Rockwell Automation introduces AI Module for improving industrial production

Rockwell Automation has announced the new Factory Talk Analytics Logix AI module. Formerly known as Project Sherlock, it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect production anomalies and alerts workers so that they can investigate or intervene, as necessary. Industrial workers can now more easily use the data from their equipment to help predict production issues and improve processes with their existing automation and control skill set.

Many existing analytics technologies require deep expertise in both data science and industrial processes. But this add-on module for ControlLogix controllers help 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 back-plane to build predictive models.It can continuously monitor a production operation, detecting anomalies against its derived understanding.

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.

Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director, Rockwell Automation India, says, “Factory Talk Analytics Logix AI has positive implications for Indian businesses in any sector. By providing guidance based on available data, it will enable operators to help to ensure smooth running of processes or machinery. Our customers can empower employees to troubleshoot and solve problems as they arise or even before, 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.

The Factory Talk Analytics Logix AI module is the newest addition to the Factory Talk Analytics platform from Rockwell Automation. The platform includes Factory Talk Analytics for Devices, which learns about an automation system’s structure to tell workers about problems with individual devices. The Logix AI 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. Factory Talk Analytics for Devices and the Logix AI module will both be data sources for the platform going forward.