Chemical Engineering June 2021 - 4

EDITORS
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4
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In this issue
There are many practical applications for machine learning and AI
being pursued by the CPI. To learn more, see our Newsfront " Artificial
Intelligence: Advancing Applications in the CPI " on
pp. 12-18.
And our two-part Cover Story on process analytical
technology (PAT; pp. 24-34) explores exciting
advances in process analyzer technologies. There
is also much more in this issue and we hope you
enjoy reading.
JOHN HOLLMANN
Validation Estimating LLC
HENRY KISTER
Fluor Corp.
PAUL S. GRAD (AUSTRALIA)
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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
SUZANNE A. SHELLEY
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Machine learning and artificial intelligence
Alongside this boom in digitalization, more advanced computational
techniques and related technologies have given rise to machine learning,
where machines do more than just gather and share information,
but actually learn through automated data analysis and by identifying
patterns. Machines can then predict what will happen and offer recommendations
to prevent negative occurrences. One practical application
of this is predictive maintenance. When given even broader data
resources to process, machines can learn more complex associations,
for example facial recognition, in a process termed deep learning.
Machine learning is part of artificial intelligence (AI), which encompasses
technologies that allow machines to learn and perform functions
that mimic human intelligence. Rapid advances in computer software
and storage capabilities, along with the massive increase in data availability
through smart devices are enabling broader applications of AI.
Practical AI
Industries are increasingly incorporating AI into their businesses. In a
recent survey by McKinsey & Company [1], half of the 2,395 participants
from a wide range of industries said that their companies have
implemented AI in at least one function. The chemical process industries
(CPI) are among the adopters of AI. In April, Evonik Industries
AG (www.evonik.com) became the world's first chemical company
to participate at the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab (mitibmwatsonailab.mit.
edu). The AI Lab is a community of scientists from the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT) and IBM Research who are working with
businesses in researching AI. Evonik and IBM had already been investigating
AI as partners for several years, and membership in the AI Lab
extends this cooperation.
As another example, in December, Covestro AG (www.covestro.
com) announced several pilot projects using AI. The company is, for
instance, using digital technologies to optimize the manufacturing
process for polyesters and to predict peak steam consumption at
production plants.
Editors Page
Intelligent machines
B
y now, we are all used to being surrounded by " smart " machines
- smartphones, smart televisions, all sorts of smart
appliances at home and smart instruments in our production
sites. We are also familiar with connecting our smart devices
and sending and receiving information from just about anywhere. And
the amount of information that we can gather has increased astronomically,
leading to terms like " big data " and to a focus on data analytics
in order to put the vast amounts of available information to good use.
n
Dorothy Lozowski, Editorial Director
1. McKinsey & Company, The State of AI in 2020, November 17, 2020;
www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/mckinsey-analytics/our-insights/
global-survey-the-state-of-ai-in-2020
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM
JUNE 2021
http://www.evonik.com http://www.covestro http://www.accessintel.com http://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/mckinsey-analytics/our-insights/ http://WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM
Chemical Engineering June 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Chemical Engineering June 2021
