Electricity + Control July 2018

challenging game with- out becoming frustrat- ed. Hence, smart ma- chines can also be used to train people. On-the-job training This training aspect can be applied to all kinds of machine applica- tions and is ideal for the manufacturing indus- try. Smart robots can assess the operator’s level of expertise when interacting either with the robots themselves or with the systems be- ing assisted by the ro-

For this reason many automation organisations are implementing these smarter systems into their own processes, allowing companies to inves- tigate requirements and develop best practices. And there is plenty to learn. At the onset, one of the very first data scientists spent approximately 80 percent of his time just cleaning up data. Today they are applying what they have learned to their systems and products to bring the benefits of smart automation to their customers. Together with several selected customers these organisa- tions are now carrying out experiments in smart automation, identifying where any bottlenecks may occur. Only by performing this research in real factories, can the real value be uncovered. Human-machine interaction Building on data collection and analysis, smart au- tomation can be extended into the realm of hu- man-machine interaction. Returning to Omron’s budding ping-pong champion, Forpheus has the ca- pability to observe the motion of its opponent and ― with the assistance of cameras – watch the ball’s movement. Analysing the data from the sensors it can calculate movement very precisely and quick- ly, to anticipate how the opponent will hit the ball, and its trajectory. Forpheus then moves its paddle to intercept the ball and hit it back across the table. The level of difficulty in returning the ball gives a clue as to one way this smart machine can be used to general advantage. By being able to assess how its opponent performs, it can determine the oppo- nent’s skill level. Forpheus can modify its own play- ing level to get the best from its opponent. If it plays at a slightly better level, the opponent will have a

bots ― such as heavy lifting where the robot takes the weight of the object, but the operator makes fine adjustments for placement. In this case, the robot uses its appraisal of the operators’ ability to help train them or make the task easier by giving them more guidance. Besides the rewards in improved efficiency, smart automation can make it more fun to work. Not just with robots but with all machines. They can recognise who is at the assembly line and pro- vide personalised interactions like giving meaning- ful hints and tips on how to do the job. Without traditional engineering, there would be no integrated and interactive machines today. To make them intelligent, we just need to add a touch of data science engineering.

Electricity + Control

JULY 2018

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