TechHub: Machine Learning Chef, Computer Mind Meld, Smucker’s at Transform

Algorithm Knows How to Raise Pesto-Perfect Basil

MIT researchers are using machine learning to control the temperature, light, humidity, and other variables that affect the growth and taste of hydroponically raised basil plants, according to MIT Technology Review.

They didn’t stop there.

Using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, the researchers also measured how certain compounds in the environment affected the basil’s taste.

It’s an object-lesson in allowing technology to help you challenge your assumptions.

“The research showed, counterintuitively, that exposing plants to light 24 hours a day generated the best taste.”

University researchers aren’t the only ones deploying machine learning to improve agriculture.

A data science team at Bayer is exploring how machine learning can optimize plant growth in greenhouses used on commercial farms, MIT Technology Review reports.

“Flavor is one of the areas where we are heavily using machine learning— to understand the flavor of different vegetables.”

Naveen Singla, Bayer

You can find the full report on the MIT research group’s work in the journal PLOS ONE.

This Gives New Meaning to Human-Machine Interface

NPR reporter Elise Hu this week tested out a neural-computer link that allows humans to use their thoughts to move shapes on a computer screen (think: Tetris).

The technology is being developed at the University of Washington’s Center for Neurotechnology.

It’s very early-stage technology.

On Gartner’s “Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies,” you can see “Brain-Computer Interface” is firmly in the category of innovations that will take more than 10 years to reach the “Plateau of Productivity.”

Even so, it’s easy to imagine an industrial technology application one day that would allow workers in manufacturing facilities to perform precise or even dangerous robot-assisted tasks by using their thoughts instead of their hands.

“In … studies where we did [mind] control of robotic arms, in a few hours the robotic arm was being assimilated by the brain of the subjects as an extension of the sense of self, an extension of the body of these subjects.”

Duke University neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis

Learn from GrayMatter’s Industrial Intelligence Experts

If you’re here, you know about GrayMatter or you’re interested in what we do.

TechHub, GrayMatter’s emPOWERUP Podcast and our customer stories tell part of our story, but to really get the full picture of what our company offers, it’s a good idea to attend one of our upcoming events designed for end users in manufacturing, water/wastewater utilities, oil and gas, food and beverage, steel, chemical and anyone with cybersecurity or operational technology needs.

Here’s a lineup of our upcoming event offerings:

Transform 2019: July 30 – Aug. 1

The grandaddy of GrayMatter events.

If you join us for just one event this year, make it Transform 2019 at Put-in-Bay, Ohio, a short drive from the Cleveland and Detroit airports.

Now in its 25th year, Transform has a ton of learning opportunities for operational technology specialists along with top-notch professionals who will be speaking about how their companies are navigating Industry 4.0, digital transformation, creating and using actionable data and more.

Our first keynote speaker this year is John Baier, Senior Manager, IS Operations, The J.M. Smucker Company.

John will be talking about harvesting valuable data from Smucker’s production facilities to improve efficiency. He will also explain how to demonstrate the value of investing in new technology to executives.

It’s a can’t-miss opportunity to hear directly from a top professional in industrial intelligence.

Early-bird rates are available now.

Digital Disruptors Detroit: May 16

We had so much interest and success in October in Detroit, we wanted to return to offer another opportunity to talk about Industry 4.0 with a focus on manufacturing and the automotive industry.

Industry leaders Carson Drake and Coleman Easterly will separate Industry 4.0 hype from reality in this workshop, which is designed to help manufacturers develop practical strategies with breakthrough technology to uncover hidden savings.

When you sign up, let us know if you have specific topics and questions that you want Carson and Coleman to cover, and we can tailor our presentation.

Digital Disruptors Series Cleveland: May 15

We’ve had a great deal of interest in our Cleveland event, so sign up today so you don’t miss out on one of the final stops of our multi-city Digital Disruptors Series Tour.

Carson and Coleman will dive into how to create a digital transformation roadmap and talk about how they’ve successfully deployed roadmaps at hundreds — yes, hundreds — of manufacturing facilities across the country.

Tap into their knowledge and experience.