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Rockwell Automation has integrated its Plex Quality Management System (QMS) with FactoryTalk Analytics VisionAI, bringing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered visual inspection into manufacturing quality workflows to improve defect detection, traceability and quality management.
AI Integration Targets Manufacturing Quality Control
Rockwell Automation has launched an application programming interface (API)-enabled integration between Plex QMS and FactoryTalk Analytics VisionAI as it expands the use of AI across its industrial technology portfolio.
Available now, the integration connects AI-powered visual inspection with QMS workflows, enabling manufacturers to apply automated quality intelligence to production processes.
The development forms part of Rockwell’s wider investment in AI, machine learning (ML) and elastic manufacturing execution system (MES) technologies.
Devin Burke, group product manager, Rockwell Automation, said: “AI plays a critical role in Rockwell’s industrial autonomy strategy. With predictive intelligence, manufacturers can shift from scripted automation to adaptable autonomy as systems learn, adjust and collaborate across software, hardware and workers.”
VisionAI Targets Defect Detection and Traceability
The integration builds on the API-first architecture of Plex QMS and connects the system with FactoryTalk Analytics VisionAI.
AI-driven workflows can be deployed across new and existing camera systems to help manufacturers detect anomalies and reduce defects.
Rockwell said traditional visual inspection is only 80 per cent effective and often does not retain inspection history.
With the integrated system, inspection results are recorded within Plex QMS, providing manufacturers with an inspection history alongside product serialisation and traceability data.
AI Agents Support Frontline Manufacturing Operations
Rockwell is also expanding AI capabilities elsewhere within its Plex portfolio.
Plex Connected Worker has introduced an AI-powered authoring agent within its Digital Work Instructions suite. The technology converts computer-aided design (CAD) files and technical assets into structured, step-by-step instructions for frontline employees.
An AI agent has also been embedded within Plex Reporting and Analytics, providing out-of-the-box dashboards designed to turn operational data into real-time insights.
Users can interact with the agents using natural language to identify risks, predict potential issues and support manufacturing decisions.
Industrial Data Supports AI Deployment
Rockwell said its manufacturing data infrastructure provides the context and scalability required to deploy advanced analytics and AI across complex industrial operations.
Manu Ravichandran, senior product manager, Rockwell Automation, said: “At Rockwell Automation, we’ve built a context-rich industrial data foundation shaped by years of manufacturing expertise. This foundation gives manufacturers the structure, context, and scalability needed to operationalize advanced analytics and AI across complex operations.”
The integration forms part of Rockwell’s broader expansion of AI and ML across technologies including cloud-based MES platforms, edge AI and digital twins.
This article was produced by the editorial team at Manufacturing Outlook and published as part of the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
Outlook Publishing delivers industry insights, company stories, and sector coverage across manufacturing, mining, construction, healthcare, supply chains, food production, and sustainability.
Manufacturing Outlook provides ongoing coverage of organisations and developments shaping the global manufacturing industry.
