Increasing efficiency despite a shortage of skilled labour

 

Metal construction: a traditional trade that has relied on tried-and-tested methods and machines for decades is facing numerous challenges today. In addition to the desire to continuously increase efficiency, the industry is also struggling with what is probably the most pressing problem: the shortage of skilled labour. In this article, we take a look at automation in metal construction. We shed light on the challenges facing the industry and use examples to show how innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) offer a solution.

The metal construction industry has changed dramatically in recent years. Traditional craft methods are being pushed into the background or disappearing completely due to the need to increase efficiency. In many metalworking shops, relics from the past can still be found here and there, such as straightening wheels for steel preparation. In many cases, these conventional methods are no longer sufficient in view of the diverse and increasing requirements in terms of quantity and quality. At the same time, the shortage of skilled labour is worsening dramatically - in many cases, jobs remain unfilled for months. New approaches are urgently needed. And so automation, robotics and artificial intelligence are becoming the focus of development. 

The rapid pace of technological progress

"When we think about the day after tomorrow, AI will have a formative influence on many trades, including metal construction," explains Reto Gasser, Head of Development at the Bern-based company CREAMETAL. He knows the industry inside out and is intensively involved with the future when developing new CREA products. Even if many AI topics are still a long way from the usual factory floors, the development steps are enormous. "Machine learning and AI algorithms make it possible to automate and precisely execute complex tasks in metal processing." He cites quality assurance as an example of this: AI systems can recognise defects and irregularities in metal parts faster and more accurately than human inspectors. This leads to higher product quality and lower reject rates. This year, the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT, Ilmenau, presented a process for acoustic quality assurance of welding seams - based on sound analysis and artificial intelligence. This is a profitable addition to optical testing methods. Another area of application for artificial intelligence is the optimisation of production processes. AI can analyse large amounts of data to identify bottlenecks in production and optimise the flow of materials. As a result, metal construction companies can not only save time and resources, but also increase their productivity. When can we expect to see the first AI solutions from CREAMETAL? Reto Gasser smiles: "We have already been innovation-driven in the past and will continue to be so." 

The shortage of skilled labour and the search for solutions

AI-controlled machines are one thing, automation and robotics are another. And this is where the shortage of skilled labour comes into play. The industry is faced with the almost impossible task of recruiting and retaining qualified personnel. Automation seems to be the watchword here: "Machines make it possible to utilise less qualified personnel in production and still achieve high-quality results. This can reduce the pressure on the recruitment of skilled labour and increase production capacity at the same time," explains Reto Gasser. An outstanding example of the implementation of automation in metal construction is the CREA-WHEEL straightening machine, which Reto Gasser developed two years ago and which is now gaining ground throughout Europe. This innovative machine has paved the way for more efficient metal processing in recent years. With the CREA-WHEEL levelling machine, the material thickness can be adjusted using a patented mechanism. This ensures high precision and quality. At the same time, the machine is so easy to operate that even less experienced employees can use it. The adjustment logic has been patented by the Bern-based company. In short, the straightening machine makes straightening many times faster and even more precise. The highly qualified specialists can be deployed for more productive, high-quality work. 

The future of metal construction

All these examples show that the very traditional metal construction industry is by no means standing still, and that the integration of new tools and machines will continue to revolutionise the trade in the coming years. For its part, CREAMETAL AG wants to play a pioneering role. Reto Gasser is certain: "The metal construction industry will utilise the opportunities offered by AI and other modern technologies to work more efficiently and precisely." Quite possibly, because the experience of other entrepreneurial challenges from the past shows that the industry leaders in the metal construction sector will also ensure their competitiveness in a changing world.