Generative AI in manufacturing: a literature review of recent applications and future prospects

Abstract

The manufacturing sector has witnessed significant transformations in recent years, driven by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications. Among the various AI technologies, Generative AI (GenAI) has emerged as a promising tool for revolutionizing the manufacturing process. This review paper provides an overview of the latest developments and applications of GenAI in the manufacturing process, highlighting its potential in the manufacturing process by reviewing the journal articles published in 2024 (Jan-May). This paper explores the landscape of GenAI in manufacturing, focusing on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), and Transformer-Based Models. The paper underscores the pivotal role of GenAI in enhancing productivity, quality control, predictive maintenance, supply chain optimization, customization, and sustainability in manufacturing.