Fraunhofer USA
Fraunhofer USA

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that studies how to equip machines with capabilities akin to intelligent human behavior. This can be achieved using preprogrammed rules or through machine learning. Strong AI – also known as artificial general intelligence (AGI) – refers to machines that are able to perform generalizing tasks and are therefore not restricted to a narrow, predefined range of tasks.

Artificial intelligence (AI), one of the most important aspects of our future digital age, is currently experiencing a major boom in science, the economy and the media and has already become an everyday technology. Thanks to digital assistants we can now speak to our smartphones, the first self-driving cars have started to appear on the roads and logistics providers are already testing autonomous flying drones. However, if machines are to be used safely in factories, hospitals and households they must – just like humans – be able to act, react and learn by observation and experience and not simply operate in accordance with pre-programmed data.

AI for Manufacturing – Project Example

In-Line Welding Inspection 

Reducing Manufacturing Costs Through Fraunhofer USA‘s AI Solutions 

Why inspect samples when you can inspect every weld? 

Detect hidden defects before they become costly failures. 

Our AI-based monitoring enables 100% in-line inspection. Identify defects in real time before defective products are fabricated or shipped. 

Maximize the potential of your manufacturing line with our multidisciplinary manufacturing AI expertise: 

  1. Defect Detection: Identify incomplete penetration, lack of fusion, spatter, blowouts, and process anomalies. 
  2. Smart Process Monitoring: Continuous, multi-sensor AI monitoring using visual, acoustic, and laser data. 
  3. In-Line Quality Intelligence: Instant, actionable, quality decisions on the production line. 
  4. Scalable Manufacturing AI: Custom, adaptable solutions that scale across processes and production lines.

Benefits & Proven ROI 

  • Instant Detection: Identify defects in milliseconds 
  • Better Coverage: Catch hidden and subsurface defects that manual inspection misses 
  • Lower Costs: Reduce labor, inspection time, and material scrap 
  • Proven Impact: In a recent automotive project, our AI system reduced inspection time by 50% with ROI in under 12 months