Public Funding for Planet Computers Limited

**Project AI-Connect** is a UK/Singapore collaboration that will deliver an **AI-based zero configuration, predictive maintenance system** for high precision manufacturing lines and stand-alone CNC machines. **The two main goals of Project AI-Connect are:** 1. Record sensory information from manufacturing machines and AI will automatically discovers salient information from the real-time data stream and provides **predictive maintenance** advisory with **failure prevention control** for factory operations. 2. **'Humanize'** **the AI and complex technology** to empower CNC machinists to perform at expert levels; in effect creating a dialog between machine and operator. There are **two main products** that this project will deliver: * **"AI-Connector/Advisor"** is an edge modular sensor relay that will securely deliver real-time information from CNC machines to the AI-Hub; * **"AI-Hub"** is an AI-enabled hub based on Planet's XR2 network appliance and custom firmware and applications. The AI-Hub also stores sensory information as well as AI data. AI-Hub provides predictive maintenance advice using GigEthernet, WiFi and 5G technology. There are **three** main innovations: 1) "**Zero Config**" self-organisation between AI-Connector and AI-Hub in processing real-time signals from CNC machines; 2) **Self-organizing AI algorithms** for extracting salient parameters from a specific CNC machine's sensory information; 3)**AI Assistant** using human-centered artificial intelligence (**HCAI)** to interact and assist CNC machinists.The benefit to high precision manufacturing industry are numerous: 1) AI-Connect addresses the global shortage of expert human machinists. 2) It also empowers the average machinist to perform at the expert level with AI. 3) It increases productivity and reduce downtime cost 4) It contributes to ESG by allowing legacy machines to have an extended use and even a second life. **AI-Connect** is a collaboration between **Planet Computers Ltd** (UK high-value electronics and embedded systems manufacturer), **Grid\_Synergy** (Singaporean IT and media company) and the **Institute of Technical Education** (ITE) in Singapore. ITE (Singapore) will provide access to its **high-precision automated production line**, as well as an array of stand-alone **CNC machines** and access to **its newly installed private 5G network**. ITE will also provide experts in manufacturing. **Planet Computers** will provide its **XR2 AI network appliance** platform to act as the AI Hub and develop a new edge sensor relay module capable of GigEthernet, WiFi6 and 5G communications back to the AI Hub. Planet will also provide AI expertise for AI and real-time signal analysis. **Grid\_Synergy** will provide application development for mobile, visual and audio components of the solution, used for system monitoring, system control and machine operator advisory.