How embedded vision and AI can reduce manufacturers’ costs

Embedded vision is being added to imaging technology used in drones, collaborative robots and other devices on the manufacturing floor to improve efficiency.

By AIA March 20, 2020

The global manufacturing industry is more competitive than ever before, and manufacturers are looking to embedded vision and AI to help reduce costs on the production line. What’s more, Industry 4.0 initiatives will likely make manufacturing more efficient and even more competitive.

The decreasing cost of embedded vision is making it easier for manufacturers to use the technology in even more applications and to drive their production costs even lower. Embedded vision is being added to imaging technology used in drones, collaborative robots and other devices on the manufacturing floor to improve efficiency.

The cost of embedded vision and AI image processing

The shrinking size of embedded vision has added to the range of possibilities. Embedding the camera and processing onto a single device allows manufacturers to sneak embedded vision into places where computer vision technology would never fit. Image processing is more accessible and can deliver savings to total system costs.

Within embedded vision systems, pre-processing and advanced processing correction tasks quickly optimize an image for post-processing. Post-processing then performs the task at hand, such as identifying a face, reading a license plate, or inspecting a product. These tasks are performed by the use of complex algorithms and include a form of AI or deep learning.

Additional features are added to embedded vision devices all the time. Pixel corrections, color corrections, and image cropping can all be performed on-board. Ready-to-use images don’t need additional processing. In the past, having low-quality sensor modules required a lot of processing power on the host side. Manufacturers who invest in slightly more expensive sensor technology with embedded vision can actually see costs go down on their overall system.

The cost of embedded vision in products

Even when it comes to products, embedded vision and AI solutions allow manufacturers to offer more features at a more competitive price. For example, consider a device you probably have with you right now: your mobile phone. Mobile phones include embedded vision, too. They offer high-performance color correction, depth-of-field, and low-light imaging.

You’ll likely see your phone’s embedded features increase rapidly. It will likely soon offer more enhanced facial recognition for security, content detection and management, and additional on-screen information thanks to augmented reality. Manufacturers must find ways to deliver these features to your pocket without forcing you to keep your phone plugged in all day.

This article originally appeared in Vision Online. AIA is a part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), a CFE Media content partner.


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