Demystifying: Machine Learning

ML/AI Methods for Process Monitoring – Focus on Laser Materials Processing

Sunday, 11 October: 14:00 – 17:00

Machine learning and artificial intelligence are increasingly important tools for industrial process monitoring. Yet for early-career engineers and scientists, the gap between ML/AI theory and practical application can make it difficult to identify where to begin and how these methods can be applied effectively

Demystifying: Machine Learning – presented by Optica – aims to bridge the gap through an accessible, application-focused introduction to ML/AI, with particular emphasis on process monitoring and laser materials processing.

Program

This three-hour program introduces the motivation and fundamentals of ML/AI before moving into examples of ML/AI for process monitoring, with a focus on laser materials processing. Drawing on approximately 30 years of experience in ML/AI, the instructor will share practical lessons, common considerations, and guidance for getting started. The program is discussion- and example-based; no hands-on coding component is included.

Audience

Early-career engineers and scientists from academia or industry with limited or no prior experience with machine learning or artificial intelligence

Prerequisites

There are no strict prerequisites. No specific software, coding environment, or laptop setup is required because the program does not include a hands-on component.

Instructor

Thomas Grünberger

LKR Ranshofen

About the Speaker

Thomas Grünberger is a Senior Research Engineer at LKR Ranshofen with more than 30 years of experience in machine learning, artificial intelligence, process monitoring, machine vision, and advanced manufacturing. His career includes strategic technology development at nLIGHT GmbH Vienna, serving as CTO of plasmo, and working as a scientist in machine vision at ARCS. He earned his PhD from TU Vienna in 1997, focusing on optimizing neural controllers by means of genetic algorithms, following earlier work in fuzzy control. He is also a lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, teaching robot vision and ML/AI. His standards and professional activities include membership in ASTM F42 (Additive Manufacturing), ASTM E07 (NDE), CEN/TC 438 WG1 (Additive Manufacturing), and Austrian Standards K277. He is a member of the expert committee on AI in NDE of the Austrian Association for NDE and President of the Austrian Association for Thermography.

About the Optica Demystifying Series

The Optica Demystifying series offers introductions to the topics transforming science and engineering today. The objective is to lower the barriers to entry and get you started in the most exciting tools, techniques and areas of research in optics and photonics.  Whether you are just starting your career or well along your path, if you are looking for new opportunities, the leading researchers and great teachers in the Optica Demystifying series will help you take that important first step. Look for Demystifying offerings at your next Optica Event.