Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods have been deployed at GED since the early 1990s with the advent of refining our glass optimization software algorithms. GED has been using AI to assist our customers in saving time, labor, and materials while improving quality and productivity. AI techniques provide flexibility in our Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) resulting in high throughput of production, repeatability, consistency, and, most of all, material savings.
AI is present in more than our software systems; it is also used to enhance the functionality of GED automation machinery. Here are some examples:
- AI is used to produce repeatable corner cleaning solutions (as seen with GED’s RoboClean® twin-head vinyl corner cleaning system for frame and sash), as vinyl extrusion dimensions change often, by deploying an adaptable compensation method. The solution provides adaptive controls via laser compensation sensors combined with user-defined threshold algorithms and our robotic vinyl and window cleaning process equipment.
- Another example of adaptive control was deployed in GED’s RoboSeal™ gas fill, close, seal product line. Precise adaptable motion was programmed to insert a conditioning tool and an argon gas lance into an Insulating Glass Unit (IGU) using vision system sensors. This technique finds the optimal location to insert the conditioning tool and the gas lance similar to how a human would adjust their decision-making process with changing conditions.
20190826_RoboSeal-new-process_0112Pictured above: GED’s RoboSeal—a robotic gas fill, close, seal system— uses adaptive controls and sensors programmed to intelligently adjust to fluctuations during IG finishing processes.
What can AI do for you?
AI mimics human decision making and automates them through decision processes programmed to adapt to various conditions. AI gives improved optimizations on glass and window production manufacturing processes using the power of today’s ever evolving microprocessors. It allows deep decision combinations and permutation processing at the speed and repeatability of a computer.
Written By: Tim McGlinchy
As the Executive VP of Engineering, R&D and Software, Tim has been with GED for nearly 30 years. He explores new business opportunities and leads a team to refine & support those opportunities, while also testing the validation of products and comes up with problem resolutions for customer issues. Tim has a Masters in Control Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Akron.
