The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (Fraunhofer ILT; Aachen, Germany) will be hosting its AI for Laser Technology Conference on November 6-7, 2019, in Aachen. There, Fraunhofer ILT will address the question of how lasers can be used more efficiently with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), and conference topics will range from machine learning in industrial settings to the use of augmented reality and analysis of neural networks.
The idea of holding a conference on the use of AI in laser systems originated at the Process Control group at Fraunhofer ILT, which has been researching AI for a number of years. The scientists are interested in using AI methods to draw one-to-one conclusions on, for example, detecting errors in laser welding.
The conference agenda has a practical focus that reflects these first applied uses of AI in laser material processing. Christian Knaak, a mechanical engineer at Fraunhofer ILT, will be giving an initial introduction to machine learning, a topic that will be covered by numerous presenters during the conference. Knaak compares machine learning algorithms that can detect specific faults and deviations during laser material processing: "The challenge for the algorithms is the sheer speed of laser processing. The key is to run the algorithms on powerful enough hardware—but implementing those kinds of systems is a laborious process that can take several weeks."
Experts from Daimler, Beckhoff, plasmo Industrietechnik, and Scansonic will be on hand to explain how they have put these kinds of findings into practice. The conference will also focus on augmented reality as an intelligent visualization tool (oculavis), process data analysis in battery welding (4D), and the general deployment of AI in industrial settings (p3 Group). Specialists from Intel and Microsoft Intelligent Cloud will be examining what hardware and software companies need to deploy AI, and what role cloud-based innovations can play.
Demand for AI in the realm of laser technology is higher than ever, as evidenced by the speed with which companies, industries, and researchers signed up for the conference. Nonetheless, the purpose of this event is not only to encourage broader interest in this innovative topic, but also to increase people's willingness to actually deploy AI solutions. One example is the intelligent process control technology developed at Fraunhofer ILT, which makes it possible to divide weld seam quality into five categories during laser beam welding. In their lab experiments, the team has recorded classification results with over 99% accuracy.
A presentation by the International Center for Networked, Adaptive Production (ICNAP) will highlight what can be achieved through joint networking. Along with Fraunhofer ILT, ICNAP encompasses the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (Fraunhofer IPT), Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (Fraunhofer IME; both in Aachen). Under the ICNAP umbrella, they work together with experts from industry and research on topics such as the efficiency of predictive analytics for adaptive process chains. The conference participants will also be offered guided laboratory tours that will demonstrate in a practical way the advantages and efficiency of AI processes in laser systems.
For more information, please visit ilt.fraunhofer.de.