Perspectives on artificial intelligence in production

During the EMO 2025 Preview in Frankfurt am Main on July 9, 2025, International Metalworking News for Asia joined over 100 invited participants from around the world to explore key trends shaping the future of manufacturing. One of the highlight sessions was the panel discussion, “Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence in Production: How Will We Surprise Our Customers in the Next Five Years?,” featuring Sebastian Heinz, Founder and CEO of statworx (Frankfurt am Main), and Prof. Michael Zäh, Chair of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Technology at the Technical University of Munich.

- By: Kathryn Gerardino-Elagio

AI IN MANUFACTURING: NOT A NEWCOMER, BUT A GAME CHANGER

Heinz opened the conversation by noting that AI, machine learning, and statistical data analysis are far from new in manufacturing. Decades-old techniques such as Statistical Process Control (SPC) have long been used to analyse production data and optimise output. What's new, he emphasised, is the pace of innovation and the maturity of technology on the production floor, which may be ahead of other departments in unlocking AI's value.

Zäh agreed, pointing out that while AI’s potential spans every level of an enterprise—from shop-floor processes to management decisions—the greatest untapped opportunities remain in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Larger manufacturers have already adopted AI in targeted ways, but SMEs often face barriers such as limited financial resources, lack of awareness, and the absence of “plug-and-play” solutions.

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN AI ADOPTION

Heinz observed that openness to AI varies greatly by region. In his experience, U.S. manufacturers—and those in parts of Asia—tend to embrace new technologies more readily than their German counterparts. This, he argued, reflects broader cultural attitudes toward innovation and collaboration with smaller, more agile companies.

While Germany's manufacturing base has strong technical expertise, Heinz believes a mindset shift is needed to seize Al’s full potential. Without timely investment, he warned, European manufacturers risk falling behind global competitors who are already embedding Al across operations.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: FROM WELDING TO SCHEDULING

To ground the discussion, Zäh offered three practical examples from his research: