P&G enters development agreement on 3D printing, artificial intelligence

Procter & Gamble Co. has entered a joint development agreement focused on 3D printing and artificial intelligence related to product research.

The Cincinnati-based maker of consumer goods such as Pampers Pure Protection diapers and wipes (NYSE: PG) will partner with Aether, a San Francisco startup.

A 3D printer called Aether 1 will be used to develop an array of hardware and software capabilities to automate and improve product research applications for P&G as well as to develop a next-generation 3D printer, according to Aether.

P&G employs about 6,800 scientists and researchers who could be able to prototype and test their ideas more rapidly and effectively as a result of the agreement.

“Aether is working with P&G to completely redefine 3D printing,” said Ryan Franks, CEO and founder of Aether. “It’s no longer going to be just about depositing a material or two in a specific pattern. We’re building something more like an intelligent robotic craftsman, able to perform highly complex tasks with many different tools, visually evaluate and correct its work throughout the fabrication process, and constantly learn how to improve.”

The development will include creating an interconnected network of computer vision and AI algorithms to significantly increase multitool and multimaterial 3D printing automation as well as build an expanded suite of features, according to Aether.

High-performance cameras will be paired with custom-designed hardware to enable new robotics capabilities, including real-time, in-situ print monitoring with dynamic intelligent response for parameter adjustment and error correction, automatic performance of post-processing treatments, object recognition and manipulation, automation of multitool hybrid manufacturing processes, and an interface that will enable users to interact with a 3D printer in new ways.

Procter & Gamble places a high priority on research and product development, which the company believes is vital to enable sustained organic growth. P&G invests about $2 billion annually in R&D, which enables the company to develop technologies and obtain patents.

The Aether 1 can print with up to 24 materials at a time, including viscous pastes and gels, ABS/PLA filaments, liquids, ceramics and foods as well as LEDs, lasers and custom tools, according to the California company.

The equipment is used by researchers, artists, and innovators in fields such as biology, regenerative medicine, pharmaceutical, medical devices, materials science, electronics, tech companies, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, food and beverage, beauty products, nanotechnology, STEM education, restaurants, event planners and caterers.