Background

Forget AI, start with data science

Alexander Pil
Reading time: 9 minutes

Are artificial intelligence and machine learning hypes? Sometimes it sure seems that way. Consultants and specialists promise you the world, but in the day-to-day life on the factory floor, those predictions rarely pan out. Omron’s Tim Foreman has experienced hands-on where things go wrong and now knows how to do it right. To Bits&Chips, he tells the real story.

For Omron, the journey into the land of artificial intelligence began about six years ago. After the founding of the Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (JADS) in ’s-Hertogenbosch in 2016, Tim Foreman immediately sought contact. As R&D manager of the local Omron site, he saw many opportunities for AI, machine learning and data science. “The beauty of our location in ’s-Hertogenbosch is that we have R&D, engineering and production under one roof,” says Foreman. “Beautiful machines, with real problems. It’s a playground for data scientists.”

Foreman and JADS program director Stef van Eijndhoven opted for a PDEng construction, the industry-oriented variant of a PhD track. “I can wholeheartedly recommend that to anyone who wants to get started in this field,” says Foreman. “Such a student is supported by the university and brings a lot of knowledge to your company.”

This article is exclusively available to premium members of Bits&Chips. Already a premium member? Please log in. Not yet a premium member? Become one for only €15 and enjoy all the benefits.

Login

Related content