In a lean manufacturing process, a poka-yoke method is employed to eliminate product defects by preventing, correcting, or drawing attention to human errors in real time. Industrial engineer Shigeo Shingo first applied the term poka-yoke (“mistake-proofing” in Japanese) to the Toyota Production System. 

Machine vision is a key technology for highly automated and seamlessly networked processes in the context of Industry 4.0, a.k.a. the Industrial Internet of Things. The use of new artificial intelligence processes such as deep learning is gaining in importance. A great many benefits make the technology attractive, but it also has limitations.

Sensors are an essential part of a metrology system, and there are several key factors that inform a buyer’s choice. These include ease of use, accuracy, speed and cost. Comparing the options can involve both analysis of features and actual demonstration of capabilities, but to get meaningful information for either you have to ask the right questions.

Russ Hudyma, Chief Technology Officer with Navitar, discusses the benefits of precision lens-to-sensor active alignment within the field of machine vision for high-end inspection.

The world of machine vision imaging is largely performance driven. We’re looking for features on a part, finding edges, gaging, etc. 

Machine vision cables play a central role in the overall performance of machine vision systems. Those in need of robust, reliable vision results are wise to use the highest quality cables. Far too often, machine vision cables are seen as a place of potential cost savings on system design.