The project brings together the Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools (IFW), the Institute of Micro Production Technology (IMPT), the Institute of Production Systems and Logistics (IFA), the Institute for Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior (IME) and the L3S Research Centre. Together, they are further developing demonstrators and training programmes, and integrating the latest developments – such as foundation models and AI assistance systems – into practical transfer formats.
AI applications for production
AI assistant for machine tools
A key demonstrator at the IFW showcases an AI assistant for machine tools. This assistant supports operators throughout the entire manufacturing process – from NC programming and process monitoring to the optimisation of machining. To do this, the system accesses machine, sensor and quality data, as well as camera images from the machining area. Users can ask questions in natural language and receive answers tailored to their specific needs.
Furthermore, the assistant independently detects critical process conditions and proactively alerts operators to the need for action. Companies can also directly compare the capabilities offered by locally operated and cloud-based language models, and determine which operating model is best suited in terms of data security and investment costs.
Mobile data acquisition for AI applications
A demonstrator from the IMPT enables mobile data acquisition directly at production machines. Using additional sensors and data from the machine control system, the system analyses whether the available process data is suitable for the use of AI. The information obtained can be accessed immediately via a voice interface. The AI provides clear explanations of the relationships between process parameters and component quality, thereby supporting both experienced specialists and new staff in optimising manufacturing processes.
AI-supported staff deployment planning
Using an AI-supported planning tool, IFA and IME are also developing an intelligent staff deployment planning system for production. The system automatically allocates machining staff and machine tools: time-optimised during periods of high utilisation, and learning-optimised during periods of low utilisation. Skills development is thus specifically planned using the demonstrator. Planning tasks can be formulated in natural language via a chat interface. At the same time, employees’ valuable experiential knowledge is systematically recorded and made available for day-to-day work via mobile devices.
Development and operation of in-house AI assistants
In addition to the demonstrators, the L3S Research Centre provides the necessary know-how for developing and operating in-house AI assistants through practice-oriented workshops. Topics include the use of local and cloud-based language models, the integration of operational documents and data sources, the development of AI-supported assistance systems, as well as aspects such as data protection, traceability and quality assurance. This provides companies with a solid foundation for selecting suitable AI solutions and successfully integrating them into their production processes.
ProKI-Next-Hannover translates the latest research findings into concrete applications and supports companies in harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence for their production in a cost-effective and practical manner.
Contact:
For further information, please contact Jonas Becker at the Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools at Leibniz University Hannover on +49 511 762 18289 or by email at becker@ifw.uni-hannover.de.
