Engel enhances AI assistant to control injection molding machines

Engel is advancing its industrial automation capabilities by integrating its Engel Virtual Assistant (EVA) with the Inject AI interface. This development allows the AI-based tool to move beyond answering technical questions to actively interacting with injection molding machine (IMM) control systems.

Through text or voice commands, operators can ask EVA for guidance regarding the current production process. The assistant utilizes machine, process, and service data to suggest specific actions. Once an operator confirms a suggested change, EVA can transfer those approved adjustments directly to the machine control system. This capability is designed to assist with troubleshooting, process optimization, and knowledge sharing, particularly when specialized staff are unavailable.

The system is intended to support autonomous, self-regulating production cells that can compensate for process fluctuations, such as those caused by using recycled materials. The Engel AI Interface, which utilizes the Model Context Protocol (MCP), provides the technical foundation for these applications. While new injection molding cells will have this capability as an option, existing machines with CC300 or C3 controls are expected to be retrofittable.