Machine vision systems have been around for more than 50 years, but recent advances in technology and AI are pushing this once-niche field into the mainstream.  Today we’re going to explore five of the advantages of using machine vision in businesses and how it’s also beneficial for the planet.

What is a machine vision system?

Firstly, you might be wondering what is meant by a machine vision system. These are essentially systems that provide a way for computers to see and analyse objects. They are machines set up with sensors inside high-performance, high-speed cameras like an IMX530 Camera, and they are linked to computer software to analyse images within production, manufacturing and quality control to automate processes. By doing this, computers and businesses can see their production line in real-time and immediately put a temporary halt to proceedings if they notice any defects. These cameras are also used in robotics and AI to essentially allow the robots to ‘see’.

Machine vision systems work by interpreting images and video frames to identify specific objects or patterns. This is done through a process called machine learning. The system is able to learn from data that is either supplied by humans or collected from the environment.

Machine vision systems are used in many different industries. They play a role in security, food safety, and transportation.  The most common use of machine vision is for industrial purposes like inspection, monitoring, and quality assurance. Machine vision is also used for security purposes such as surveillance or traffic monitoring.

Machine vision systems provide businesses with the ability to see inside their products and processes, giving them a view that was previously unavailable.  Not only is this beneficial for the businesses themselves, but also better for the planet.  Let’s explore why in more detail.

Five ways machine vision systems are good for businesses and good for the planet

1. Machine vision systems can detect safety hazards

Machine vision systems are becoming a lot more common in the workplace and for good reasons.  They can be used to monitor the environment and identify potential hazards like gas leaks, hazardous spills, fires, or other dangers to humans and the planet before these become serious problems.

Foe example, machine vision systems can detect natural gas methane emissions using infrared light to “to reduce natural gas methane emissions, which can potentially offset the climate benefits of replacing coal with gas.”

2. Machine vision systems help to conserve energy

Machine vision systems provide benefits to the planet by reducing emissions and conserving energy. This is because they are able to automate processes that would otherwise require humans to do them manually which saves time, money, and resources.  For example, machine vision can be used to inspect products at high speeds with high accuracy, which increases production rates.

They can also be used to conserve energy by monitoring power usage and shutting off the electricity when a space or equipment is not in use.

3. Machine vision systems can prevent and reduce waste

Another great way these systems can be set up and used is to reduce waste in businesses.  For example, one of the most common problems in the food industry is waste.  The problem is not just limited to food wastage, but also extends to packaging.  Machine vision systems are an emerging solution to this problem.

Some companies have already deployed machine vision systems in their production lines to detect and reduce waste.  One way they can help is with identifying defects on the production line, which is a major source of waste in the food industry  They can also help with detecting spoilage and contamination on produce, which also leads to a lot of food wastage.

In the manufacturing industry, machine vision systems can be used to detect when an object is defective or not up to standard before it is sent out to customers. This helps reduce waste and improve quality control.  Pieces of wood can even be assessed before they are used to ensure they are cut in the best way possible to reduce waste.

Machine vision systems can also be used in agriculture for tasks like identifying pests for pest control or detecting plant diseases. This can help farmers increase the efficiency of their operations while reducing the environmental impact of farming and again helping to prevent waste.

Another benefit is that they can be used for process automation. For example, when a machine vision system is integrated into an assembly line, it will be able to detect when a product has been assembled incorrectly and stop the assembly line. This will help reduce defects in the final product.

4.Machine vision systems can assess a business’s environmental impact and CO2 emissions

Some companies also use machine vision systems for environmental impact assessment. They can help assess the environmental impact of a company’s products by giving feedback on how much CO2 was emitted during production and how much energy was consumed during production.  They can help businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and get a better understanding of their operations.

5. Machine vision systems are used to aid recycling processes

Recycling is a process that helps reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill. It is also a way to conserve natural resources, such as water and energy.  The recycling process is a very complex one, but with the help of machine vision systems, it can be simplified.  Machine vision systems are used to identify the material type of a recycled product.  They are used in recycling plants to detect and sort materials, as well as inspecting for contamination.

One of the main advantages of using machine vision systems in recycling is that they are much more accurate than human beings. This ensures as much recyclable material is repurposed and not wasted.

Machine vision systems are becoming more prevalent in the recycling industry because they can provide a more efficient and accurate way to sort through waste. They can also reduce the need for manual labour and human error which makes them an attractive option for companies looking to save money.

Final word

Machine vision systems are becoming more and more popular. They have a wide range of benefits, such as improving the efficiency of factories, reducing the amount of time spent on tedious tasks, and making sure that not one product goes to waste. They can also be used to detect hazards and prevent pollution.

Businesses are leveraging machine vision systems to optimise their operations and increase efficiency. Machine vision systems can also be used to monitor the environment, detect pollution, and identify waste ensuring businesses are reaching their sustainability targets.