Top 7 Use Cases of Computer Vision in Manufacturing

Top 7 Use Cases of Computer Vision in Manufacturing

Computer vision has become a most-prominent and a modern approach for accelerating smart manufacturing operations. It is playing a key role in every aspect of the manufacturing sector.

Computer Vision has become the most popular technology over the past decade, especially in the manufacturing industry. It is making a significant impact at every stage of the manufacturing process, from using computer vision in warehouses to modern robotics in R&D labs.

Further, computer vision-enabled manufacturing functions reduces production defects, improves product quality, increases operational flexibility, minimizes time and cost, and results higher productivity.

Moreover, Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Industry 4.0, Cloud Computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) advanced technologies assist manufacturing or service companies in finding the best ways to witness greater business efficiency.

In this article, I would like to give you an overview of some of the best uses cases of machine vision in the manufacturing industry.

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Computer Vision Use Cases in the Manufacturing Industry

1) Predictive Maintenance

Frequent or sudden breakdown of machinery or equipment will impact the operational flow of manufacturing companies. It hampers the production and shows an impact on overall sales performance.

AI and ML-powered predictive maintenance solutions coupled with IoT tech power will monitor machinery performance, predict device failures, and assess when it needs overhaul services. Top use-cases for computer vision in manufacturing allow the manufacturer to optimize the lifetime of the equipment and reduce performance.

For example, an industrial supplier manufacturer developed a software program that gathered photos from cameras connected to 7000 robots in 38 smart factory factories. This image analysis offers valuable insights into the device data, detects failures, and prevents 72 component failures.

2) Package Inspection

Automatic Package Inspection is one of the best examples of using machine vision in manufacturing. Inspecting goods and maintaining quality control are the most important manufacturing activities that should not be ignored.

For instance, Pharmaceutical firms have trouble counting capsules before packing products in containers. An England-based manufacturing company has deployed a computer vision-based inspection system that calculates the number of tablets in a package faster and easier without the need for human resources. Thanks to rapid advancements in modern technologies.

Further, based on color, shape, and size, this computer-vision application will also identify defective products in packages. If any tablet is found to be defective, the system sends a signal to reject it at the last stage of packaging. Images are clicked when tablets are switched to the product range and the PC processes these images for further analysis.

Likewise, if you deploy applications of computer vision and AI in manufacturing, you can make your package inspection digital and ensure 0% defective products.

3) Reading Text and Barcodes

It is one of the popular computer vision use cases in the manufacturing industry. Recognizing and reading barcodes and text is not an easy task to do every day. Smart factories are using modernized artificial intelligence AI, ML, and computer vision-powered systems and applications to solve this problem and flags off green signals for industrial automation.

A few advantages of computer vision in manufacturing:

• Barcode Recognition (OBR) identifies traditional 1D and 2D barcodes for automatically routing components by product line.
• Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) reads text from handwritten forms. E.g., Questionnaires.
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) identifies text from scanned screenshots or documents.
• Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) identifies checkboxes in forms or surveys.

4) 3D Vision Inspection

3D machine vision systems usually have several laser displacement sensors or cameras. Multiple-camera 3D vision applications have two or more cameras installed at various locations and provide orientation data to the robot.

A computer vision inspection system was placed on the assembly line to detect small connector pins. Manual inspectors find it very difficult to locate these pins. If the defective connector pin goes through the production cycle, it notifies the vehicle owner and manufacturer of the disaster.

5) Products and Components Assembly

Machine Vision solution allows manufacturing factories to ensure that component and product assembly adheres strictly to standards. For instance, pharma drug manufacturers can inspect bottles at 360 degrees to ensure proper packaging. They can also look at other important features of package bottles such as label, cap seal, position, etc.

These strict assessment criteria minimize product recall situations and also enhance productivity. In the end, customers are happier and more satisfied with what they have.

6) Defects Reduction

It is one of the top use-cases for computer vision in manufacturing. Yes. If you are running the production line, you want to produce flawless components or products! Computer vision technology will help you here.

A few machine vision inspection systems needs assistance of the operator while most-advanced computer vision solutions does not need human assistance.

Shelton, a leading manufacturing company USA, has a surface inspection system named ‘WebSpecter’ which detects errors, stores pictures, and contains image-related metadata. As goods fall into the product line, defects are classified based on their type and assigned an associated grade.

By doing this, the manufacturers will be able to distinguish between different types of faults, and then X numbers of Y types want to stop the production line only when faults occur.

Another of Shelton’s machine vision-based WebSpecter influences state-of-the-art cameras and imaging software, improves fabric manufacturer productivity by 50%.

7) Improving worker safety

It is one of the best examples of using Machine Vision in Manufacturing. Computer vision manufacturing provides better health for workers and keeps a safer environment. Worker safety is a major concern for product manufacturers as workers might be injured frequently during the manufacturing and assembly of products. This proves that the security measures and safety programs are not that much advanced.

Manufacturing companies need to strengthen their safety programs and provide the best services possible. Computer vision manufacturing is the best solution to overcome this issue. Computer vision not only helps manufacturing industries to streamline production operations but also provides safety for workers.

These are the top 7 use cases of computer vision in manufacturing that you must know in 2022 for making your production environment more efficient than ever before. Reduced cost overheads, automating repeated tasks, time-management, and accuracy in product manufacturing through feeding systems with 3D model designs are all ensure improved productivity and sustainable business profits.

Final Words

These are a few examples of using machine vision in manufacturing. These applications give you an idea of how computer vision can change the manufacturing industry. The changing face of distribution and manufacturing has led to the emergence of innovative production models and ‘smart’ products.

Its face that the future of manufacturing factories will become computer vision manufacturing and ensure better operational efficiency, better safety and less inventory, and reduced water and energy costs.

From product assembly, detecting defects, and maintaining packaging standards to barcode analysis, inventory tracking, and management to virtual inspection, computer vision applications will manage efficiently.

If you are ready to invest in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning based apps, USM Business Systems , best mobile app development company USA, is the perfect platform to begin your digital transformation AI services and ML adoption journey.

Implement computer vision use cases in the manufacturing sector and grab digital opportunities.

Please contact us for further details.

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