AI in the glass industry: how digital technologies make planning, production and processes more efficient

Artificial intelligence and digital technology are increasingly making inroads into the glass industry. Current applications range from automated quality assurance and AI-assisted process control to simulation tools, intelligent assistance systems and data-based production optimisation.  

Here the focus is on the concrete industrial practice: companies in the glass industry are already deploying AI where large data volumes, standardised processes and high quality requirements come together.

At glasstec 2026 “AI & Digital Technologies” are among the three key Hot Topics. International exhibitors show which solutions are already in productive use today – and which developments will shape the next steps in the industry.

„At glasstec, Bucher Emhart Glass is presenting advanced digital solutions designed to enhance efficiency across production and manufacturing. Central to this is the Control Center, which makes process data accessible and turns it into actionable insights for the glass plant. This is powered by end-to-end (E2E) technologies that Bucher Emhart Glass is making available to the industry at scale, ensuring advanced technology becomes truly workable through simplified usage, improved maintainability, and automation.“

Martin Grönblad, Head of Product Management Automation,
Bucher Emhart Glass

Filtraglass relies on digital monitoring and intelligent process control – thereby making water management a key factor in more efficient glass production: 

„At glasstec, Filtraglass showcases digital monitoring, intelligent process control and automation solutions designed to improve water management in glass manufacturing. By maintaining cleaner process water and stable operating conditions, manufacturers can reduce downtime, improve operational reliability and increase overall production efficiency. Cleaner water also helps reduce wear on equipment, lowering maintenance needs and extending machine lifetime. Through digitalisation and process optimisation, we help glass manufacturers move towards smarter and more sustainable production environments.“

Alberto Medina, Commercial Director, Filtraglass

Riku Färm at glaston defines the prerequisites for reliable AI – and flags up how three concrete systems improve quality, capacity and energy efficiency in production:

“AI solutions are already working reliably today where big data, clearly defined processes and repetitive workflows exist. In glass processing this especially applies to process control, production optimisation and quality monitoring. Systems such as the Glaston Autopilot completely automate complex glass pre-stressing processes and make them reproducible. The Glaston White Haze Scanner uses AI algorithms for the objective classification of surface defects so far not reliably detectable manually. AI-based solutions are already established in production planning such as for the optimal charging of plants.

Our AI applications improve quality assurance through objective, consistent and automated assessment of glass products. When it comes to energy efficiency, the Glaston Batch Optimizer makes for optimised batch patterns and bed utilisation thereby reducing the energy consumption per sheet. The Glaston Autopilot stabilises and optimises pre-stressing, minimises rejects and make for consistent high quality and energy efficiency. In this way, AI creates the foundation for more efficient processes, more sustainable production and new creative freedom in glass design.”

Riku Färm, VP Solutions & Product Management, glaston

In CLARIA™ Guardian Glass has developed an AI assistant that simplifies glass selection and specification for customers – and AI use goes even further internally:

“Visitors at glasstec will be able to experience CLARIA™ - our AI-assisted digital assistant that eases the selection and specification of glass. Introduced as a prototype at glasstec 2024, CLARIA™ was launched on our website in September last year and is now available for all customers. It uses advanced AI to provide instant guidance on product performance, applications and technical data and helps users to efficiently take well-informed decisions. This innovation reflects our on-going commitment to digitalisation and improved customer support.

AI provides data-based insights that support process optimisation and quality conrtol while human expertise remains key to decision-making. By analysing big production data, it helps to improve manufacturing yield and energy efficiency. Today, we use AI in areas such as product quality, raw material optimisation and logistics. Beyond this, we deploy AI along our entire value chain – in the supply chain, in financials, in customer experience and on digital platforms.”

For architects and planners this approach is complemented by digital tools:

“Over the past few years, we have made substantial investment in digital tools that support architects and glass specifiers during the entire planning process. Our Glass Analytics Suite – including the Performance Calculator and Acoustic Assistant – continues to evolve with enhanced functionalities. In addition, our more recent solutions such as the Glass Visualizer, Digital Glass Selector, Project Locator and Static Calculator all assist in product selection, performance analysis and glass specification.”

Guus Boekhoudt, Executive Vice President, Global Commercial, Guardian Glass

ISRA VISION GmbH brings years of experience in AI-driven glass inspection and explains how the field has evolved from rule-based approaches to self-learning systems:

„Machine Vision is historically based on methods that today fall under the umbrella of 'artificial intelligence.' The automatic detection of defects is an early form of AI-driven pattern recognition. In recent years, machine learning and deep learning have largely complemented rule-based approaches, leading to data-driven, self-learning systems. Anyone investing in Machine Vision is therefore automatically investing in AI today.

In ISRA VISION's glass inspection division, AI improves quality control through more precise defect detection and fewer false positives. This reduces rejects, increases yield, and improves energy efficiency. In addition, AI systems enable faster commissioning and less manual calibration effort.“

Bertrand Mercier, Global Manager General Industries, ISRA VISION GmbH

For LiSEC AI not only adds value in production but even before during the planning stage – with simulation tools that leverage real project data:

“Visitors will experience the use of material flow simulation as an engineering tool that virtually analyses, assesses and optimised production systems. The focus here will be on such concrete issues as throughput, bottlenecks and layout validation – rather than merely visualisation.

In addition, AI-assisted functions are used: automatic retrieval of layout legends as well as cross-customer evaluation of technical issues based on existing data.

Added value for customers: faster quotation processes, individually optimised plant concepts and well-founded decisions on the basis of real project data – for custom-fit, efficient and future-proof solutions.”

Markus Jandl, Director Product Management, LiSEC 

MDI Advanced Processing GmbH demonstrates how AI is increasingly permeating all areas of the business – from internal processes to specific applications in glass processing:  

„At MDI Advanced Processing, we make extensive use of AI, from marketing and customer presentations to our social media presence and the core processes of our plant engineering. At glasstec, we will be showcasing software solutions that greatly simplify laser system programming, as well as remote platforms for diagnosing equipment condition. One particular highlight is our joint project with partners. Together, we are developing AI-powered sensor technology to detect and assess wear on cutting wheels.“

Dr. Christoph Hermanns, Managing Director, MDI Advanced Processing GmbH

Live at glasstec, Biesse is showcasing the Intermac Multi Pro M V0X, the next generation of vertical CNC machines for flat glass processing.

„Intermac Multi Pro M V0X is the next‑generation vertical CNC for flat glass processing, delivering fast and intuitive drilling, milling and arrising operations.

At glasstec 2026, visitors will experience live the latest upgrades, engineered to boost performance while maintaining the highest edging quality available on the market, all within an even more compact footprint.

The machine will run with the newest release of IC, fully integrated into Biesse’s new HMI, enabling real‑time monitoring of all machining parameters including energy consumption for smarter, data‑driven production.“

Valerio Cavallini, Product Manager Glass, Biesse

Looking beyond the individual machine, Biesse is focusing on digital support across the entire fleet management process through an IIoT platform.

„In all machines we have the IIoT platform that supports customers in the day-to-day management of their machine fleet, helping them plan and track maintenance activities, resolve issues efficiently, and communicate with Biesse Service in a faster and more effective way.“

Mattia Morri, Product Manager Digital, Biesse

HEGLA demonstrates how companies can use AI strategically to support employees in their day-to-day work, streamline processes, and prevent costly errors early on.  

“There is great potential given the vast amount of data involved in the product life cycle of a glass product: whether in production, production control, delivery instructions, coating or the processing of the glass into specialised glass. This information is made accessible and usable through a unique Datamatrix code marked on the glass surface. Even years later, this still allows access to the data associated with the product. This means that glass specifications are accessible at all times, fire safety certificates can be retrieved, and the coating can be digitally traced at the end of the product’s life – before recycling. The laser printing process does not affect the pane in any way. With its scratch-resistant, light- and weather-resistant markings, the glass remains uniquely identifiable throughout its entire product life.”

Dr. Thomas Rainer, Head of Organisation & Development, HEGLA boraident, HEGLA

“AI simplifies order entry for glass processors and replaces traditional methods. For example, when artificial intelligence is activated in the glass365 ERP system, it demonstrates its capabilities. Whether by email, digital form, EDI file, photo or fax – incoming orders are automatically parsed, checked for validity, corrected and, following optional user approval, imported into the system. AI-supported quotation generation is possible, as are real-time calculations and, amongst other things, intelligent stock checks including order recommendations for raw glass. This supports staff, prevents time-consuming and costly errors, and optimises processes.”

Dr. Jan Schäpers, CEO HEGLA-HANIC, HEGLA 

The statements by these industry insiders show: AI is no longer an abstract topic of the future in the glass industry. It already supports operations today where processes are complex, data volumes big and quality requirements are high – from quotations and plant planning to process control and quality assurance all the way to energy efficiency, logistics and digital customer service.

It becomes clear at the same time: the biggest added value is not created by individual AI functions but by their embedding in concrete industrial workflows. AI can help to make more informed decisions, design more stable processes and deploy resources more efficiently.