AI and Machine Learning in Manufacturing

Dr. Ram Sriram, Chief, Software & Systems Division, NIST

12-1:30 pm Friday, Febuary 6, 2026
ITE 325b, UMBC (Lunch provided!)

talk video

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is concerned with the development of computer programs that emulate the intelligence of humans, i.e., AI is deeply concerned with the understanding of human problem-solving strategies and incorporating (or simulating) these strategies into computer programs.  Since the 1950s, when the term AI was coined, there has been considerable progress in this area. The 1980s were dominated by the rise of knowledge-based systems, which is also called "the first wave." Advancements in computer hardware facilitated multilayered neural networks, which led to significant improvements in machine learning for certain classes of problems in the 2000s. This was the "second wave." 

Now, we are witnessing the "third wave," which will include a combination of neural networks and knowledge structures. In the talk, I will provide a brief overview of AI methods and discuss how these methods can be used to address problems in the Manufacturing sector.   Topics will include: the derivation-formation spectrum of problem solving, knowledge-based expert systems, neural networks and other machine learning techniques, and their applications in Manufacturing (Big M).