Since its launch in November 2022, the artificial intelligence (AI) tool ChatGPT has dominated conversations in tech, owing to its articulate and accurate outputs. Not only can this chatbot understand natural language inputs, but it is also trained on vast amounts of diverse data. This allows it to perform tasks like writing computer programs and acing college entrance tests in mere seconds and minutes. 

Industry leaders in manufacturing have asked questions about how the tool, a generative large language model, can be utilized by the sector. These questions have emerged during the era of Industry 4.0 — a time of digitization and automation. Such curiosity showcases the sector’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, values that find a place in AM International’s vision too. 

Here’s a look at ChatGPT’s possible use-cases across manufacturing’s many functions:

1. Forecasting maintenance needs

   AI tools have demonstrated their propensity to identify patterns, which can be leveraged for preventive maintenance. Through an assessment of data from sensors on equipment, these tools can forecast disruptions in the manufacturing framework. They can alert operation teams to issues that can occur in the future.

   AI tools have demonstrated their propensity to identify patterns, which can be leveraged for preventive maintenance. Through an assessment of data from sensors on equipment, these tools can forecast disruptions in the manufacturing framework. They can alert operation teams to issues that can occur in the future.

2. Supporting quality control mechanisms

   Quality management is a priority across the manufacturing sector. AI tools like ChatGPT can be embedded in pre-existing quality control systems to automate inspections and tests. Drawing from the data generated from these inspections, it can identify trends in defects.

   Generative AI tools can also be used to create documentation that showcases a company’s compliance measures to meet industry standards and regulations.

3. Taking automation to the next level

   ChatGPT’s ability to parse through huge volumes of data could be put to use in the creation of sustainable supply chains, especially sales and the procurement of raw material.

4. Assisting staff in their tasks and upskilling

   Objectives like nurturing and empowering talent — as well as harnessing the power of new-age tech — find great resonance in AM International’s mission. 

   Clerical, repetitive tasks in the manufacturing sector, such as summarizing and simplifying reports, can be automated using AI. This will free up time for our colleagues to pursue more value-added and complex tasks. ChatGPT could also serve as an assistant to staff members during operations, in case any difficulties or hurdles arise.

   At factories and plants, any gaps in knowledge about coding and programming can also be filled by ChatGPT, whose training data includes programming languages like Python. 



5. Deepening the consumer relationship

   AI tools like ChatGPT can allow leaders in organizations to gain a greater grasp over consumer preferences and trends. AI tools can be used to analyze customer feedback and data, and chatbots can be employed to communicate with buyers — to diagnose their problems and provide solutions.

While reaping such benefits, we should also consider the limitations of generative AI tools, as well as the ethical issues that may stem from them, whether it is a lack of contextual understanding, or biases, and concerns about data privacy.

Through a seamless integration of ChatGPT into everyday manufacturing workflows, companies can reduce costs and wastage, and make more informed decisions. By ensuring consistent quality standards, such a move can drive up customer satisfaction levels.