Artificial intelligence in manufacturing: exploring the link between waste management and factory productivity

Abstract

This study examines the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) applications on waste management and factory productivity in manufacturing settings. A quantitative descriptive-analytical design was adopted, with factories in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan constituting the study context. A random sample of 175 employees from different managerial levels and specializations, selected based on their direct relevance to the study topic, completed a developed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS to examine the relationships among AI applications, waste management, and factory productivity. The results indicate significant positive relationships between AI and waste management, between waste management and factory productivity, and between AI and factory productivity (p < 0.001). These findings provide practical guidance for factory managers and decision-makers by highlighting the role of AI in supporting waste management and production efficiency. Future research should include broader industrial sectors and larger samples, examine specific AI technologies and their effects on production and waste management, and address technological gaps that may constrain effective AI adoption, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).