The UK has the potential to lead the world in the application of artificial intelligence for manufacturing, according to an AI specialist at Coventry’s Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).

Nandini Chakravorti, technology manager for the data and information systems team, said that the UK has the largest artificial-intelligence and machine-learning markets in Europe, with more than 200 SMEs in the field (compared to just 80 in Germany).

She added: “The UK has a tremendous platform to capitalise on these new disruptive technologies.

“Artificial intelligence has huge potential to revolutionise manufacturing in areas such as predictive maintenance, quality control and faster designs.”

However, she warned that the industrial take-up of AI was impeded by a number of key factors.

“The adoption of AI in industry has been slow for a number of reasons.

“These include lack of leadership knowledge and awareness, lack of support for start-ups and a lack of clarity on the return on investment.

“Developing an artificial-intelligence strategy with clearly defined financial and effectiveness goals, finding individuals with the appropriate skill sets, clear ownership and strategic commitment to AI on the part of leaders are some of the ways forward to ensure that AI is deployed to get benefits. The potential is enormous.”

The MTC, which is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, will be hosting an event next month to help business leaders, decision makers, entrepreneurs and engineers understand the benefits that AI can bring to a manufacturing business.

Artificial Intelligence for Manufacturing 2020 will be held on 12 February.

More information can be found at the Web site (www.the-mtc.org/aiformanufacturing).