The aerospace industry faces many challenges to its manufacturing processes, including labour costs, health and safety and human error. The advance of AI (artificial intelligence) technology in recent years has initiated conversations of how AI may be implemented to mitigate challenges faced in aerospace. For example, using AI could help streamline the production process and help with health and safety, whilst also increasing profitability. Further potential uses of AI in the aerospace industry are:
The design and manufacture of lightweight yet still strong components
Using AI can help identify areas where specific components can be manufactured to be more lightweight, especially when used in conjunction with a 3D printer. The use of AI in this context will also save production costs, as the software would create and test a component fully before it is physically fabricated, so that a manufacturer can be assured that every piece produced is to the highest quality, whilst also increasing their profitability.
Maintenance
Unexpected glitches and downtime are expensive and have a huge knock-on impact on the rest of production and manufacturing. This in turn can increase costs for an aerospace manufacturer. AI can be implemented in this scenario to monitor production, process sensors and reports to detect and track any potential faults and predict when the best possible repair time would be, to further mitigate against downtime during peak hours. Further, as AI can continuously monitor a production process, this would reduce staffing costs, whilst also reducing the potential for human error.
Fuel Efficiency
Given global pressure to see a more environmentally friendly aerospace industry, the potential benefits of AI cannot be overstated. AI can be implemented to help conserve and reduce fuel usage. An example would be to use AI during the ascent stage of a flight, analysing how much fuel is used in the climb, in the hope of streamlining fuel use by up to 7%.
Training
AI can be utilised to increase the quality of pilot simulators for flight training, especially when AI is combined with virtual reality technology. AI can assess a record of a specific pilot’s training, as well as compare and contrast it with all other trainees, to help develop the very best simulator training experience, and produce the highest quality pilots.
How AML Sheffield can help
Research and Technology (RnT) remains the DNA of how great solutions are delivered at AML. In a fast-moving world, advanced manufacturing suppliers need to proactively meet the needs of the various sectors they serve. This constant investment and prioritisation of RnT means that AML is consistently ahead of its competitors when it comes to delivering technologically advanced solutions. As such, AML doesn’t just see itself as a machining services company but rather as a technology company delivering precision components to our customers. To achieve this, AML constantly invests in the most up to date machining and metrology equipment, invests in and utilises the latest generation of tooling, and always remains committed to integrating the latest software and digital technology. We are committed to embracing the latest technology to not only provide value but also to meet the next generation of production challenges.
AML views the participation in Research and Technology projects as important for the following reasons:
- It keeps us abreast of the latest technology which allows us to consider its use in a Commercial environment.
- It develops the knowledge and skills of AML which in turn will benefit our customers.
- It develops the skills of our engineers in parallel ensuring they are applying the latest technology into our production operations.
- AML takes investment in RnT very seriously adding further value to our customers.
When it comes to the aerospace industry, precision machining of metallic components remains a foundation corner stone, with ever more complex geometries and materials requiring innovative manufacturing solutions. AML has continued to position itself as a market leader in this sector continually improving its precise machining capabilities to meet these challenges.
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