LAB13 - Future AI Laser Lab

In principle, the laser is already a very versatile tool for manufacturing and therefore offers ideal prerequisites for the use in the production of the future. However, due to the large number of parameters and the complex interactions in the process, the development and optimization of new laser processes usually still requires a lot of time and experimental effort and requires highly qualified experts with a profound understanding of laser processes. This represents an immense hurdle for the implementation, especially in manufacturing environments with frequently changing manufacturing tasks and requirements.

Aim, approach and benefit

In order to exploit the full potential and productivity of laser processes, as well as to bring them quickly and easily accessible into industrial applications, an autonomous process optimization of laser processes based on artificial intelligence (AI) methods is needed.

Therefore, the aim of the project is to build a demonstration facility for AI applications in laser processing, in particular for reinforcement learning for autonomous pre-compensation of component distortion, as well as AI-based autonomous process optimization.

A system is to be built in which the entire optimization cycle, starting with conducting the experiment, through the recording and processing of the required measurement signals, to the execution of the optimization step with derivation of the next experimentation point in the parameter space, can be implemented automatically.

With this, the use of an AI-based, autonomous process optimization in laser processing can be researched and made tangible and accessible for the industry in Baden-Württemberg.