Welcome to the Glass Age

121 to deep learning. Deep learning can also detect the flame independently from the batch, determine the flame direction and signal an alarm if the furnace needs attention. With neural network technology, we can learn much more from these images than just temperatures and process them to make intelligent control decisions (Figure 7.10). The next step is to measure the batch distribution. The image is transformed to eliminate the parallax errors caused because the camera tilts (Figure 7.11). The yellow areas represent the batch piles. In this furnace there is clearly more batch on the left than the right. Thus, the batch location coverage and movement can be monitored, facilitating corrective actions (Figure 7.12). For some furnaces, stability is vital, for others less so. The next question is: Will there still be employed workers if AI technology is used and becomes standard? For this we look for historical data in other areas for comparison. The great benefit of MPC is that it improves and upgrades furnace operation. There may be disagreements about its installation, caused by concerns about job security. An understanding within the factory is important to convince employees that this will not be so; instead it will assist their work. The goal is to give them new technologies which enhance production processes. Intensive and continuous training of employees is necessary to manage properly the new technology. Different capabilities and skills need to be incorporated to the workforce, a constant factor in Industry 4.0 implementation in every sector and field. In conclusion, the perspective is to not be afraid. The artificial intelligence revolution that has arrived cannot be avoided. Some suggest that the AI revolution is much larger than any automation revolution seen before. Strong leadership skills and business practices will prepare workers, so that they can understand and accept AI, because it will revolutionize our lives and bridge the gap between what humans are capable of and what is actually possible. AI will penetrate across Figure 7.10. Furnace image from a camera identified by a Neural Network. Source: Glass Service, a.s.