AI-supported planning automation for the semiconductor industry

The semiconductor industry is faced with major challenges: Complex planning processes, regular conversions of production facilities, and the shortage of skilled workers make adapting to shorter and shorter product lifecycles difficult. The planning phase for a conversion, which is usually necessary every other year, can take up to six months. To support these processes and make them more efficient, precise and sustainable, Fraunhofer IVI cooperates with project coordinator RX Design Germany GmbH in the FastFabDesign research project to find a digital solution that uses innovative algorithms and artificial intelligence.

Digital intelligence for factory planning

FastFabDesign uses the capapbilities of modern AI technology to accelerate the planning process and shorten it to only two weeks.

• Automated algorithms can take on routine tasks and make planning decisions faster and more accurate, considerably reducing the overall time needed for planning. 
• Automation offers the added advantage of being able to respond faster to changed customer demands and make rapid adjustments.
• By reducing the likelihood of errors, quality assurance is improved and the need for rework is reduced.

First, FastFabDesign compiles basic data and specification information about machines and utilities in a model. Based on a set of rules defined within the project and the necessary requirements, as well as planning and optimization criteria, flow charts are created as the project progresses. The aim of this work is to develop an AI model that can be used to generate multidimensionally controllable models containing utility flow charts. All results are tested on a realistic application example in order to demonstrate their transferability to economically feasible practice.

Sustainability achieved through precise planning

Needs-based planning based on AI-supported optimization serves to minimize the use of resources and lowers energy consumption. This means that FastFabDesign not only contributes to economic efficiency but also makes an important contribution to ecological sustainability. By preventing oversizing and reducing rework, the entire planning process is made more resource-friendly.

Close cooperation of research and practice

To achieve their aims, Fraunhofer IVI has struck up a cooperation within the project with RX Design Germany GmbH, an active planning agency who provides an interface to the semiconductor industry. The institute contributes their expertise in the field of data-driven process optimization and automation in order to support the transformation of manual processes into semi-automated planning processes.

FastFabDesign pools the partners' expertise in Silicon Saxony, one of the world's leading centers of the semiconductor industry. With its interdisciplinary approach and the support of partners from the semiconductor industry, the project will not only strengthen the competitiveness of German enterprises but also promote the innovation power of the Saxon semiconductor ecosystem.

FastFab Design is being funded by Sächsische Aufbaubank – Förderbank with funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).