How will Automation Trend Benefit the Machine Vision Market?

Rapidly evolving technology and a digitally focused world have paved the way for advanced automation to enter the workforce. The desire to reduce human interference in various operations, with a need to fasten processes, has enhanced its demand. Automating processes with central control calls for strict inspection by using visual cameras and inspection software, and has generated the demand for machine vision.

Machine vision (MV) is a technology that facilitates a computational device to identify, assess, and analyze still or moving images. This process involves integrating several components like digital cameras, back-end hardware, and software for image processing. It enables to visually inspect products and guide robots in real time without the need for operator intervention.

Overview – Market Share & Dynamics

According to Triton Market Research’s estimates, the global machine vision market is likely to advance with a CAGR of 7.55% during the forecasted period 2022-2028. The need for proper defect detection and the surging trend of miniaturized products are prime drivers to the market.

On the contrary, limited awareness pertaining to MV systems is vastly restraining the market’s growth. Moreover, the dearth of professionals to operate these systems and the complications encountered while deploying them also create hurdles in the growth path.

Global Machine Vision Market | Segmentation Trends

Machine vision is considered a remarkable technological advancement as it provides innovative solutions in the direction of industrial automation for various manufacturing processes. Today, various end-user verticals have incorporated machine vision technology in their processes, which has led to its increased demand. In addition, rapid development is seen in MV technology. Thus, newer types of imaging systems are available today, with robust components, and are used for a range of purposes, thereby creating greater benefits for the users.

Check out key Segmentation Trends that Shape the Market

• Machine vision sees huge potential in the healthcare vertical. Quality control is very important in the field of healthcare-related manufacturing, and the implementation of MV systems plays a major role in achieving the highest accuracy. In February 2018, Dubai strengthened its position as a global leader in medical technology, by launching the Mobilis (MOdern BIonic LImb Solutions) smart factory. The plant facilitates advanced manufacturing processes like IoT, cloud computing, and robotics to produce prosthetic and orthotic devices.


• 3D machine vision systems perform multiple inspections and are equipped with advanced cameras, sensors, processors, and illuminators. 3D type systems are the most dynamically performing MV systems. One of the most eminent and widely used 3D imaging products is the Microsoft Kinect for the gaming console Xbox 360, which uses the “structured light” principle for calculating depth. Other common 3D imaging techniques include stereo vision, laser triangulation, interferometry, and time of flight (TOF).


• Camera is a vital hardware component that plays an important role of capturing images. The segment is driven primarily by smart cameras. Smart camera-based machine vision systems are in high demand due to their advanced technology, ease of installation, low cost, and user-friendliness. With rapid adoption, this equipment is slowly capturing the market. In June 2021, Teledyne FLIR launched A500f and A700f smart sensor-based cameras. They offer high-temperature detection and condition monitoring for extreme environments and are paired with on-camera analytics and alarm capabilities.


• Inspection is one of the prime applications of MV systems and is crucial for assuring product quality. Inspecting products helps detect functional flaws, contaminants, and other defects. Some examples include inspecting displays to confirm pixel presence or verifying icons, assessing medicine tablets for flaws, or monitoring touch screens to measure backlight contrast levels. In August 2021, OMRON Corporation introduced the PCB inspection system as a part of its “VT-S10 Series.” It is enabled with AI to automate the inspection process with high-precision and features an industry-first imaging technique, eliminating the need for specialist skills.

Future Scope - Smart Manufacturing

In this global race towards greater automation, machine vision is not only being used in traditional industrial sectors, but is also conquering brand new areas. Several organizations are using these advanced systems in a bid to reduce manufacturing cost & time, enhance flexibility, gain better process control, and easily oversee daily processes. This is facilitating the shift towards upgradation to completely automated ‘smart’ factories to stay ahead of intense competition.

Additionally, with high market attractiveness, numerous global players have begun investing heavily in the machine vision market. They are also engaging in research and development activities to make their systems more efficient and cost-effective. The adoption of automation by the manufacturing sector has thus led to a technological renaissance, thereby propelling the growth of the machine vision market.

FAQs:

Q 1) What are the different types of machine vision systems?

1D, 2D, and 3D are the different types of machine vision systems used.

Q 2) Which are the different verticals in which MV systems are used?

Automotive, electronics & semiconductors, healthcare, food & packaging, and other industries are the key areas where machine vision systems are being adopted.