How AI, robotics create longevity for industry knowledge

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How AI, robotics create longevity for industry knowledge

27 Nov 2024

Annie Hollon

Since 2008, Joanie Spencer has covered the retail and wholesale sides of the baking industry.
Serving associations such as the American Society of Baking (ASB) and BEMA, Joanie is also in demand as an industry presenter on bakery operations and trends. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Rockhurst University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

When she’s not running or playing soccer, Joanie spends her time with her husband and 11-year-old son.

CHICAGO — As generational labor gaps create an air of uncertainty for bakery manufacturers, many companies are leaning on technology such as AI and robotics to fill the void. However, as advances happen quickly — perhaps faster than the old-school workforce can keep up with — leaders in this space might be left wondering how to benefit from these modern tools.

Jorge Izquierdo, VP of market development for PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing, recently outlined how commercial bakery operators can identify the ROI from a workforce longevity perspective.

“We’ve already seen applications where many of the different AI tools are being used to collect information about the machines,” Izquierdo said. “It can be as basic as the operating manual and procedures all the way up to capturing maintenance records. AI can pull all the information together in a relevant way.”

Years ago, machine operators spent so much physical time with the equipment that they became so intuitive, to the point they could tell when something was off just by the sound. Today, workers just don’t have the same relationship with the machines. AI can compensate for that by aggregating data sets such as when, why and how equipment was maintained or repaired, essentially “training” the technology with each input.

“It’s a good way to collect a significant amount of information from different sources,” he added. “And then it’s immediately available to the operator. The aim to create a resource that becomes troubleshooting assistance. They don’t fix the problem, but they can guide the operators to fix it.”

It also creates a way for tribal knowledge to live on for the next-generation workforce. Rather than person-to-person training, AI can pool together information from several different sources and aggregate it into one easily accessible reference point.

“We are finding that better technology shortens training time for operating the equipment, and there are different tools that will help fill the skills gaps for operators as well.” — Jorge Izquierdo | VP of market development | PMMI

This also creates a way for tech-savvy workers to feel a sense of empowerment by searching for their own answers and having the ability to participate in solutions through open-source AI tools.

While Izquierdo does not predict that the availability of skilled will improve anytime soon, he does emphasize that AI will shorten the learning curve for the current labor pool.

“We are finding that better technology shortens training time for operating the equipment, and there are different tools that will help fill the skills gaps for operators as well,” he said. “The goal is for companies to not need a person to have as significant experience or training to start operating a piece of equipment.”

Similarly, robotics in packaging also accommodate a lack of labor, makes life easier for workers on the line and uses data to streamline information for the next generation.

In the past, it was harder to justify an investment in robotics at the end of the line, especially for operations that required a lot of flexibility.

“Now, considering the workforce challenges, it’s easier to justify it,” Izquierdo said. “On one hand, with the flexibility that robotics provide, automation is now much easier. You can teach a robot to move in many different ways. You can tell the robot, ‘Here is the box. Use this specific layout.’ But more than just the technology, the hardware has gotten significant simplification in terms of programming. So, instead of needing an experienced engineer to program a robot, you can train someone who is already on staff.”

In looking at the intersection of AI and robotics, bakery operators can feasibly move into the future without leaving the knowledge of the past behind.

For more information on packaging and processing industry trends, visit the PMMI website.

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