E2M COUTH is specialised in artificial vision systems for industries, offering advanced technological solutions. Our objective is constant innovation, offering tools and systems that can improve the efficiency and quality of industrial processes. For this reason, throughout this post, we will be discussing how artificial vision has been a fundamental element in transforming and modernising industrial production.
Today, artificial vision has become a basic component in modern industrial manufacturing. This is due to its great capacity to conduct thorough inspections in real time, thereby guaranteeing the quality of the product and optimising all productive processes.
What is artificial vision?
Artificial vision is a field of artificial intelligence that is focused on making it possible for machines to interpret and understand the visual world in a way similar to humans. These systems use techniques and technologies to capture, process, and analyse images and videos in order to extract significant information and make decisions based on said information. Artificial vision has applications in different industries, including beverage, food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and industrial.
In this regard, artificial vision has arrived as a solution to improve efficiency in production. It leads to error reduction, acting as a tool for complete improvement of processes.
What are the components of artificial vision in industry?
You should know that there are different components within artificial vision systems in industry:
Cameras
There are several types of these components:
- Image cameras: They capture static images.
- 3D cameras: They capture in-depth information to obtain a three-dimensional representation of the setting.
Sensors
These artificial vision systems also have sensors:
- Image sensors: These are devices that turn light into electronic signals.
- Depth Sensors: These sensors use technologies like LIDAR, radar, and structured light to measure distances and create depth maps.
Image processing algorithms
There are also algorithms that process system images:
- Edge detection: Identification of the contours of objects in an image.
- Image segmentation: Division of the image into regions or segments with similar characteristics.
- Pattern recognition: Identification and classification of objects and characteristics within an image.
- Automatic learning and neuron networks: Use of machine learning techniques to improve the precision and capacity of artificial vision systems.
So, how does artificial vision work?
There are different key stages within the operation of automation and artificial vision systems:
Image capture
Cameras and sensors capture product images. In this stage, the quality and resolution of the images are very important for the analysis to be successful.
Image processing and analysis
After this, all these images undergo pre-processing to improve quality and facilitate analysis. This includes eliminating noise, adjusting contrast, and correcting distortions.
Also included here is the image analysis phase, which detects edges, segments regions, identifies patterns, and extracts specific product characteristics. This phase is essential to improve efficiency in industrial production.
Recognition and classification
These systems use automatic learning models. This is to extract item characteristics to compare with databases of known patterns, in order to identify and classify the objects in the image.
Decision-making
With the information it has obtained, the artificial vision system for industries can make automated decisions. For example, with an industrial inspection system, it can decide whether or not a product is defective; with an autonomous vehicle, it can identify obstacles and plan a safe route.
Ongoing improvement
These artificial vision systems normally include feedback mechanisms to continuously improve the precision and performance of devices. This may include adjusting the automatic learning models, as well as updating the pattern databases.
Efficiency in industrial production in different sectors
Artificial vision is a key tool within different industries today. This is due to its great capacity to interpret and analyse images, providing significant improvements in production processes, with excellent quality control and supply chain management. This is the role of automation and artificial vision in different industries:
Beverage industry
There has been great innovation in manufacturing in the beverage industry with artificial vision systems. These are the tasks that these systems complete:
- Bottle and container inspection: In the beverage industry, artificial vision is used to detect defects in glass and plastic bottles. This process ensures that only quality containers are used, discarding containers with imperfections that could compromise the end product.
- Fill control: Artificial vision technology in the industry also guarantees the precise amount of liquid in each bottle. This not only reduces waste, but also improves the product’s consistency, ensuring that each bottle contains the proper amount of drink.
- Labelling and packing verification: Proper label placement and correct container sealing are essential aspects in the beverage industry. Artificial vision systems verify these aspects, guaranteeing that the products always meet quality standards before they reach the consumer.
Food industry
These systems are also an innovation within the food industry for the manufacture of different food products. Here are the phases where these systems are innovating the industry:
- Product inspection: Artificial vision systems play a crucial role in detecting defects and contaminants in food products. This process is essential to guarantee the safety and quality of the end product, protecting both consumers and the brand’s reputation.
- Product traceability: These artificial vision systems provide better product tracking throughout the supply chain. This improves inventory management and food safety, providing a rapid response in the event of recalls or quality issues.
Chemical Industry
Automation and artificial vision also play a key role in the chemical industry. This is what these systems do in key production phases:
- Container and label inspection: Verification of the integrity of containers and labels is a critical moment in the chemical industry. Artificial vision guarantees that the products meet safety and labelling standards, thereby avoiding possible risks associated with handling chemical products.
- Quality control for chemical products: Detecting impurities and defects in chemical products is another one of the most important uses of artificial vision in the chemical industry. This control improves the quality of the end product, guaranteeing that it meets the required standards.
Pharmaceutical industry
You will also see that artificial vision systems play a key role in efficiency in industrial production. Here are the processes where they are essential:
- Crimping inspection: In the pharmaceutical industry, quality control for crimping is important to ensure that the vials meet all quality standards before distribution.
- Label and container verification: Proper labelling and packaging for medications is a basic aspect to reduce the risk of error when dispensing. Artificial vision in the industry verifies these aspects, guaranteeing that the medications are properly labelled and packaged.
- Traceability for batches of medications: Artificial vision allows and facilitates monitoring for batches of medications throughout the supply chain. This ability improves management of the supply chain and patient safety, providing precise and efficient traceability.
The benefits of artificial vision in industrial production
The artificial vision systems like the ones we offer at E2M COUTH have come into their own as key technology in industrial production. They offer a wide range of benefits that improve the efficiency, quality, and profitability of operations. Below, we discuss the benefits you can obtain by using them:
Efficiency in industrial production
Artificial vision systems significantly optimise production processes. By automating inspection and quality control, you reduce inactivity periods and increase productivity. For example, on high-speed lines, artificial vision systems identify and correct issues in real time. This avoids prolonged interruptions and improves the constant production flow. Moreover, the ability to conduct rapid, precise inspections means you can keep a constant and efficient pace of production.
Improved product quality
One of the most noteworthy benefits of artificial vision in industry is improved product quality. Artificial vision systems conduct precise and consistent product inspections, guaranteeing that they meet the established quality standards. This is especially important in certain industries, like the pharmaceutical and food industries, where product quality can have a direct effect on consumer health. With early detection of defects and deviations, you ensure that only products that meet quality criteria reach the market.
Reduced operational costs
The implementation of artificial vision systems in industrial production also contributes to reduced operational costs. By reducing the need for human intervention in inspection and quality control tasks, you reduce associated errors and optimise human resources. Moreover, early detection of defective products reduces waste and costs related to re-working or discarding non-compliant products. This operative efficiency translates to greater profitability for companies.
Flexibility and adaptability
Artificial vision systems are highly flexible and can adapt to different kinds of products and processes. They can quickly adapt to changes on the production line, such as the introduction of new products or variations in production batches. This adaptation capacity means that companies can agilely respond to changes in market demand, all while maintaining their competitiveness. Moreover, artificial vision can be integrated into other automation and control systems, providing a comprehensive and scalable solution for different industrial applications.
Get the best artificial vision systems at E2M COUTH
As you have seen throughout this article, artificial vision systems in industry have become a fundamental part of different sectors. They make many processes more efficient, reduce waste, and more. E2M COUTH has different artificial vision solutions to control different processes on a production line, in terms of inspection, rejection, and orientation.
Would you like to learn more about the artificial vision solutions we offer at E2M COUTH? Contact us and we will be delighted to help you.
