How a 'Think Big' idea helped bring Lookout for Vision to life

On Dec. 1 at re:Invent 2020, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced Amazon Lookout for Vision, an anomaly detection solution that uses machine learning to process thousands of images an hour to spot manufacturing defects and anomalies -- with no machine learning experience required. The new offering means manufacturers can send camera images to Lookout for Vision to identify defects, such as a crack in a machine part, a dent in a panel, an irregular shape, or an incorrect product color. Lookout for Vision also utilizes few shot learning, so customers can assess machine parts or manufactured products by providing small batches -- sometimes as few as 30 images (10 images of defects or anomalies plus 20 "normal" images). Lookout for Vision then reports the images that differ from baselines so that appropriate action can be taken -- quickly. Because modern manufacturing systems are so finely tuned, defect rates are often 1% or less.