OPERATIONS
supports the more strenuous or data-intensive work. We use automation across the factory, from autonomous mobile robots( AMRs) that move materials and reduce manual transportation, to automated inspection systems that help us maintain high quality standards
We also leverage AI to optimise manufacturing processes, including production sequences like dispensing operations that help improve consistency and free up our teams to focus on higher-value work. AI-driven optimisation has helped improve workstation cycle times by 10 to 15 % in some areas of the factory, increasing efficiency and throughput. Our approach to AI is grounded in the belief that technology should enable our people on the factory floor to make better and faster decisions. We collect data from thousands of inputs across the factory, including sensors, production equipment, order systems and inventory management systems, and build AI solutions on top of that data so employees can ask questions and get answers in the same language they use every day on the floor. When someone can interact with a system the way they’ d talk to a colleague, adoption happens naturally and trust in the technology follows.
Our Quality and Repair teams use AI-powered chat interfaces to generate trends and metrics on demand and search historical repair knowledge to identify likely root causes more quickly.
Our Test Engineering and Maintenance teams use similar tools to review equipment calibration history and flag proactive actions before issues occur.
Ultimately, the goal is not to automate decisions – it’ s to make sure we provide our human decision-makers with trusted, high-quality information so they can make better decisions that drive better outcomes across the factory.
Q. HAS THIS AUTOMATION PRESENTED CHALLENGES? HOW DID YOU ADDRESS THEM?
» Absolutely. I find that the technology itself is often the easier part, and the bigger challenge is ensuring the people, processes and data evolve alongside it.
Building trust and adoption is one of the biggest challenges. Employees need to understand not just how a technology works, but how it makes their day-today work better. That’ s why we involve employees throughout the process rather than introducing solutions after decisions have already been made.
THE USA 5G SMART FACTORY OFFICIALLY OPENED IN
2020
82 October 2026