Camera with onboard deep learning tackles difficult apps - Drives and Controls Magazine

Sick has launched its first machine vision camera with a pre-installed deep learning app, making it easy to create custom inspections of complex or irregular-shaped goods, packaging and assemblies, especially those that have previously defied automation. The Sick Intelligent Inspection Deep Learning App runs on the company's recently-launched Inspector P621 2D programmable camera. The combined package allows machine-builders and end-users to set up vision classifications using AI (artificial intelligence) in a fraction of the time and cost needed to program traditional vision systems to perform challenging inspection tasks based on recognising preset rules and patterns. The new system can tackle applications where it was previously difficult to achieve consistent, repeatable quality inspections. It makes automation practical and affordable for complex tasks such as sorting fresh fruit and vegetables, checking the orientation of timber profiles by recognising the annual ring structure, checking leather car seats for creases or flaws, or inspecting the integrity of solder in surface-mount assemblies.