Machine Vision in Industry 4.0: How AI‑Powered Cameras Transform Manufacturing

Artificial vision was born as one of the most recent Artificial Intelligence technologies to provide industrial equipment with the ability to see, analyse and manage manufacturing, quality control and asset safety tasks. Thanks to its many advantages, it has become an essential part of today’s most in-demand systems.

Machine vision is inherent to Industry 4.0 and is already part of the present of many companies, especially those in the industrial sector. Throughout this article, we will explain what this type of intelligent implementation consists of and how Nexus Integra can help you to make your company part of a digitalised future.

What is machine vision and how does it work?

Machine vision brings together different methods for acquiring, processing, analysing and understanding images of the real world. It was created with the aim of processing information. In it, hardware and software are combined to guide devices in the execution of their functions.

How? By obtaining, processing and analysing images of the physical world with one or more digital cameras so that a machine can later interpret them.

In this case, it could be said that machine vision tries to emulate human vision. The most advanced computer vision tools are based on “training” an AI algorithm to be able to recognise objects, shapes, faces and complex structures. The more advanced this system is, the greater its ability to analyse and process all kinds of images.

For example, in the healthcare sector, machine vision is used to interpret and verify needle containers, syringes, vials and all kinds of tests.

Machine vision types

Machine vision is being used more and with increasing frequency. In this case, the types of machine vision could be divided into 3 categories:

• Machine vision sensors for tracking and tracing. This is the simplest type, as its capabilities are the most limited. This type of sensor can be used for traceability in the production processes of any type of factory. Through cameras and sensors that read and interpret the codes of the products, they manage to identify them for use in an integrated platform, extract valuable information, etc.
• Smart cameras and integrated vision systems. This type of smart solution stands out for its ability to solve any type of industrial demand. Smart cameras can be connected to other automated systems, helping to improve production processes.
• Advanced vision systems. Very similar to integrated vision systems, these have much more sophisticated hardware and can analyse a large amount of data simultaneously. Thanks to their advanced structure, they are able to carry out considerably more complex tasks.

Industrial digital transformation, why take the leap?

The role of machine vision in Industry 4.0

Machine vision is one of the most important applications to implement a digital transformation process in any industrial business. In this case, machine vision offers various applications to optimise and refine the operation of production processes, asset control and the use of high-value data.

Machine vision can be applied to structural manufacturers, production plants, parts manufacturers, even automotive, electronics or construction businesses. In other words, any company that can implement an improvement plan, including a digitalisation strategy.

Through the installation of tags such as labels, machine vision inspects and checks batch numbers or expiry dates of products. In addition, in any industrial business, machine vision can be used to improve logistics and to detect and prevent future incidents.

For example, in the production line of an automotive business, machine vision is used to check that the assembly of all parts is done properly and that paint stamping is carried out perfectly.

Advantages of machine vision

The use of machine vision systems brings with it innumerable benefits.  The use of these tools not only solves manufacturing problems, but also helps to improve production processes.

In this case, the application of machine vision:

• Increases the quality of products, as they are accurately checked by machines.
• It achieves more effective and accurate quality controls, eliminating any kind of error.
• By achieving more effective checks, productivity is increased, thanks to the constant review of defective production.
• The reduction of unnecessary costs, minimising losses.
• In addition, the application of artificial vision improves production processes and the final product, fully meeting consumer expectations and opening the door to future opportunities.

Visualise, monitor and optimise your installations with Nexus Integra

Nexus Integra is the integrated operations platform that integrates hardware with powerful software for the digitisation of your production processes. Get real-time data and monitor your production plant with machine learning and AI technology.

Having an integrated operations centre like Nexus Integra will help you achieve your goals, reducing costs.

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