Bangkok--3 May--Ogilvy Group (Thailand)
New AI module provides predictive analytics without a data scientist, eases decision-making
Industrial workers can now more easily use the data from their equipment to predict production issues and improve processes with their existing automation and control skill set. The new FactoryTalk Analytics LogixAI module, formerly known as Project Sherlock, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect production anomalies and alert workers so they can investigate or intervene, as necessary.
Many existing analytics technologies require deep expertise in both data science and industrial processes. But this add-on module for ControlLogix controllers helps to reduce that burden by doing the job of a data scientist. It fits directly into a control chassis and streams controller data over the backplane to build predictive models. It can continuously monitor a production operation, detecting anomalies against its derived understanding.
"The FactoryTalk Analytics LogixAI module makes predictive analytics more accessible to help more workers make better production decisions," said Jonathan Wise, product manager, Rockwell Automation. "The module learns your ControlLogix application and tells operators and technicians when things are changing in unexpected ways. This can help them get ahead of product quality issues and protect process integrity."
For example, the module can help operators spot performance deviations in equipment like mixers that could affect product quality or lead to downtime. It can also be used as a virtual sensor. Instead of workers taking a reading, like the humidity of a packaged food product, the module can analyze variables from line assets like sprayers, dryers and burners to predict a measurement, virtually.
"Factory Talk Analytics LogixAI has positive implications for Asian businesses in any sector," said Mukund, Business Manager, Software, Asia Pacific, Rockwell Automation. "By making available data that will assist workers in helping to ensure the smooth running of machinery, our customers can empower employees to troubleshoot and solve problems as they arise, reducing downtime and ultimately contributing positively to the company's bottom line."
Workers can then be notified of problems by configuring alarms on a human machine interface (HMI) or dashboard. Future features of the module will go further, helping workers focus their problem-solving or automate the optimization of a process.
Mr. Kriengsak Parsurakul, Country Manager of Rockwell Automation Thailand, said, "For Thailand, this service will be available starting from this month. This offering is available for companies across all industries and will enable our customers to receive the benefits from operational monitoring or value estimation by leveraging on our manual prediction builder. For example, customers with pumps, boilers, and (or) generators can benefit from predicting well-known issues like cavitation, flow, and output efficiency with a guided predictionbuilder exercise."
The FactoryTalk Analytics LogixAI module is the newest addition to the FactoryTalk Analytics portfolio from Rockwell Automation. The portfolio includes FactoryTalk Analytics for Devices, which learns about an automation system's structure to tell workers about problems with individual devices. The LogixAI module expands on this by learning about an automation system's application and helping identify anomalies with its overall function.
Both products work individually, but each will benefit the other in future iterations. The FactoryTalk Analytics platform aggregates multiple sources of data, so workers can discover new insights. FactoryTalk Analytics for Devices and the LogixAI module will both be data sources for the platform going forward.
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information, makes its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Rockwell Automation employs approximately 23,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.