Helios, the new AI and Machine Learning platform tailored specifically to the corrugated converting industry, launched today. The platform is OEM-agnostic and engineered to provide corrugated manufacturers access to robust, actionable insights into the performance of their machines — enabling minimized downtime, optimized maintenance schedules, and maximized profit. Helios is a product of SUN Automation Group.
“IIoT makes every bit of data actionable,” says Helios Director of Technology Matthew C. Miller. “So many corrugated plants rely on human intuition and experience to drive their decisions. With Helios, anomalies that are imperceptible to even the most well-trained operators can be detected in real time and acted upon. And the machine learning capabilities will mean that the platform only gets smarter the more data and user reactions that it is able to process.”
The new platform is designed to minimize downtime, maximize profitability, and decrease the opportunity cost associated with only taking machines offline for preventative maintenance (as opposed to for major malfunctions). These high-level benefits manifest themselves in specific cost and resource-optimizing operational benefits and actionable insights.
Some of the most beneficial insights are preventative/proactive parts ordering, knowledge about the exact time and cost of parts replacements, the ability for operators to pinpoint the source of slowdowns and other issues, and operator-efficiency training to help machine operators learn and adapt to best practices.
“We understand that data is only as powerful as the actionable insights it can provide,” says Chris Kyger, President, SUN Automation Group. “That’s why we are so excited to bring Helios to the corrugated industry. This incredible technology will help box plants increase productivity and efficiency while reducing costs and downtime.”
Helios provides core insights from an accessible, user-friendly dashboard enabling three key benefits: remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and anomaly detection.
Remote monitoring provides deep insights into current and historical machine operation and performance that can be seen and accessed in real time from any device. Predictive maintenance optimizes machine maintenance intervals using artificial intelligence that adapts based on the machine operation and usage. Anomaly detection notifies users about abnormal machine states that allow operators to react to a potential issue before the failure occurs. More robust predictive analytics will be phased into the platform over time.
Corrugated manufacturers will have access to a free Helios demo, allowing them to experience the platform. The site also provides a Return On Investment calculator that can showcase the benefits that Helios can offer to operations of all sizes and scales.
SUN Automation Group is a corrugated converting industry leader in innovative solutions and aftermarket support and services. Since 1986, SUN has led the way for automated production solutions in the corrugated manufacturing space.