At the forefront of manufacturing innovation, Industrial machine vision systems utilise advanced technologies to analyse and interpret images and video data, enhancing quality control, boosting operational efficiency and optimising resource allocation.
Simple machine vision uses 2D area scan cameras for flat image analysis or line scan cameras for continuous inspection. More advanced systems employ 3D cameras for depth analysis and infrared thermal imaging cameras to detect and identify patterns in temperature variations.
Machine Vision Systems
Machine vision increasingly incorporates AI and machine learning algorithms, enabling real-time decision-making and adaptive responses to dynamic environments.
The capabilities of machine vision are typically categorised around: guidance, identification, gauging and inspection (GIGI). Practical applications include:
Guiding and positioning robots
Vision-guided robots (VGRs) and automated machines use images for navigation, accurate picking and micron-level positioning — all in real time.
Quality control: detecting defects
Machine vision is able to detect minute flaws, poorly assembled components and contaminants — and to accumulate this data to support continuous operational improvements.
Identifying components and counting objects
With a high degree of accuracy, machine vision is able to verify the presence or absence or components and to count objects — key functions of inventory management.
Measurement and gauging
Machine vision is able to assess the dimensions of a machined part to verify that it adheres to specified tolerances prior to approval for assembly.
Reading printed text
Machine vision systems are capable of reading printed text in milliseconds, with 99.99% accuracy, using optical character recognition (OCR) and optical character verification (OCV).
“My experience working with the Applied Robotics Team has been great and their enthusiasm to take on challenging applications is second to none.”
– Jason L
Rockwell
We offer a full suite of consulting services to maximise the return on your investment.
Needs assessment
We will collaborate with your team to evaluate your current operations, identify your exact requirements and recommend the best machine vision solutions for your business.
Customised machine vision design
Based on your unique workflow, we will create a bespoke, user-friendly machine vision design to seamlessly integrate with your existing automation systems.
Prototype and pre-deployment testing
Prototype and pre-deployment testing
We conduct rigorous testing, performance validation (under variable conditions), and prototype refinements to ensure the system meets your quality and performance standards.
Deployment and integration
After testing, we will work closely with your team to facilitate the installation of your machine vision system, with minimal disruptions to your operations.
Training and support
With our comprehensive training, your staff will be able to confidently operate your bespoke machine vision system, including maintenance requirements and troubleshooting.
Post-deployment review and improvement
As your business adapts and evolves, we’re committed to supporting your continuous improvement through periodic reviews.
We are industry agnostic and provide machine vision integration consulting services to all manufacturing disciplines including FMCG, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, building products, mining, waste, recycling and renewables.
This depends on the materials and surfaces being inspected. LED lighting is frequently the preferred option for its longevity and energy efficiency, together with its ability to minimise shadows and glare.
How do environmental factors affect machine vision systems?
Environmental conditions including temperature, dust and vibration may significantly impact the performance of machine vision systems. As part of your customised design, it’s critical to ensure that the system is rugged and suitable for its operating environment to maintain accuracy and reliability.
What are some examples of robots that use machine vision?
Examples include vision guided robots for pick-and-place functions, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for navigation and welding robots for precise alignment.
How do I make contact with Applied Robotics to start scoping a machine vision system?
Simply complete and submit our contact form. Our solutions team will get in touch to arrange an initial call and through our Automation Discovery Program (ADP), we will work with you to identify, design and install the best machine vision system for your operations.
Learn from our team about how they work together with our clients to build automated solutions and solve tricky technical problems.