Smart Manufacturing

CHAPTER 9Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Computer Vision

Steven Herman

Introduction

Living in the twenty-first century, readers of this book almost inevitably have heard about artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL). Advances in AI and computer vision in many ways accelerated Smart Manufacturing. Rapid growth of computing power has enabled completely new forms of software development, driven by data. This shift in paradigm, sometimes referred to as Software 2.0,¹ can drive rapid innovation in the manufacturing sector and make development accessible to nonengineers.

With the deluge of articles mentioning artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning, it is important to clarify the difference. Artificial intelligence refers to software performing tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence to complete. Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence wherein software “learns” or improves through data and/or experience. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning, usually distinguished by two characteristics: (1) the presence of three or more layers, and (2) automatic derivation of features.² For the remainder of the chapter, I use the term machine learning unless the subject necessitates differentiation.

Exhibit 9.1 shows the relationship among AI, ML, and computer vision.³

While machine learning is often discussed as black magic, the underlying concepts are relatively simple mathematics. At its core, ...