Perhaps the most common industry that benefits from vision systems is manufacturing. Here, this technology can help to improve productivity and reduce human error. Vision systems can be used to inspect parts, detect defects, and sort materials with greater precision and speed than would be possible by humans. But it is not just the manufacturing industry that benefits from vision systems though. According to the experts at Sciotex out of Pennsylvania, this technology can be implemented in many other sectors to great effect. Below are a few examples.
Automotive
The cars of today are made using complex electronics. Consequently, vision systems are not only useful but, in many cases, essential. The competition in the automotive market means that manufacturers cannot afford errors in the production process. When vision systems are utilized, the identification of intricate parts and use of robotic guidance can speed up production and offer greater precision.
Vision systems in the automotive industry take care of quality control, inspecting the surface of the vehicle for cosmetic flaws, ensuring parts are positioned correctly and in place, and detecting any functional defects.
Medical, Scientific Research and Pharmaceutical
Vision systems are instrumental in the medical, scientific research, and pharmaceutical industries. These industries require absolute accuracy when it comes to quality control, so vision systems dramatically reduce the risk of human error. These high-tech, machine-based systems can take care of quality checks on equipment such as syringes, medication packets, and printing on dosage dials. It is also used to detect cosmetic defects on equipment.
With vision systems, entire processes are speeded up with increased reliability in terms of inspection and quality control. Optimizing processes leads to reduced down-time, improved output and, of course, increased profits.
Food and Drink
Another industry where quality control is vital is the food and drink industry. Moreover, when it comes to reliability and accuracy, vision systems lead the way. The implementation of vision systems in the food and drink industry ensures higher levels of quality assurance and control.
Speedier production lines increase productivity and help to reduce carbon footprint. Smart building management that includes vision systems can minimize energy consumption and reduce time to market, all of which increase profits.
With the right system in place, things such as inspection of seals, checking of portion sizes, and detection of faulty packaging can all take place with high levels of accuracy in a short space of time. Machine-based systems can check hundreds, or even thousands, of products every minute.
Robotics
Vision systems are commonly used in the robotics industry as this technology gives the robots the ability to ‘see’. The addition of a vision system allows the robot to adjust to its environment and take the necessary steps to complete its mission. For example, robots used in warehouses can complete their tasks efficiently with a vision system, which allows them to navigate space, identify human workers, and obstacles and keep a safe distance from them. Robotics with integrated vision systems do not require predetermined paths, which speeds up their processes and allows them to work seamlessly with humans.
Electronics
You might have noticed how small electronic devices are getting. PCs, laptops, games consoles, cell phones, and tablets are getting smaller and so the parts required to make them are also getting smaller. The use of such small electronic components makes it harder for humans to inspect without vision-enhancing equipment. This leads to increased labor costs and time. Fortunately, vision systems can solve this issue. High precision inspection and quality control in the electronics industry can be taken care of with the right vision system, thus increasing productivity and profits.
