Comau's AI Revolution: Transforming Industrial Automation with Customized Neural Networks

Comau's AI Revolution: Customized Neural Networks for Industrial Efficiency

Comau, a pioneer in industrial automation, is at the forefront of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into manufacturing processes. At the 30th edition of the IEEE International Conference on Emerging Technologies and Factory Automation (ETFA 2025) in Porto, Portugal, Comau showcased its vision for how AI can revolutionize the industrial landscape.

Customized Neural Networks for Tailored Solutions

Giovanni Di Stefano, Head of Advanced Robotics at Comau, presented on the strategic use of AI in the manufacturing sector. Comau's approach is unique in that it focuses on developing customized AI models tailored to the specific needs of its customers. This is made possible by Comau's extensive 50-year history in industrial automation, which has provided a rich archive of industrial data for training neural networks.

Key advantages include:

• Customization**: AI models are not one-size-fits-all but are tailored to the unique technical requirements of each customer.
• Experience**: Comau's decades of experience in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems have contributed to a robust database of real-world use cases.
• Flexibility**: The models can be adapted to various sectors, not just automotive, ensuring broader applicability.

Enhancing Robotic Joint Stiffness

One of Comau's key innovations is the use of AI to calculate the actual stiffness of robot joints. This ensures better movement quality and more precise operations. By using AI algorithms, Comau can optimize the performance of robotic systems, leading to higher productivity and efficiency.

Automating Welding Gripper Design

Another significant application is the automatic design of robotic welding gripper arms. Traditional methods are time-consuming and costly, but AI algorithms can design these components more quickly and accurately. This not only reduces design costs but also speeds up the manufacturing process, giving Comau's customers a competitive edge.

MI.RA: Intelligent Vision Systems for Enhanced Productivity

Comau's MI.RA family of intelligent vision systems is another example of how AI is transforming industrial automation. These systems use AI to perform various tasks, such as:

1. MI.RA/OnePicker: Allows robots to autonomously pick up generic and heterogeneous objects, increasing productivity and efficiency.
2. MI.RA/Thermography: An in-line quality verification and control system that uses AI to verify the quality of welding processes, particularly in the assembly of new-generation batteries.

The Bottom Line

Comau's innovative use of AI is not just a technological advancement but a strategic move that enhances the efficiency and productivity of its customers. By leveraging customized neural networks, Comau is setting new standards in industrial automation, proving that AI is not a risk but a decisive business opportunity.