No abstract

The aim of the study was to develop a system supporting technological process planning, the functioning of which would resemble the way human experts act in their fields of expertise, one capable of gathering necessary knowledge, analysing data, and drawing conclusions to solve problems. This could be done by utilising artificial intelligence (AI) methods available within such systems. The study proved the usefulness of AI methods, and their significant effectiveness in supporting technological process planning. Technological-process planning based on an expert system is divided into the following stages: the selection of the semi-finished products; the establishing of the technological process structure, and the selection of the workpiece instrumentation, machine tools, tools, and tooling and machining parameters for each technological operation. The system-embedded knowledge takes the form of neural networks, decision trees and facts. The system is presented using the example of a real enterprise. The intelligent expert system is dedicated to process engineers who have not yet gathered sufficient experience in technological-process planning, or who have just begun their work in a given production enterprise, and are not very familiar with its machinery and other means of production.

Three-dimensional-printed medical devices are a separate group of medical devices necessary for the development of personalized medicine. The present article discusses a modern and specific group of medical devices and exoskeletons, which aims to present our own experiences in the selection of materials, design, artificial-intelligence optimization, production, and testing of several generations of various upper limb exoskeletons when considering the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) and the ISO 13485 and ISO 10993 standards. Work is underway to maintain the methodological rigor inherent in medical devices and to develop new business models to achieve cost-effectiveness so that inadequate legislation does not stop the development of this group of technologies (3D scanning, 3D printing, and reverse engineering) in the healthcare system. The gap between research and engineering practice and clinical 3D printing should be bridged as quickly and as carefully as possible. This measure will ensure the transfer of proven solutions into clinical practice. The growing maturity of 3D printing technology will increasingly impact everyday clinical practice, so it is necessary to prepare medical specialists and strategic and organizational changes to realize the correct implementation based on the needs of patients and clinicians.