AI in food production with predictive analytics will monetize the food industry in novel ways Like many other industries, artificial intelligence (AI) is having a major impact on the food and beverage industry. Companies in the industry are becoming more aware of how AI can increase efficiency and profits, reduce waste, and protect against supply chain disruptions. These are all part of what is known as Industry 4.0. With AI, businesses can traditionally predict what their customers want through research and adapting to new trend. By mining vast amounts of data about sales patterns and taste preferences by demographic, manufacturers can now predict future trends and design new products that capitalize on them more quickly.

Food companies are using artificial intelligence throughout the supply chain.

Research and innovation in artificial intelligence in the food manufacturing sector are on the rise. The most recent figures show the number of AI patent applications in the industry stood at 17 in the three months ending September – up from 11 over the same period last year. Figures for patent grants related to AI followed a similar pattern to filings – growing from 14 in the three months ending September last year to 29 this year. The figures are compiled by GlobalData, which tracks patent filings and grants from offices around the world. Using textual analysis, as well as official patent classifications, these patents are grouped into key thematic areas, and linked to key companies across various industries. AI is one of the key areas tracked by GlobalData.

Characterized by a fusion of technologies that blur the lines between the physical and digital, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is spreading across the manufacturing world. As a component of this revolution, a growing number of suppliers are using augmented reality (A.R.) to improve operations in workforce training and equipment maintenance. A.R. is a technologically enhanced version of reality created by using technology to overlay digital information on an image of something being viewed through a device, such as smart goggles or a smartphone camera. The goggles are often voice-controlled, leaving wearers with both hands free. Statista estimates the A.R. market was worth $5.91 billion in 2018 and that it will reach more than $198.7 billion by 2025.

Due to stringent health and hygiene regulations, the food and beverage sector has often been slow to adopt new disruptive technologies, such as industry 4.0, for fear that they may affect compliance. So, why is an increasing number of food manufacturers turning to Industrial Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology?The application of Industrial AI -- most commonly through Machine Learning -- offers capabilities that now have proven business benefits too powerful to be ignored. Data is continually captured from sensors on assets and analyzed in real time. Leading food manufacturers understand that Industrial AI technology should be embraced to stay ahead in a competitive market. Another compelling factor is that smart factory technology has become cheaper, with the costs of hardware and software tools -- sensors, edge devices, cloud services and analytics -- decreasing significantly in recent years.

Hundreds of industry specialists were recently introduced to APRIL (Automated Processing Robotic Ingredient Loading) at an event organised by automation solutions provider OAL and the University of Lincoln at the UK's National Centre for Food Manufacturing. The session was held to demonstrate to manufacturers what can be achieved using robots to handle ingredients and cook food, so that food manufacturing can become more efficient and safer. "Consumer demand for greater choice and convenience versus the rising cost of food production due to the introduction of the living wage has led food manufacturers to a crossroads," OAL sales and marketing manager Jake Norman told BakeryandSnacks. "These interlinking factors mean the time is now for robotics and automation to deliver flexible food production at the lowest cost." According to Norman, other industries have embraced technology as an alternative to people to great effect.