With Contiloop AI, Krones has developed an intelligent process control system for the Contiform stretch blow molder. The combination of AI-based software and newly developed hardware makes it possible to detect even the slightest variations in material distribution in the production of PET containers and to automatically adjust key stretch-blow-molding parameters in real time – and thus to ensure that bottle quality meets specifications.
Since its market launch, Contiloop AI has not only convinced customers around the world, but also this year’s jury of the AI Breakthrough Award, consisting of recognised experts from the fields of business, marketing, sales, analysis and science. The Krones solution received the MLOps Innovation Award, which recognises the most innovative AI product in the field of machine learning operations.
Training and optimising Contiloop AI
As part of an automated test run, various process settings are carried out and the resulting measurement results are forwarded to the Krones IIoT platform. There, the data flows into the Krones AI pipeline, which is used to train the future control algorithm, the AI agent. Once the training is complete, this AI agent is transferred to the machine’s Contiloop AI and is then available for production operation. The system thus learns to be able to adjust the stretch blow-moulding process precisely to the perfect bottle quality even under the new conditions.
About the AI Breakthrough Awards
Over 3,200 nominations from more than 20 countries – this year’s AI Breakthrough Awards once again showed that artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important in industry. This year, AI companies and products with artificial intelligence were again honoured in 18 different categories such as AI platforms, robotics, business intelligence or AI hardware. When evaluating the submitted innovations, the AI Breakthrough jury focuses on innovation, performance, usability, functionality, value and impact.
The Krones Group, headquartered in Neutraubling, Germany, plans, develops and manufactures machines and complete lines for the fields of process, filling and packaging technology. And Krones also offers a fit-for-purpose solution for bottle-to-bottle recycling of PET containers. The product portfolio subsumed in the House of Krones is rounded off by numerous products and services from Krones’ subsidiaries, themed around digitalisation, for example, digital container decoration, intralogistics and in-house valve production. Every day, millions of bottles, cans, and special-shaped containers are handled on lines from Krones, particularly in breweries, the soft-drinks sector and at producers of still or sparkling wines, and spirits, but also in the food and luxury-goods industries, plus the chemical, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. Worldwide, Krones employs around 17,200 people. Consolidated sales in 2022 totalled 4.209 billion euros. Around 90 per cent of its products are sold abroad. The group includes not only Krones AG (listed on the stock exchange), but also more than 100 subsidiaries and further sales and service companies worldwide.
Krones AG
Böhmerwaldstr. 5
93073 Neutraubling
Telefon: +49 (9401) 700
Telefax: +49 (9401) 703323
http://www.krones.com
Press Relations
Telefon: +49 (9401) 70-5924
E-Mail: peter.moertl@krones.com
