San Francisco-based biotechnology company Aether has announced a two-year joint development agreement with Procter & Gamble to develop cutting-edge 3D printing and artificial intelligence technologies.
The company owns the multi-tool 3D bioprinter Aether 1 as a technology creation platform, develops a range of hardware and software features designed to automate and improve P & G's product research applications, and develops the next-generation Aether 3D printer.
Ryan Franks, CEO and founder of Aether, said: "We are working with Procter & Gamble. 3D printers are no longer just storing one or two materials in a specific pattern, but are building something more like a smart robot craftsman, able to use many different tools. Perform highly complex tasks, intuitively evaluate and correct their work throughout the manufacturing process, and continuously learn how to improve. The definition of 3D printing will be completely redefined. "
To expand the possibilities in the field of 3D printing, research and development will include the creation of an interconnected network of computer vision and AI algorithms to add multi-tool and multi-material 3D printing automation and build an extended functional suite. A series of high-performance cameras will be paired with custom-designed hardware to enable new robotic functions on 3D printers, including real-time in-situ print monitoring, dynamic intelligent response, parameter adjustment and error correction, automatic execution of post-processing, object recognition and operation And the automation of multi-tool hybrid manufacturing processes.
The company is developing other software to help P & G automate image processing. Compared with manual processing methods, automated software will greatly increase speed, and input deep learning technology into multiple neural networks, which will enable P & G researchers to convert 2S files to high-precision 3D files.