It seems appropriate to compare industrial maintenance technicians to doctors when you consider the similarities between their vocations: in the case of the maintenance professional, they use a combination of preventive and reactive care for whatever critical parts are in need, with a focus on extending the healthy lifespan of a machine.
It’s precisely this comparison that researchers at Purdue University say inspired them to develop their newest innovation: a stethoscope-type device that monitors machine health.
According to a recent press release, Purdue scientists have developed a low cost way to monitor machine health and it’s designed to use artificial intelligence. The AI was trained to be able to detect changes in audio, in order to “hear” problems. According to associate professor of mechanical engineering Martin Jun, the device is then able to “determine many things about the machine or process autonomously.”
The biggest business case, according to Purdue, is that it’s easier and less costly than some existing diagnostic procedures. Not to mention, the industry had long suffered from a lack of skilled technicians in niche areas like acoustics and vibration analysis. And not only can the stethoscope assess and diagnose, it can also predict future problems.
The researchers have patented the technology and are currently seeking partners to help further develop the technology and eventually license it.
