The Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology (IDMT) in Ilmenau will present its latest research on industrial sound analysis at the SPS in Nuremberg.
Acoustic AI for automated quality assurance in metalworking
Automation is key to achieving efficient and scalable production, particularly for welding and machining systems. Researchers in Ilmenau are developing AI-based solutions for the automated acoustic monitoring of manufacturing processes, including MIG/MAG, FSW, laser welding, milling and turning. The system enables continuous, 100% quality control directly within the production process — in a contactless, non-destructive manner.
Selecting the right sensor technology and robust AI algorithms enables errors to be detected in real time, reducing pseudo rejects and avoiding test scrap. Acoustic monitoring works reliably in production environments and can be easily integrated into existing production and automation systems.
This technology replaces manual, subjective inspections with objective, data-driven decision-making, representing a significant advancement for companies that rely on automated, reproducible quality assurance. The practicality and added value of these solutions has already been demonstrated in successful pilot projects.
Experience the technology! Air-Hockey live demo
At the trade fair, an air-hockey table will be used to demonstrate the innovative acoustic monitoring system in an entertaining way. Three pucks made of different materials produce a distinctive "pling" sound when they hit the board. These acoustic signals occur irregularly and frequently, making them ideal for analysis and classification using machine learning methods.
The demonstrator clearly shows the technology's potential: reliable real-time analysis, even in acoustically challenging environments and without direct contact between the sensors and the monitored object. It playfully illustrates how acoustic AI can precisely, contactless, and non-destructively monitor machines and systems, even in complex scenarios. This is a convincing demonstration of acoustic monitoring in metalworking.
Join us for a game of air-hockey, SPS hall 6, booth 436 and hear you at the trade show!
