Cognizant announced enhancements to its Cognizant Neuro AI platform, designed to help enterprises identify, prototype, and scale artificial intelligence (AI) use cases. 

The upgrades aim to improve decision-making processes and open new revenue opportunities for businesses across various industries, the company said in a media release.

A study conducted by Cognizant in partnership with Oxford Economics found that 76 per cent of enterprises are seeking to generate new revenue streams through AI but face difficulties implementing cross-enterprise solutions.

The report also revealed that 70 per cent of businesses feel they are not progressing fast enough in deploying AI effectively.

The enhanced platform addresses these challenges by offering tools that allow business leaders to identify relevant problems, generate synthetic data or import anonymized data, and develop AI models within minutes.

It also provides predictive insights to guide decisions and assess the impact of various use cases.

The upgraded platform, now available to Cognizant clients, supports a range of industries, including healthcare, agriculture, and finance.

It has already been used in multiple pilot projects and is designed to help organisations apply AI across operations such as inventory management, fraud detection, and staff allocation.

Murali Vridhachalam, head of Cloud, Data, and Analytics at Gilead Sciences, noted the platform’s potential to streamline AI adoption.

“Many enterprises struggle to apply AI beyond predicting outcomes because solving real business problems involves navigating numerous scenarios with conflicting priorities. The Neuro AI platform provides a comprehensive framework to deploy AI use cases across various applications and unlock new business opportunities.”

Bayer Crop Science also tested the platform’s capabilities for agricultural decision-making.

“Agriculture is one of the most challenging professions, requiring intricate decision-making amid environmental uncertainties and the need to balance social, economic, and environmental objectives,” said Patricio Salvatore La Rosa, head of Decision Science at Bayer Crop Science.

He explained,  “We have directly tested several foundational components of Cognizant Neuro® AI, especially LEAF, which has empowered us to navigate complex scenarios effectively. By harnessing the collaborative capabilities of specialized Gen AI agents, we look forward to addressing intricate decision-making challenges in a reliable, transparent, and trustworthy manner.”

The enhancements include new features such as Opportunity Finder, a tool that uses large language models (LLMs) to identify potential AI applications for businesses.

A Model Orchestrator allows users to prepare data and apply machine learning models through a drag-and-drop interface.

The platform uses multi-agent AI technology to predict outcomes and prescribe decisions, offering businesses transparency and scalability in their AI efforts.

Babak Hodjat, chief technology officer of AI at Cognizant, emphasised the platform’s focus on decision-making.

“Businesses are struggling with how and where to apply AI to solve business problems, and that’s why we’ve seen most AI use cases limited to prediction-based outcomes or single LLM chat-based solutions.”

Analysts are increasingly focusing on multi-agent AI as a way to solve complex business challenges.

Gartner has reported that collaborative AI agents can achieve more adaptable and scalable results by working toward shared objectives.

Neil Ward-Dutton, vice president of Automation, AI, and Analytics at IDC, said multi-agent tools can accelerate the adoption of AI:

He noted, “As enterprises start to try to approach AI strategically, and move beyond experimentation, they are crying out to understand how to identify and prioritize use cases. Providers that can use technology to help accelerate the identification of use cases, and then use that technology to test and scale implementations, will be in a strong position.”

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Autodesk announced the launch of new AI-powered capabilities within its Fusion and Alias software, designed to streamline manufacturing workflows and boost efficiency. 

The new tools, unveiled during Autodesk University’s annual Design & Make conference, aims to simplify complex tasks and empower manufacturers to deliver innovative products faster.

“For decades, manufacturers have responded to their customers’ demands for increasingly complex products, which in turn typically increases the complexity of designing and manufacturing those products,” said Jeff Kinder, executive vice president for Product Development and Manufacturing Solutions at Autodesk.

The new capabilities include AutoConstrain in Fusion, which automates the process of detecting and maintaining design relationships, saving designers significant time.

Another feature, Drawing Automation, generates 2D manufacturing drawings from 3D models at the click of a button, accelerating production timelines.

“Automations that handle error-prone, burdensome tasks, freeing people to focus on high-value, more rewarding work,” added Kinder.

Autodesk also introduced Form Explorer for Alias, a generative design tool enabling automotive designers to explore creative forms while adhering to historical styling cues.

In addition, the Autodesk Assistant in Fusion offers real-time, expert-level guidance, providing answers to technical questions and links to relevant sources within the software.

Kinder noted, “Imagine an AI assistant that flags supply chain risks. Simulations that push designers toward more sustainable and manufacturable designs.”

“We’re building these capabilities, as well as empowering our customers to build them.”

New manufacturing Data Model API launched

Autodesk has also launched a Manufacturing Data Model API to enhance data exchange and interoperability.

This new API allows third-party apps to integrate with Fusion projects, ensuring smooth collaboration between tools and workflows.

OpenBOM has developed a web-based solution that automates bill of materials (BOM) workflows, giving non-designers easy access to BOMs directly from design data and eliminating the need for manual, error-prone processes.

Meanwhile, Cideon has established a two-way integration between Autodesk Fusion and SAP, allowing CAD engineers and manufacturers to access SAP’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) data within Fusion.

Expanding the ecosystem for seamless collaboration

Recognising the need for connected tools, Autodesk said it continues to partner with over 150 hardware and software providers. Recent integrations include:

• Paperless Parts: Allows manufacturing estimators to generate instant quotes and address manufacturability issues within Fusion.
• Avnet Plugin: Enables electronics designers to source components and access reference designs directly in Fusion, reducing product development time.
• Makersite for Inventor: Offers sustainability insights by calculating environmental impacts, tracking progress toward eco-friendly goals, and suggesting material alternatives.
• NAVASTO for Alias Automotive: Brings wind tunnel simulations into the early design phase, helping automotive designers optimize aerodynamics and reduce redesign efforts.

“As an industry, we have an unprecedented opportunity to seize the value that AI, data, and digitisation offer. To do so, we must start by accessing and interconnecting the data to uncover the insights it offers,” Kinder stated.

“That’s why we’re so invested in continuing to build the Autodesk Fusion industry cloud. It’s the design and make platform for manufacturing. It’s a central environment for data, closely coupled with Autodesk AI to augment creativity, automate your workflow’s tedious tasks, and analyse project data to yield predictive insights that benefit business,” concluded Kinder.

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Adopting artificial intelligence (AI) has become more accessible for thousands of Australian businesses with the official opening of the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre. 

The launch took place during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Sydney, marking a key event in the Australian Government’s AI Month celebrations.

The ARM Hub, founded by Professor Cori Stewart, aims to provide a “front door” to expertise, support, and services that will foster AI-driven growth for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 

“Many businesses feel uncertain about where to start with AI,” Professor Stewart explained. 

“The common barriers include a lack of data readiness, a skills gap, or simply not knowing which AI applications are relevant to their business. The Centre offers access to practical solutions to help businesses move forward with AI.”

Professor Stewart anticipates that the Centre will engage with up to 30,000 SMEs over the next three years on their digital transformation journeys. 

She emphasised the importance of the Centre in helping Australia’s SMEs—comprising 96 per cent of all industry—scale their innovation and retain it within the country.

The professor said SMEs using the Centre will be tapping into expertise from internationals Microsoft and Databricks, as well as local AI SMEs Data and Knowledge Enterprise and Raytracer.

“Australian industry is ready to invest in AI and robotics to boost productivity and competitiveness. We’ve designed this Centre to provide practical pathways to de-risk the adoption and use of AI and Generative AI, enabling businesses to leverage this fast-moving technology.”

Research indicates that AI and automation are expected to enhance Australia’s productivity by up to 15 per cent. 

“The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre is here to make businesses better using the benefits of AI and Generative AI. Our collaboration of 28 partners includes AI and robotics experts across Australia, which ensures we are delivering the best skillsets into all corners of the country,” Professor Stewart explained. 

Key features of the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre include practical guidance for SMEs, a collaborative industry-led network, and a focus on ethical and safe AI practices to promote sustainable business growth. 

In May this year, the Australian Government announced the establishment of four centres under its AI Adopt Program, designed to facilitate the safe and responsible use of AI by SMEs.

The ARM Hub AI Adopt partners are here.

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Local startup Paladin Space is poised to advance its efforts in mitigating the dangers of space debris to spacecraft, following the receipt of a $100,000 grant from the South Australian Government.

The startup aims to address the estimated 9,000 metric tons of debris currently orbiting Earth, including defunct satellites, rocket parts, and smaller fragments that travel at speeds of up to 27,000 kilometres per hour.

Harrison Box, the founder of Paladin Space, emphasised the urgency of tackling this issue. “With an estimated 9,000 metric tons of space debris currently scattered in orbit, and moving at extremely high speeds, a piece as small as a pen lid could easily damage any satellite in its way and put astronauts at risk,” Box explained. 

His company is developing a reusable space debris remover designed to benefit commercial satellite owners, the defence industry, and government space agencies.

To support its mission, Paladin Space is collaborating with the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) to develop new image-processing techniques powered by artificial intelligence. 

The Seed-Start grant will aid in refining the company’s novel capture design technology and is expected to help finalise a prototype for demonstration by mid-2025.

This advancement will accelerate Paladin Space’s pathway to market and attract further investment funding.

“The South Australian Government is proud to support innovations like Paladin Space’s reusable space debris remover through Seed-Start grants provided through the Research and Innovation Fund,” said Susan Close, the Minister for Innovation and Skills.

“As home to the nation-leading Australian Institute for Machine Learning, South Australia is leading the way in AI technologies. It’s no surprise that this innovation has captured the attention of local and international investors and space organizations.”

In addition to its grant funding, Paladin Space will join eight other South Australian startups as part of an Australian delegation to the United States from October 27 to November 2. 

Sponsored by the South Australian Government and hosted by Tribe Global Ventures, the delegation aims to pursue business development opportunities, including meetings with SpaceX and NASA to pitch its debris removal technology.

Stephen Mullighan, the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, emphasized the importance of supporting the growing space sector in South Australia. 

“The South Australian Government has a clear vision to create a thriving and enduring space sector, and we are investing in programs and initiatives that will continue to build our state’s—and our nation’s—innovative and world-class space capabilities,” Mullighan stated. 

“This $100,000 grant will provide a boost for Paladin Space and the South Australian space sector and underscores the state’s position as a leading incubator for space technology.”

According to the government, Paladin Space’s initiative not only addresses a critical issue facing the aerospace industry but also positions South Australia at the forefront of emerging technologies. 

As Box noted, “Our Seed-Start grant will help us explore new image processing techniques with support from the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, refine our novel capture design technology, and demonstrate our debris removal capability on a global stage.”

The Seed-Start program, part of the South Australian Government’s Research and Innovation Fund, provides grant funding for high-growth potential businesses, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. 

For more information and guidelines, interested parties can visit the Department of State Development’s website.

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The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub is set to host an informative workshop on advanced manufacturing technologies on Thursday, 17 October 2024. 

This hands-on workshop aims to help Queensland manufacturers navigate the latest advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing, essential for scaling their operations in an increasingly digital landscape.

The event will kick off with a welcome address followed by an introduction to the ARM Hub, renowned for its role in accelerating industry digital transformation. 

Attendees can look forward to a series of technology presentations, starting with a focus on collaborative robots, commonly known as cobots.

The workshop will then explore 3D printing and delve into the applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interactive demonstrations of each technology and gain insights from a panel discussion. 

The workshop will conclude with a summary and a networking session from 4:00 PM.

This event is tailoured for companies looking to scale operations, educators, and anyone with an interest in advanced manufacturing technologies. 

Specifically, it targets businesses that have already automated processes, those considering automation, and technology companies seeking to expand their capabilities.

The workshop is organised in collaboration with the Queensland Government Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing, and Water, aligning with the Queensland Government’s Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.

For more details, click here.

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Cloud Expo Asia, the premier tech event in the APAC region, returned for its 10th edition last week at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. 

The event drew tens of thousands of cloud professionals, technology experts, CXOs, and developers from across the region to discuss cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the opportunities that these technologies present.

Huawei Cloud, a frequent exhibitor since 2019, showcased its latest innovations and use cases, emphasising the convergence of AI and big data as key drivers of sustainable enterprise growth.

Huawei Cloud showcases technology and growth

At this year’s event, Huawei Cloud executives engaged with VIP customers and highlighted the company’s rapid expansion in Singapore. 

Li Yibin, Vice President of Huawei Cloud Marketing and Solution Sales in Singapore, shared that Huawei Cloud’s revenue in the city-state more than doubled in 2023. 

“Huawei Cloud has maintained rapid growth over the past five years in Singapore,” said Li. 

“Huawei Cloud has deployed five AZs in Singapore, serving over 1,000 enterprise customers from sectors like the government, e-banking, e-commerce, the Internet, and large local companies.”

The company has deployed five availability zones (AZs) in Singapore to meet local demand for reliable cloud infrastructure, big data, and AI services.

Addressing the era of data-AI convergence

In his keynote at the Cloud AI Horizon Theater, James Tan, vice president of Huawei Cloud Solution Sales for APAC, spoke on the increasing importance of data-AI convergence. 

Tan highlighted the challenges enterprises face with data management, mining, and security risks. To help organisations overcome these hurdles, Huawei Cloud offers an integrated platform featuring a “lakehouse” solution and enterprise AI capabilities.

“With the rapid development of AI technology, the convergence between big data and AI has become a major trend. In the era of data-AI convergence, many enterprises face challenges like low efficiency in data mining, management, and use, as well as increasing data security risks.”

Tan also cited Huawei’s internal use case, where its financial management department leverages AI-powered knowledge lakes to identify contract risks and make data-informed decisions efficiently.

Advancing cloud services and AI models

Kevin Li, CTO of Huawei Cloud Singapore, underscored the company’s commitment to developing cloud-native infrastructure at the Digital Transformation & Strategy Forum. 

“Huawei Cloud has deployed AI in over 1,000 enterprise application scenarios,” said Li.

“Working with customers and partners, we have developed over 20 industry-tailored AI models trained on curated industry datasets. Huawei Cloud’s distributed infrastructure and intelligent data and AI services will fuel innovation across a vast range of industries.”

Huawei Cloud’s key offerings include KooVerse, a global infrastructure with 93 AZs across 33 regions worldwide, and Huawei Cloud Stack, a hybrid cloud platform optimised for organisations with strict data security requirements. 

For on-premises cloud solutions, Huawei Cloud provides CloudPond, an edge-cloud service enabling customers to process data locally to reduce latency and ensure compliance.

Pioneering solutions across APAC

In APAC, Huawei Cloud leads in cloud service coverage, offering ultra-low latency infrastructure in regions such as Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. 

The company’s AI-powered database, GaussDB, further enhances operational efficiency with hybrid transactional and analytical processing capabilities. 

The telecom giant Telkomsel in Indonesia, for example, uses Huawei Cloud’s big data solutions to streamline operations.

Additionally, Huawei Cloud’s ecosystem partners, including iFLYTEK, Yonyou, HiThink, and AnyTech, showcased their AI-powered solutions at the expo. 

These partners presented applications ranging from AI chatbots and cloud-based ERP systems to anti-fraud solutions and digital lending platforms.

Empowering digital transformation

Huawei Cloud reaffirmed its dedication to supporting digital transformation in the APAC region. 

The event concluded with Huawei Cloud reiterating its ambition to drive intelligent transformation and data-driven growth across the region through innovative infrastructure and ecosystem collaboration.

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Article by Joe Craparotta, Vice President, Cloud & Service Providers, Pacific Zone
at Schneider Electric

In the past year, artificial intelligence (AI) has surged forward like a digital renaissance, echoing the rapid and transformative rise of the Internet in the late 1990s.

It has revolutionised industries and redefined our daily lives with extraordinary speed – and its impact is set to grow even more substantially in the coming years. Investments in generative AI reached US$25.2 billion in 2023, nearly nine times the amount invested in 2022, and approximately 20 times the funding seen in 2019. 

This rapid growth presents data centre companies with opportunities to innovate, expand their service offerings, and cater to the evolving needs of AI-driven applications and enterprises. By embracing AI technologies and adapting their infrastructure and operations accordingly, data centres play a crucial role in enabling the broader adoption and success of AI across various sectors. 

However, the integration of AI comes with its own set of challenges. AI currently requires 4.3GW of data centre power, projected to reach up to 18GW by 2028. This surge surpasses current data centre power demand growth rates, presenting capacity and sustainability challenges. AI requires data centres not just to expand but to fundamentally transform their architecture, including specialised IT infrastructure, power, and cooling systems. 

Powering sustainable AI data centres 

AI workloads are expected to grow two to three times faster than legacy data centre workloads, representing 15 to 20% of all data centre capacity by 2028.  More workloads will also start moving closer to users at the edge to reduce latency and enhance performance.

Training large language models often necessitates thousands of graphics processing units (GPUs) working in unison. In large AI clusters, the cluster size can range from 1 MW to 2 MW with rack densities from 25 kW to 120 kW, depending on the GPU model and quantity. These characteristics significantly impact rack power density, presenting substantial infrastructure challenges for data centres.  Currently, most data centres can only support rack power densities of about 10 to 20 kW. 

Data centres must adapt to meet the evolving power needs of AI-driven applications effectively and sustainably, so optimising physical infrastructure to meet AI requirements is crucial. Transitioning from low-density to high-density configurations can help address these challenges. Collaborations with technology providers like NVIDIA, the most recent Executive brief conducted by both companies emphasises the critical role of reference designs in expediting the deployment of high-density AI clusters in data centres,  , enabling advancements in edge AI and digital twin technologies. Retrofit reference designs for adding AI clusters into existing facilities, and new-build designs specifically tailored for accelerated computing clusters, can support various applications, including data processing, engineering simulation, electronic design automation, and generative AI. 

By addressing the evolving demands of AI workloads, these reference designs will provide a robust framework for integrating NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform into data centres, enhancing performance, scalability, and sustainability.

Keeping AI data centres cool

AI data centres generate substantial heat, necessitating the use of liquid cooling to ensure optimal performance, sustainability, and reliability. Cooling systems, aside from IT infrastructure, rank as the second-largest energy consumers in data centres. In less densely utilised traditional data centres and distributed IT locations, cooling can account for 20 to 40% of the facility’s total energy consumption.

Liquid cooling offers many benefits, including higher energy efficiency, smaller footprint, lower total cost of ownership (TCO), enhanced server reliability, and lower noise levels. 

As the demand for AI processing power grows and thermal loads increase, liquid cooling becomes a critical element in data centre design. Adopting liquid cooling solutions can cover various needs, from white space solutions to heat rejection strategies. Resources like white papers on liquid cooling architectures can help data centre companies navigate the intricacies of system design, implementation, and operational considerations.

AI and data centre evolution for a sustainable future

AI has the potential to optimise energy usage, yet it also raises concerns about increased energy consumption. Accelerated computing, which drives the AI revolution, can enable us to achieve more with fewer resources in data centre infrastructure. 

However, it’s crucial to evaluate AI’s broader impact on energy consumption and the environment. Gartner reveals that 80% of CIOs will have performance metrics tied to the sustainability of the IT organisation by 2027. 

According to the Sustainability Index, 2024, nearly one in 10 business decision-makers around Australia are already using AI as a resource for decarbonisation transformation. Combining AI with real-time monitoring can turn data into actionable insights for improved sustainability. Studies indicate that advanced energy management capabilities can lead to significant savings on utility expenses by optimising power usage and cooling efficiencies.

Data centres operate with significant energy demands, posing challenges to environmental sustainability. Optimising energy efficiency, lowering carbon emissions, and enhancing operational resilience, are essential to enable data centres to operate responsibly, fostering a more sustainable future.

The demand for AI and the evolution of the data centre are interconnected elements shaping the digital landscape. Increased workloads, especially deep learning AI models, require significant computing resources to train. This requires data centres that can support the performance requirements of AI workloads.

As AI technology advances, it will continue to influence the design and operation of data centres. While these advancements bring efficiency and innovation, they also pose challenges related to energy consumption, and power and cooling systems.

This relentless advancement of AI is only going to continue, and to meet these evolving needs, the data centre industry needs to adapt.

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Reeracoen, Asia’s leading human resource services provider, in collaboration with Rakuten Insight Global, has released a new report titled “Perception of AI in the Workplace,” offering fresh insights into how AI is shaping the professional landscape across multiple generations. 

Surveying over 400 professionals across 50 industries, the report highlights key trends, challenges, and attitudes toward AI, providing critical insights as Singapore ramps up efforts under its Smart Nation 2.0 initiative.

The release follows the government’s recent announcement of a SG$1 billion investment to enhance AI capabilities, promote responsible adoption, and drive economic transformation.

Generational divide and key findings

The report sheds light on generational perspectives, workforce preparedness, and gaps in corporate support for AI integration.

• AI-Driven Job Anxiety:
  More than half of the survey respondents (53.5 per cent) expressed concern about AI replacing jobs, with Gen Z professionals showing the highest levels of anxiety regarding job security. The findings underscore the need for companies to develop effective strategies to address these fears and ensure workforce stability.
• Upskilling Efforts on the Rise:
  A notable 62.4 per cent of respondents indicated they are actively preparing for an AI-driven future, primarily through courses focused on data analysis and AI technologies. These efforts align with government initiatives to foster a digitally skilled workforce capable of leveraging AI for economic growth.
• Gaps in Corporate Support:
  Only 23.1 per cent of participants felt their employers were sufficiently supportive in helping employees adapt to AI changes. This finding signals an opportunity for businesses to enhance their internal strategies and invest more in employee readiness.

Industry leaders call for proactive strategies

Kenji Naito, Group CEO of Reeracoen Group, underscored the importance of bridging the gap between AI adoption and workforce preparedness.

“As AI reshapes the workforce, our role is to guide companies and job seekers to navigate these changes successfully,” Naito said. 

“This report provides invaluable insights, enabling us to align our strategies with Singapore’s Smart Nation 2.0 vision and connect businesses with AI-ready talent. While adoption is accelerating, companies must take proactive steps to support employees’ upskilling. By doing so, we contribute to Singapore’s ambition of becoming a global AI hub,” he noted. 

For more information on Reeracoen Singapore’s recruitment solutions, visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn.

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As the tech world converges in Sydney for SXSW Sydney 2024, the National AI Centre (NAIC) is highlighting the event as a key feature during Australia’s AI Month. 

This year’s gathering follows the inaugural SXSW Sydney held in 2023, which marked the beginning of a 10-year agreement to host the festival outside the United States.

The week-long celebration of innovation will unite small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups, technology innovators, thought leaders, industry decision-makers, academia, and government agencies. 

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in various experiences, including exploring the NAIC #AIAustralia experience space at the SXSW Tech & Innovation Expo, connecting with Australia’s AI Adopt Centres, and learning about the burgeoning AI industry in Australia.

Attendees can expect to delve into topics such as AI music and image creation, AI safety, and their personal AI journeys. 

The conference will also feature leading AI experts discussing significant themes.

Notable sessions at the SXSW Conference include “Perceptive Robots Are Coming – Look Busy!” and “AI for Good Is Good for Australia.”

Additionally, the NAIC will host sessions at the Discovery Stage within the SXSW Tech & Innovation Expo, focusing on the impact of AI on human creativity and a debate titled “Australia Should Be a Leader in AI.”

The event will also support the Build Club AI Hackathon, which will include brainstorming sessions on key hack themes, further fostering collaboration and innovation in the AI sector.

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Australian manufacturers are facing a perfect storm of energy challenges, with most regions in the country experiencing a surge in power prices in the second quarter of 2024. This price volatility comes at a critical time when the global manufacturing landscape is increasingly prioritising sustainability and energy efficiency as key factors in competitiveness.

With customers, investors and regulators all demanding greener products and processes, manufacturers in the country are responding by optimising energy management and accelerating their transition to sustainable operations. Unsurprisingly, emerging as a key technology in this pursuit is artificial intelligence.

In an exclusive interview with Australian Manufacturing, Lisa Balk, Director of Sales at GridBeyond Australia, highlighted the key challenges where artificial intelligence can make a substantial impact in terms of energy transition.

Addressing energy costs

According to Balk, AI is already proving to be a powerful tool to combat rising energy costs, offering manufacturers a way to optimise their energy consumption and maintain profitability.

AI algorithms have advanced significantly over the years, making the technology capable of predicting energy demand patterns and market prices, and even detecting weather conditions that might affect energy generation. Armed with this information, AI systems can automatically adjust production schedules to take advantage of off-peak hours when energy costs are lower.

“These forecasts allow companies to align their energy usage with the availability of renewable sources, such as solar or wind power, ensuring that as much energy as possible comes from clean, renewable sources. This alignment not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also helps manufacturers reduce their overall carbon footprint,” Balk explains.

Renewable energy integration

While Australia boasts vast renewable energy resources, particularly in solar and wind power, integrating these sources into existing manufacturing operations presents significant challenges. This is where AI is proving to be a game-changer.

“AI can ease this process by automating and optimising the integration of renewable energy into daily operations. For instance, AI can predict periods of peak renewable generation (such as sunny days for solar energy) and adjust production schedules accordingly to maximise the use of renewable power,” the GridBeyond representative says.

Another significant advantage of AI in renewable energy integration is its ability to facilitate participation in energy markets.

“AI can even facilitate peer-to-peer energy trading, where manufacturers with excess renewable energy can sell it to other businesses or back to the grid, turning energy management into an additional revenue stream,” Balk adds.

Navigating regulatory complexity

The manufacturing sector is also facing an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, particularly in the realm of energy management and sustainability. Navigating the ever-changing regulations on emissions reductions, carbon pricing and sustainability targets can be particularly daunting for smaller manufacturers with limited resources. Fortunately, AI is emerging as a powerful ally in navigating these complexities.

“These systems track energy consumption, emissions, and other key metrics in real-time, providing manufacturers with detailed reports that can be used to meet regulatory requirements and avoid penalties,” Balk says.

“By providing these advanced capabilities, AI enables manufacturers to not only integrate renewable energy into their operations but also to maximise the effectiveness of these clean energy sources, helping them achieve ambitious net-zero emissions targets while maintaining operational efficiency.”

AI in energy management: A new frontier for manufacturers

The integration of artificial intelligence in energy management represents a transformative opportunity for Australia’s manufacturing sector, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The journey towards AI-powered manufacturing may be complex, but for Australian SMEs, it represents a path to enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and improved competitiveness.

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