AI Framework – enabling Prodrive Technologies to go next level

Never a dull moment
Currently, I am involved in different projects within the software department and my roles vary depending on the project. On the one hand, I can be a software developer who creates small pieces of software for a larger system. On the other hand, as a system architect, it is my responsibility to continuously review our AI systems and determine where improvements can be made, and how we can add new features and improvements. Besides that, I am a competence owner of AI and machine learning which means that I focus on sharing corresponding knowledge, setting up workshops and training courses, and examining the scope of AI and machine learning within the organization. So, guess what? Every day is different and I never get bored at Prodrive Technologies.

Automated visual inspection: right or wrong?
I continue to dive into automated visual inspection. At the moment, many inspections are done manually by our technicians. They check if every component is present on the product and properly placed. Since this process costs time and manpower and is susceptible to human mistakes, we are looking into the possibility of automating more by adding cameras to the factory that take over these visual inspections. We have currently implemented cameras for the inspection of high volumes. With machine learning, a model is trained by processing a lot of data, which ultimately enables the model to label a product as right or wrong. But how can we manage and store all the data? And what to do when the environment of the cameras changes resulting in different images? To address these uses, a new project was born – Prodrive AI Framework.

Backbone
The Prodrive AI Framework is a software platform to store all data including model training guidelines and facilitates the required capacity for the ML applications. Since the need for automation is increasing, at length we aim to “democratize AI”. In other words, every Prodriver should be able to train, deploy and monitor models, regardless of their competencies, so people can do much more in less time. This framework is a “backbone” and empowers Prodrive Technologies to efficiently achieve its growth targets and serve customers faster with our meaningful technologies while still meeting its high-quality standards. I am very proud that I can make an impact by optimizing our processes with AI even more, not only for visual inspection in production but maybe in the future also using sales or corporate data. I am convinced that this framework enables Prodrive Technologies to go next level.

Freedom, flexibility, growth
Prodrive Technologies is a dynamic workplace where you get a lot of freedom and flexibility. I experience this every day in the different roles that I perform. You are entitled to have a vision, share that vision, and put your ideas into practice. Due to our rapid growth, I see lots of opportunities to optimize our processes. There is much knowledge within the company, but there is still some progress to be made by centralizing and aligning all this information to eventually improve our internal processes. The sky’s the limit and I am far from done here!

To the new Prodriver…
Every Prodriver should be up for a challenge. We have plenty of opportunities and ask you how to handle them in which you get a lot of freedom to come up with a plan or solution. If you are driven and 100% committed to the company, you can come a long way as a Prodriver…

Are you driven and ready to make an impact? Apply now!

Every Prodriver should be able to train, deploy and monitor models, regardless of their competencies, so people can do much more in less time

System Architect profile

• BSc, BEng, or MSc in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronic, Industrial Engineering, or Physics.

• Strong understanding of mechanical/mechatronics systems and technologies.

• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

• Analytic mindset, able to quickly assess issues and their root causes.

• Highly motivated, feel responsible and able to work effectively under minimal supervision.

• Strategic and creative thinking.

• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.

• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

• Being decisive, a relationship-builder, and pragmatic.

Pros and cons

• Very versatile work from requirements to implementation and qualification

• Opportunity to apply bleeding edge technology into practice

• Flexible working hours and environment

• Never a dull moment – new challenges are just around the corner