You might not realize it, but you’re already using generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) in your daily life. A simple example is when you get directions through Google Maps by speaking into a smart device. But the influence of gen AI goes far beyond convenience — it’s now poised to revolutionize how businesses operate, particularly in manufacturing. Gen AI is an advanced form of artificial intelligence that creates new content by processing and learning from vast amounts of text, visual, and audio data. While consumer applications have been quick to adopt this technology, the next big transformation will be in the way industries, including manufacturing, harness its power. At IMTS 2024, Praveen Rao, global head of manufacturing at Google Cloud, delivered a compelling presentation on this very topic: “AI-powered Operations of the Future” on the IMTS+ Main Stage. Rao highlighted a critical point for manufacturers: Gen AI is not a distant innovation, it’s a today thing, and manufacturers of all sizes need to take notice. A New Era of Manufacturing According to Rao, the shift toward gen AI is driven by a series of industry-wide challenges. The traditional “make, stock, distribute” business model is evolving into a more dynamic “make-to-order” system, supply chains need to be resilient to disruptions, and the manufacturing labor market is grappling with 30% of jobs going unfilled last year. Add to that the ever-increasing pressure of energy prices, and it becomes clear that the old ways of operating are no longer enough. Enter gen AI. Rao described how this technology can provide the next leap in efficiency, much like ERP software, lean manufacturing, and Henry Ford’s assembly line did for their respective eras. Gen AI has the potential to unlock siloed data across the organization, creating a unified data landscape that enables smarter, faster decision-making. “Early adopters benefit from gen AI,” Rao explained. “In a survey of 300 executives, 60% said they already have a gen AI use-case in production, and 86% of organizations running gen AI reported a revenue boost of more than 6% annually.” The message was clear: waiting is not an option. Gen AI is compressing timelines and redefining competitive advantage. “If you don't act, and your competitor does, they’ll be 10 years ahead of you,” Rao cautioned. Creating a 360-Degree View of the Customer To prepare businesses where real-time data and insights are key to growth, Google Cloud’s suite of applications allows manufacturers to capture and analyze data in ways that deliver unprecedented value. With a “360-degree view of the customer,” manufacturers can better understand and anticipate customer needs, creating a more personalized and seamless experience. Joining Rao on stage, Jatin Sahu, data engineering lead at Ford Motor Company, illustrated how gen AI is already reshaping operations at Ford. “Gen AI is critical for evaluations where you're trying to solve a problem before it even happens,” Sahu explained. “That’s where the real value lies. We’re not only gathering data from different parts of manufacturing, but we’re also pulling in data directly from our vehicles and customers to ensure we’re building products that people love.” This proactive, data-driven approach is setting the stage for a new era of innovation and product excellence. By using gen AI, companies like Ford are transforming their operations, driving efficiency, and creating products that resonate deeply with customers. A Call to Action As Rao’s presentation made clear, the future of manufacturing is being shaped by gen AI, and the opportunities it presents are immense. Whether it’s improving operational efficiency, building disruption-proof supply chains, or creating stronger connections with customers, the potential of AI to transform manufacturing is not just on the horizon—it’s here today. For manufacturers looking to stay competitive and thrive in this rapidly changing landscape, embracing gen AI is no longer optional — it’s essential. Rao’s final message to the IMTS audience was one of urgency and optimism: “The companies that adopt gen AI now will be the ones leading the industry tomorrow.” To learn more about Rao’s insights and the power of AI, you can watch the full presentation, “AI-powered Operations of the Future,” on IMTS+ at IMTS.com/GenAI. Explore more presentations, highlights, and cutting-edge technologies from IMTS 2024 at IMTS.com/plus.
Generative AI is reshaping manufacturing, driving efficiency, and transforming operations. Google Cloud’s Praveen Rao emphasizes AI’s critical role in today’s industry — adoption is urgent for competitive advantage.
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