosting productivity by 20% and reducing machine downtime by 25%.

7. Conversational AI: Simplifying Operations with Voice Commands

Conversational AI is simplifying factory operations with natural language processing (NLP), allowing workers to request updates, check machine status, and adjust schedules using voice commands. IBM Watson Assistant and AWS AI services make these interactions seamless by providing real-time insights. Factories have seen a reduction in response time for operational queries thanks to these tools, with IBM Watson helping streamline machine monitoring and decision-making processes.

Conclusion: The Future of Manufacturing Is Here

Every industrial revolution has sparked the same fear, machines will take over. But history tells a different story. With every technological leap, humans haven’t been replaced; they’ve adapted, evolved, and found new ways to work smarter. AI is no different. It’s not here to take over; it’s here to assist, making factories faster, safer, and more productive than ever.

From AR-powered guidance to AI-driven quality control, the factory floor is no longer just about machinery, it’s about collaboration between human expertise and intelligent systems. And at Mantra Labs, we’re diving deep into this transformation, helping businesses unlock the true potential of AI in manufacturing.

Want to see how AI-powered Augmented Reality is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry? Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll explore how AI in AR is reshaping assembly, troubleshooting, and worker training—one digital overlay at a time.

Loading More Posts