The AI workshop for SMEs at Aalen University of Applied Sciences has now handed over a duplicate of its "Geochecker" to the digiZ | Digitalization Center of the East Württemberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the regions of Ostalbkreis and Heidenheim in Aalen. The interactive AI exhibit uses artificial intelligence to analyze the eligibility, suitability, aptitude of metal components for powder coating in a matter of seconds. State-of-the-art AI technology and the topic of Industry 4.0 can thus be experienced by companies and interested parties.
Only a few seconds left
There was a pre-Christmas atmosphere at digiZ Aalen recently when staff from the KI-Werkstatt Mittelstand presented their "Geochecker" exhibit as an early Christmas present. The preliminary work on the AI system was developed by Prof. Dr. Steffen Schwarzer and his working group as part of the Accelerate KI project. Schwarzer is Professor / lecturer / member of the academic staff for Production, Design and CAD in the Field of Study Engineering Management at Aalen University of Applied Sciences, heads the Industry 4.0 Centre and has specialized in Industry 4.0 in Mechanical Engineering in his research. The "Geochecker" optimizes the analysis of metal components for industrial powder coating. What previously required up to 24 hours of manual examination can now be completed by artificial intelligence in just a few seconds. The system automatically investigates/analyzes the geometry of the components and determines whether and how they are suitable for the requirements of an industrial production line.
Time for more complex components
"With the Geochecker, we are making the support provided by an AI system visible," explained Professor Dr. Steffen Schwarzer at the handover. "What runs as software in the background in a company becomes tangible for visitors thanks to the specially constructed demonstrator. The AI analyzes the components with an accuracy of over 98 percent, meaning that simple shapes no longer have to be checked individually by staff. This saves time that can be used for more complex components."
Bridging the gap between research and practice; practical experience
Prof. Dr. Heinz-Peter Bürkle, project manager, project coordinator, head of the AI workshop for SMEs and Vice President of Aalen University of Applied Sciences, emphasized the importance of such projects: "The Geochecker is an example of our approach in the AI workshop. In our research projects, we develop practical solutions that offer SMEs real added value." An essential part of the project is also the transfer of knowledge through exhibits at the upcoming "AI Experience" exhibition. As part of this, the "Geochecker" has been further optimized in recent months by staff member Simon Zimmermann and completed as a duplicate for the digiZ.
New AI exhibit for the digiZ Aalen
The exhibit allows visitors to explore the AI technology for themselves and have various workpieces analyzed. "With the Geochecker, the digiZ has gained an important component for our venue," affirms Thilo Rentschler, Managing Director of IHK Ostwürttemberg. "The project not only shows how digitalization and AI can be used in practice to optimize processes and make companies more competitive, but also how digiZ as a platform promotes the transfer of such innovations to SMEs."
