Artificial intelligence giant SenseTime moves further beyond facial recognition systems with new initiative in manufacturing sector

Hong Kong-based SenseTime has launched an AI-enabled automated engine defect detection system, with its SenseSpring platform, for manufacturer Foton Cummins

That enables SenseTime to compete in China’s nascent automated industry inspection market, which is led by major tech firms Baidu, Huawei and Alibaba

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The project with engine manufacturer Foton Cummins is expected to burnish AI firm SenseTime’s credentials in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 9:30pm, 14 Feb 2022

SenseTime, the Hong Kong-based software company that runs the world’s largest artificial intelligence (AI) platform, is moving further beyond facial recognition systems by applying its technology to the car components manufacturing sector.

The company, which went public in Hong Kong last December, said in a statement on Monday that it has launched an AI-enabled automated engine defect detection system with SenseSpring – its proprietary industrial quality inspection training platform – for use by Beijing Foton Cummins Engine Co (Foton Cummins), the world’s leading independent engine manufacturer.

That AI infrastructure, according to SenseTime, enables Foton Cummins to detect surface and assembly defects in key engine components, which frees workers from tedious manual quality inspection work, marking a major milestone in the Beijing-based firm’s adoption of intelligent manufacturing systems.

Foton Cummins is a joint-venture between Beiqi Foton Motor Co and American diesel engine manufacturer Cummins.

The SenseSpring platform, developed by artificial intelligence giant SenseTime, has been rolled out in several production sites of Beijing Foton Cummins Engine Co, the world’s leading independent engine manufacturer. Photo: Handout

The project with Foto Cummins is expected to burnish SenseTime’s credentials in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0. This represents the automation of traditional manufacturing and upgrading of industrial practices with use of modern smart technology to help firms achieve more efficiency and profitable growth.

That also enables SenseTime to stay competitive against other Chinese tech giants. Baidu, for example, launched its own AI product inspection services in 2017, counting state-owned carmakers such as Shougang Group and FAW Group as clients.