Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Improving manufacturing at Panasonic Energy (MFG101)

Summary

• Joe Rosling, AWS go-to-market strategist, introduces the session, focusing on scaling smart manufacturing strategies using the industrial data fabric framework.
• Justin Herman, VP and CIO of Panasonic Energy North America, shares Panasonic's success in scaling use cases using AI/ML and the challenges faced in manufacturing, such as resistance to change, small team sizes, and low AI adoption.
• Sean Kirby, principal IoT solution architect at AWS, details the implementation of specific use cases, including computer vision for quality assurance and predictive maintenance for electrolyte filling.
• The session emphasizes the importance of speed to value, safety, quality, security, and performance in smart manufacturing.
• Panasonic's journey from a 12-month program to delivering ROI in days and weeks is highlighted, with over 22 use cases in the pipeline.
• The connected Gigafactory vision is discussed, aiming to leverage platforms from Nevada to Kansas and beyond, reducing implementation costs and scaling up.
• The session concludes with an invitation to the industrial demo experience at the expo and a request for session feedback.

Insights

• The industrial data fabric framework is a key strategy for scaling smart manufacturing use cases across multiple sites and production lines, emphasizing the importance of data strategy and analytics maturity.
• Panasonic Energy North America has successfully scaled its smart manufacturing initiatives, focusing on speed to value and leveraging partnerships with AWS and Palantir.
• The company has faced challenges typical in the manufacturing sector, such as resistance to change and low AI adoption, but has overcome these by demonstrating quick ROI and leveraging external partnerships.
• Specific use cases presented, such as computer vision for quality assurance and predictive maintenance, show the practical application of AI/ML in manufacturing and the significant impact on efficiency and cost savings.
• The concept of a connected Gigafactory suggests a future where smart manufacturing platforms are not only scalable but also transferable across different geographic locations, optimizing investment and fostering innovation.
• The session underscores the importance of choosing collaborative partners in the smart manufacturing journey, highlighting the value of AWS and Palantir in supporting Panasonic's transformation.
• The session encourages attendees to engage with AWS experts at the expo to explore further capabilities in smart manufacturing and related industrial use cases.