HERNDON, VA. — Ahead of Pack Expo International in Chicago, the business intelligence division of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, highlighted the potential impact artificial intelligence (AI) may have on the industry.

The PMMI Business Intelligence report, The AI Advantage in Equipment: Boosting Performance and Bridging Skills Gaps, noted that some companies that jumped on AI early already are experiencing its benefits, with an even greater impact expected in the years to come.

Industrial automation market research specialist Interact Analysis worked with PMMI on the report, which features the ins and outs of generative AI, as well as machine and deep learning AI technologies.

Per the report, the applications most likely to boost the packaging and processing industry are AI assistants, machine vision, predictive maintenance, digital twins and connected worker platforms.

Advantages of implementing AI in operations, the report pointed out, include improved machine efficiency, increased worker productivity, and optimized and personalized training. What’s more, the report emphasized “the longer these technologies are used and the more data they process, the better the outputs become,” because the systems continue to learn over the course of time.

Even so, the report also presented barriers associated with AI use, related to cybersecurity, data collection and storage, as well as fears about job loss. The report recommended companies adopting AI practices also seek out expert assistance to support optimization and minimize adverse outcomes.

PMMI said various AI capabilities will be featured during Pack Expo, Nov. 3-6, at McCormick Place, where the topic also will be a part of several educational sessions.

The trade association said the event will welcome professionals from 40-plus vertical markets, with 2,600 exhibitors and more than 45,000 in attendance.