How is AI redefining the way we manufacture? YVES GRANDVALET SÉBASTIEN DESTERCKE How would you assess the current use of AI in industrial manufacturing processes? Yves Grandvalet. AI development varies greatly from one industry to another. Some already have systems in place, while others are only just starting to test AI or may simply be wary of tools they know little about. Today, we are seeing a huge amount of investment in AI, which is destined for large-scale use. But we think it has more of a role to play in all areas of decision-making and diagnostics. Sébastien Destercke. We are seeing very different degrees of maturity. Giants like Amazon and Tesla are at the forefront, using AI robots, while other companies continue to be very cautious. Many companies do not understand the cost of AI implementation, something that often requires a dedicated team of engineers. Using artificial intelligence to provide recommendations, rather than prescriptive rules, is an increasingly popular option. In any case, the use of AI entails a significant workload and joint development by AI experts and industry experts. Why is AI seen as a catalyst for Industry 4.0? S. D. AI can quickly interpret large amounts of data and come up with unexpected solutions. A comparison can be made with the advent of numerical analysis in fluid mechanics, which considerably reduced the need for physical testing. By solving equations, a computer can now quantify fluid flows in a matter of seconds. Today, it is realistic to hope that AI will make this kind of progress possible, particularly in industry, and will accelerate manufacturing and innovation processes. What major challenges are companies encountering when integrating AI into their production chains? Y. G. The main challenges include identifying the precise problem to be solved, accessing the data needed to achieve this, and managing expectations, including unrealistic expectations that can lead to disappointment. The integration of AI also offers opportunities to redefine and optimize work processes, in collaboration with companies’ teams. To do this, companies must be transparent and build trust with their employees. How do you envisage the future of industrial manufacturing with AI in the next five to ten years? S .D. It is difficult to predict, given the speed of AI’s progress. Ten years ago, nobody could have predicted the advent of technologies like ChatGPT. AI will probably be omnipresent, but its use will depend on sociological, political, and economic factors. In any event, the biggest challenge will be to capitalize on the innovative potential of these tools. Y. G. The hope is that AI will eliminate or minimize highly repetitive tasks. The automation of quality control, for instance, could make it possible to target problematic products more effectively. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the industry, improving efficiency and quality. From optimizing processes to managing human resources, AI is redefining manufacturing standards, while raising major questions about the balance between technological innovation and human expertise. Directors of Research at the CNRS and lecturers at the Université Technologique de Compiègne (UTC) —THE GUESTS
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