Efficient, intelligent, generative manufacturing with recycled plastics through AI optimisation (KI-GenF)

In order to operate sustainably, industry faces the difficult task of integrating energy efficiency and recycling issues into all production processes. At the same time, new production processes such as 3D printing are becoming increasingly important - from prototyping to small series. In order to manufacture optimised and sustainable products, the use of AI in production is becoming increasingly important. How can methods of sustainable production be further developed with the help of artificial intelligence? Can industrial plastic waste be classified with AI support and processed in such a way that a sustainable generative production cycle is created? To clarify these and other research questions, an energy-efficient recycling line for plastics for generative production (3D printing) is being set up in the project. The optimisation of production processes through AI will be demonstrated there as an example. AI methods and criteria are used throughout the entire process chain. For example, an AI supports the sorting of waste through a combination of radar technology and image recognition. During the production process, the layer-by-layer structure of the product is monitored and optimised using image processing. The recycling line is being set up in the Innovation Lab for Digitalisation (INNODIG) funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation in 2018.