Manufacturing industries implement various advanced technologies such as AI, ML, IoT, robotics, or computer vision. Specifically, computer vision is a significant factor in the manufacturing process. In terms of qualitative interpretations, human vision can be useful.
However, computer vision is much faster and more accurate when it comes to quantitative functions. As computer vision systems use high-resolution cameras and artificial intelligence, they are able to bring many benefits to production plants. In this article, you will discover computer vision solutions in manufacturing.
More and more companies are inclining to computer vision systems. According to Insight and IDG research, 10% of organizations are actively using computer vision today, and 81% report they are currently in the process of investigating or implementing the technology.
What are the computer vision use cases in manufacturing?
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Reducing defects
Unfortunately, production lines still fail to detect existing (or potential) defects with the necessary accuracy and efficiency. If flaws are discovered too late, it can cause huge losses for the manufacturer and increase production costs. Moreover, it can lead to customer dissatisfaction, which can have dire consequences for the manufacturer. Computer vision in manufacturing is a technology that helps companies produce flawless components and products.
How is it working? Typically speaking, a production line will utilise some form of high speed imaging device, such as a 10 GigE Camera, in order to capture high resolution, high framerate footage of products at various angles. This data is fed into a central ML system with very fast transfer rates, the image data is then analysed to determine if an item on the production line has any deviations from a model sample. Based on the model sample information provided, it detects defects, giving the percentage of deviations and determining if these fall within an acceptable, predetermined limit.
Improved assembly of product and components
It is also beneficial for manufacturing industries to use computer vision for the assembly process. It ensures that the assembly of products strictly complies with standards. The role of automation in the manufacturing sector is constantly growing. More and more manufacturing companies implement automated assembly lines, thanks to which production is accelerated.
The use of computer vision in manufacturing for the assembly process allows manufacturers to check products at an angle of 360 degrees, which ensures the highest quality. Moreover, they can take a look at the highest characteristics of a given product and make improvements in a timely manner. As a consequence, not only will productivity increase, but related situations in product withdrawal will also be minimized.
3D machine vision inspections
When it’s placed in the assembly line, a 3D computer vision system performs tasks that are difficult for a human. Errors may occur in the manual inspection process. The role of computer vision is to reduce them or to exclude them entirely.
The system creates a complete 3D model of components and connectors using high-resolution images. When combined with AI algorithms, these images identify any flawed threading or trivial deviations. Thus, the use of computer vision in manufacturing proves to help control the assembly line. When very small parts appear on production lines, it is extremely difficult for humans to track down defects. Computer vision using the possibilities of 3D imaging is able to identify very small pins.
Enhanced safety standards
As manufacturing workers work under extremely hazardous conditions, protecting them and maintaining a safe environment is a major concern for manufacturers. Computer vision based on artificial intelligence may prove to be an appropriate solution in this matter. Computer vision applications that constantly monitor the production plant can alert staff and management and help locate the area where an accident has taken place. For safety reasons, the production process at this point can be stopped.
Predictive maintenance
Predictive maintenance is the essence of repairing an asset or component before it fails. This process uses ML and IoT to assess when resource management is needed.
Often, production processes take place under critical environmental conditions. As a result, the equipment is exposed to breakdowns and damage. In order to avoid unnecessary losses and not to stop the production process due to a failure, maintenance of the equipment is necessary. What computer vision systems are involved here? Well, they are able to monitor the equipment – if a deviation is detected, computer visions alert managers so that they can carry out the appropriate maintenance.
The use of computer vision for predictive maintenance allows optimizing the life of your equipment, which is an important issue for any manufacturer.
Are you interested in computer vision in manufacturing?
In this article, we’ve focused on five computer vision use cases in manufacturing. While there are many other use cases, such as barcode analysis and package inspections, we’ve covered the most important ones.
We hope that by reading our post, you already know how computer vision contributes to changes in the manufacturing industry. Greater safety, better operational efficiency, reduction of errors, longer equipment life – these are just a few of the benefits that the manufacturing industry reaps from this technology.
