Ministry of SMEs and Startups Announces 'AI Support Project' Contest... "Solving Manufacturing SME On-site Issues"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Junhyung Lee] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on the 19th that it is calling for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies interested in participating in the 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) Manufacturing Consulting and Solution Demonstration Project.'

This project supports manufacturing innovation and AI smart factory implementation for small and mid-sized manufacturing companies. Since its launch in July last year, it has resolved process issues for 100 companies using the Small and Medium Venture Manufacturing Platform (KAMP) infrastructure and services. According to the Ministry, some of the supported cases are notable exemplary cases in the industry.

The Ministry will select 100 companies again this year, following last year. Selected companies will receive support for ▲ AI consulting ▲ AI solution technology verification. AI consulting is supported up to 20 million KRW for a maximum of 2 months, and AI solution technology verification is supported up to 50 million KRW for a maximum of 4 months.

Specifically, selected companies can receive AI analysis models that analyze data collected from factories to solve process issues and recommendations for optimal solutions. The Ministry forms teams of two AI experts to provide AI adoption consulting for the selected companies.

They also assist with technology verification, which involves directly applying the AI analysis models and solutions secured through consulting to the manufacturing site. The Ministry supports high-performance computing equipment and other resources needed during the demonstration process in connection with KAMP.

Joseon Refractories introducing artificial intelligence to conduct defect inspection of refractory bricks.
[Photo by Ministry of SMEs and Startups]

Chosun Naehwa, a refractory (brick) manufacturer, introduced AI into the defect inspection process for final refractory products for the first time in the world. Previously, defect inspections were conducted visually, so the accuracy of defect judgments varied depending on the inspector's skill level. However, by introducing AI, the judgment reliability improved from 90% to 96%, and the inspection time was reduced from 1 minute 30 seconds to 30 seconds.