Shanghai Electric Incorporates AI in Gas Turbine Manufacturing and Services

Shanghai Electric is integrating industrial AI into the production, operation, and maintenance of heavy-duty gas turbines. This shift reflects a broader trend in manufacturing towards the sustained value offered by AI in enhancing both productivity and equipment performance over time.

In turbine manufacturing, AI supports flexible blade production by using 3D vision and robotics for precise machining. The system identifies and positions blade blanks with over 99.99% accuracy, linking production stages like loading and inspection for increased efficiency and flexibility.

AI also improves quality assurance. A new AI-based inspection terminal monitors welding quality in real-time, helping identify defects early and optimizing processes with a data feedback loop.

The SIMPLE platform aids long-term operations by enabling real-time performance monitoring and proactive maintenance using data from numerous turbines to enhance reliability.