It seems like everyone is talking about AI (artificial intelligence) these days. Robots, machines, and computer programs so smart they can learn from, mimic, and even expand on human intelligence. What does it have to do with packaging? Well, it could be everything. This new technology, coupled with existing automated systems, will revolutionize the industry as we know it.
The first robotics patent was filed in 1954. Six years later, General Motors had the first robot operating in its production facility moving heavy auto parts. Manufacturers quickly realized they could use automation to streamline production, causing a technological evolution in packaging.
Fast-forward nearly six decades and automation has become the industry standard. Automated Baggers, Case Erectors and Sealers, Stretch Wrappers, and Void Fill Systems have helped modernize and expedite production. But with new AI technologies, these already impressive machines could potentially kick normal processes and workflows into hyperdrive, making what once took months take days.
In laymen’s terms, AI works by gathering massive amounts of data into pre-programed computer algorithms to learn from patterns. This allows machines to perform and perfect tasks that would normally require human intelligence. And it’s already happening!
Here are just a few ways AI is already transforming the packaging industry:
- Improving Materials – AI programs can predict what kind of packaging and void fill are needed to protect specific products by pulling customer complaint data from websites. This reduces waste, shipment damages, and shipping costs.
- Inventory Management – Through the collection of historical sales data, a company can calculate the precise inventory levels it will need through demand prediction. They can accurately adjust production and minimize waste each year.
- Quality Control – AI can help machines spot imperfections and defects with almost perfect precision, reducing customer complaints and ensuring product integrity.
- Machine Monitoring – AI can detect early signs of wear and tear in the automated process, identifying the potential for any issues that could stop production or require maintenance.
The most noticeable way AI is changing packaging is in design and labeling. Current processes can take human designers’ weeks to create renderings and mockups – with AI it will take minutes. And by gathering data from past purchases, AI can predict and design packaging that is proven to catch the eye of consumers. It also opens a whole new world of design schemes, colorings, and techniques used to give packaging a signature look.
At this point one might think that AI can do it all, but the human element is still critical in the production process. As smart as AI is, it still cannot account for things such as complex decision making, training, maintenance work, ethical considerations, and general oversight. Creative and dedicated people are essential for this technology to function in production.
AI isn’t just a trendy buzzword in the packaging industry; it’s reshaping how companies think about automation and design. It’s all about speed, efficiency, and creativity – making packaging not just a protective shell, but a full-fledged marketing vehicle. It’s unclear what the future of packaging industry will look like with fully integrated AI, but it’s absolutely exciting to think about.