Security in modern manufacturing systems: integrating blockchain in artificial intelligence-assisted manufacturing

Process automation and mass customisation requirements of modern manufacturing systems are driven by artificial intelligence (AI). As AI derives decisions from data, securing the data against tampering is crucial to prevent ensuing operational risks. Additionally, manufacturing systems necessitate collaboration, transparency, and trust among participants while preserving a competitive advantage. Thus, we position blockchain, an enabler of transparent and secure operations, as a security solution for AI-assisted manufacturing systems. In this conceptual viewpoint paper, we present a framework to integrate blockchain in AI-assisted manufacturing systems. We highlight the special needs of manufacturing BCs over generic BCs. We delineate the ways in which manufacturing can be a beneficiary of the synergy between AI and BC. We discuss how BC and AI can accelerate early-phase product design, collaboration, and manufacturing processes and secure supply chains against counterfeit products and for ethical consumerism. Lastly, we identify the needs of modern manufacturing systems and cite a few examples of organisational failures to underscore the importance of security while delineating the significant challenges in adopting blockchain-based solutions in the manufacturing industry.