by supplychainreport
Manufacturers are increasingly turning to AI-powered robotics and algorithms to streamline production and meet rising demand for consumer goods. Companies across sectors, from contact lenses to pet food and home batteries, are adopting technology to improve efficiency and reduce operational bottlenecks.
Bausch + Lomb, for example, integrated AI software called Atlas, developed by Arena AI, into its contact-lens production lines in Ireland and New York. The system helps workers monitor and maintain machinery by predicting potential issues before they occur. CEO Brent Saunders said the technology has enabled the company to significantly increase output.
Startups and emerging brands are also embracing AI in manufacturing. Spot & Tango, a pet food company, implemented an AI supply chain tool from Didero at its first manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. The system automates about 60% of purchase orders and production scheduling, allowing the company to scale operations without significantly increasing staffing.
FranklinWH Energy Storage, a producer of home batteries, uses AI-enabled visual inspection to monitor production and identify quality issues in real time. The system continuously learns from production data, helping prevent potential problems and improve efficiency.
Similarly, beauty brand Prose has adopted AI and autonomous robotics to reduce production costs. The company’s California facility uses AI algorithms for demand planning, product formulation, predictive maintenance, and production scheduling, with 90% of production now influenced by automation and AI.
Despite the benefits, industry leaders caution that AI adoption can face technical challenges and slower-than-expected integration. Companies emphasize careful testing and gradual rollout to ensure effective implementation.
A recent KPMG survey found that 77% of manufacturers plan to increase AI investments in the coming year, reflecting broader industry trends toward digital transformation in production and supply chain management.
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