This study develops an AI-based energy consumption prediction and precision carbon footprinting technology for machine tools to facilitate the digital zero-carbon transition. Utilizing the VMX IIoT platform and current sensors, the system extracts 34 controller features and energy data in real-time. Key features are selected via Random Forest, and a Deep Neural Network (DNN) model is constructed for prediction. Results demonstrate high accuracy, with error rates below 3% for both CNC milling and stamping equipment. Through an online monitoring system and visualization interface, manufacturers can monitor real-time energy usage and carbon footprints, optimizing machining parameters to meet international sustainability regulations and advancing smart green manufacturing.
Taiwan, renowned as a global technology hub, boasts world-class semiconductor capabilities and numerous science parks such as Hsinchu, Central, and Southern Taiwan Science Parks, along with over 200 industrial zones and more than 100,000 manufacturing companies. Taiwan’s industrial technology and manufacturing capacity are highly competitive internationally. The machine tool industry, often called the “mother of all industries,” plays a critical role in sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, energy, medical devices, automotive, and precision machinery. Machine tools enable the rapid production of high-precision, high-quality components and equipment, making them indispensable for innovation and development across industries.
TMTS 2024, themed “Dual-Axis Smart Manufacturing x Sustainable Future,” focuses on digital and green transformation in the machine tool industry, integrating AI, cloud computing, big data, and digital twins to drive smart manufacturing and energy efficiency. Generative AI applications are emerging, with companies adopting them for after-sales service, maintenance, and training, while exploring AI models and knowledge management for R&D and production. Industry-academia collaboration accelerates AI implementation, enabling smart factories, improving machining quality and efficiency, and leveraging cloud platforms and common industry standards to enhance supply chain integration and sustainable development.
The global wind power industry is rapidly expanding due to energy transition demands, with the wind turbine casting market projected to reach USD 6.37 billion by 2031. Manufacturing technologies are evolving toward smart, automated, and energy-efficient processes, integrating IoT and AI for improved efficiency. Leading firms like PAMA and Taiwan’s Rong Tian Precision Machinery have introduced large-scale boring and milling equipment, while quality inspection and surface treatment technologies continue to advance. The WeldCast project promotes modular welding to reduce costs. Taiwan must strengthen equipment partnerships to enhance competitiveness in the global wind energy supply chain.
JIMTOF 2022, themed "Open the Door to the Future," positioned Digital Transformation (DX) and Green Transformation (GX) as the primary solutions to labor shortages, skill gaps, and carbon neutrality. Global leaders such as DMG MORI, MAZAK, and OKUMA showcased advanced Digital Twins, AI-driven automation, and remote support systems designed to lower operational barriers and maximize efficiency. Regarding GX, the industry has shifted toward "Green Smart Machines," utilizing real-time energy monitoring, automatic idle-stop functions, and intelligent thermal compensation to replace energy-intensive cooling. The exhibition underscored that DX serves as the technical foundation for achieving GX. Their synergy is driving the machine tool industry toward a high-efficiency, low-carbon future, providing a vital roadmap for global sustainable manufacturing.
This article explores the evolution of machine tools showcased at JIMTOF 2022, focusing on Process Integration and Factory Automation to address labor shortages and decarbonization. Key highlights include in-machine measurement, 5-axis multitasking, and the integration of special processes (e.g., AM and FSW) to achieve "Done-in-One" efficiency. Furthermore, advancements in AI vision, collaborative robots, and AMRs overcome obstacles in long-term unmanned operations. The article concludes that the synergy between hardware, software, and Digital Twin technology is the vital driver for the industry’s Digital and Green Transformation (DX/GX).
