In the heart of Nigeria, a researcher is exploring a fusion of technologies that could revolutionize product design and manufacturing, with significant implications for the energy sector. Michael Bassey, a lecturer in the Department of Mechatronics Engineering Technology at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, is investigating how the integration of additive manufacturing (AM) and artificial intelligence (AI), particularly with large language models (LLMs), can drive smart product design and optimize manufacturing processes.
Bassey’s research, published in the journal *Academia Materials Science* (which translates to “Academia of Materials Science”), delves into the convergence of these technologies, highlighting their potential to transform the production value chain in Industry 4.0 and beyond. “The trend is moving away from mechanical technologies to digitization processes driven by AI,” Bassey explains. “This shift is opening new avenues for manufacturing process and system optimization.”
The energy sector, with its complex and often bespoke components, stands to gain significantly from these advancements. AM, or 3D printing, allows for the creation of intricate parts with reduced material waste, while AI can optimize designs for improved performance and manufacturability. The integration of LLMs could further enhance this process, enabling customized robots to act as designers, reducing production time, and lowering costs.
Bassey’s study outlines a taxonomy for AM-AI with LLMs, suggesting that this convergence could synthesize intelligent and smart product designs. “This approach could enable AM capabilities for optimizing smart product design and product performance, reducing production time, and possibly producing more product units at a much lower cost,” Bassey notes.
The potential commercial impacts are substantial. For instance, in the energy sector, this technology could lead to the development of more efficient turbines, solar panels, or even nuclear reactor components. It could also facilitate the creation of bespoke parts for aging infrastructure, extending the lifespan of power plants and other energy facilities.
However, the path is not without challenges. Bassey’s research also discusses the concerns and opportunities in integrating AM and AI for smart product design. These include the need for robust data management systems, the development of advanced algorithms, and the training of a workforce skilled in these new technologies.
As the world moves towards Industry 5.0, the fusion of AM, AI, and LLMs could redefine the boundaries of product design and manufacturing. Bassey’s research provides a roadmap for this convergence, offering a glimpse into a future where intelligent systems design and manufacture products with minimal human intervention. This could lead to a new era of innovation, with the energy sector at the forefront of this technological revolution.