Unleashing the Potential of Cameras in Manufacturing

It has been a decade since I first embarked on my journey in the field of Computer vision, and at the time, artificial intelligence was just starting to gain momentum. Back then, deep learning models and convolutional neural networks were considered nothing more than hype, with many people skeptical about their potential. However, over the years, significant progress has been made in the field, and these technologies have moved from hype to reality.

One area where AI has made a significant impact is in the realm of industry 4.0 and digital transformation. Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution, which is characterized by the integration of advanced technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics into manufacturing processes. Digital transformation , on the other hand, refers to the integration of digital technologies into all areas of business, with the goal of improving efficiency and effectiveness.

As these technologies continue to mature and become more widely adopted, we are seeing them move from the peak of inflated expectations of the hype cycle to the plateau of productivity, where they are delivering real value to businesses. One technology that has reached this point is the use of cameras in manufacturing.

For decades, cameras have been used in manufacturing to improve quality control and monitor production processes. However, in the past, these cameras were expensive and difficult to deploy, requiring specialized hardware and software. In recent years, however, the development of no-code platforms , easy edge deployment, SaaS solutions , and a range of amazing tools and devices have made it easier than ever for businesses to adopt the use of cameras on the shop floor.

“We now live in an on-demand world where 30 billion WhatsApp messages are sent every day32 and where 87% of young people in the US say their smartphone never leaves their side and 44% use their camera function daily. This is a world which is much more about peer-to-peer sharing and user-generated content. It is a world of the now: a real-time world where traffic directions are instantly provided and groceries are delivered directly to your door. This “now world” requires companies to respond in real time wherever they are or their customers or clients may be.” ―?Klaus Schwab,?The Fourth Industrial Revolution

Cameras are powerful sensors that can connect the physical and digital worlds, helping businesses to understand their shop floor operations better than any other sensor. With the ability to digitize activity and improve quality, cameras can solve a range of pain points in manufacturing. Some examples of the use cases for cameras in manufacturing include quality inspection , people understanding, safety monitoring and control, assembly verification , bridge connectivity to legacy systems , and measuring activity.

As we continue to see the value of cameras and computer vision in manufacturing, it is time for businesses to take action and adopt these technologies on their shop floors. By leveraging the power of cameras and AI, businesses can drive efficiencies, improve product quality, and stay competitive in the age of industry 4.0 and digital transformation.