Trumpf: Efficient manufacturing with laser and artificial intelligence
The high-tech company Trumpf has developed an AI application for lasers that makes production even more efficient. Electric car manufacturers, for example, can use it to produce more electric motors in less time.
"In the future, we want to use AI to raise the overall system of laser, optics, sensor technology and software to a new level of performance. We are therefore driving forward the development of further AI solutions that will make laser processes in industry even more powerful and economical," says Christian Schmitz, CEO Laser Technology Trumpf. The AI process has already proven itself in practice in series production for e-mobility and can be used in various laser welding applications. At the Laser - World of Photonics trade fair (June 27-30, 2023, Messe München), Trumpf will demonstrate to the public for the first time how AI supports laser welding: The high-tech company will present its AI solutions EasyModel AI for creating an algorithm and the AI Filter for VisionLine Detect for applying the algorithm.
To ensure that the weld seam is always in the right place, the laser's sensor technology must position the weld geometry precisely on the component - otherwise there is a risk of rejects. Dirt or scratches on the component, poor lighting conditions in the workspace or highly reflective materials such as copper make positioning difficult. The Trumpf AI solution supports image processing and thus reduces such disruptive influences. The user must train the artificial intelligence before it is used. For this purpose, the machine setter marks the relevant component areas in corresponding image material. Programming knowledge is not required for this. Using the system is as simple and intuitive as using painting and drawing programs, which everyone is familiar with from smartphones or computers. The AI model created by the training is then used in the AI filter for the VisionLine Detect image processing system.