System integration strategies vary by industry and project scale. Success relies on thorough planning and execution, especially in machine vision technology. Here are key integration elements for success with vision technologies.

Automating testing and inspection requires careful consideration of tools, including robot type, end-of-arm tooling, and ancillary systems. While cobots are popular for quality tasks, their full collaborative capabilities may not be utilized in some applications, leading to higher costs without maximizing benefits.

Automation systems encompass various technologies beyond just robots, such as machine vision. Integrating machine vision with robots enhances automation capabilities. Advancements like 3D imaging, AI software, and industrial computing are driving new applications and efficiencies across industries.

Automation in manufacturing, particularly in quality control, is crucial for boosting productivity and reducing errors amid a shortage of skilled operators. Vision system technology offers a powerful solution, automating measurement and inspection processes to streamline operations and enhance accuracy.

Quality organizations are at the forefront of adopting AI in electronics manufacturing, addressing well-defined challenges that impact business efficiency. While traditional quality control methods like functional tests and visual inspection are common, AI's integration is revolutionizing these processes with advancements in machine vision and enhanced analytical capabilities.

Manufacturing automation is on the rise, offering quality control workers a career advantage. Stefan Friedrich of New Scale Robotics notes that as manufacturers embrace automation, it becomes more user-friendly, aiding new workers in using robots and software effectively.

Automate 2024 is seeing record registrations, indicating a surge in automation growth in North America. Anticipated sales recovery in the latter half of 2024 spans industries like healthcare, construction, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, driven by the recognition of automation's benefits in handling challenging tasks.

My informal observations of published white papers and interviews with colleagues support that quality is moving in the direction of Quality 4.0, but very slowly.

Automated robotics are the best way to mimic a human in a factory environment, experts say. A robot's automated camera could replace a person's eyes, a PC would represent the brain and robotic arms are movement.

Ongoing labor shortages, easier-to-use robotic solutions and new industries embracing robotics, such as restaurants, retail, construction and even agriculture, led to a record number of robots sold in North America in 2022, at least through Q3. We expect these trends—and others—to contribute to the growth of automation in 2023.