In today's global marketplace, automation stands as a crucial element in upholding quality within emerging markets while assisting developed countries in managing escalating labor costs. Originally, packaging machines were designed to automate specific packaging tasks. However, for a significant period, these machines lacked complete autonomy, requiring human intervention for various inspection and verification duties. While not inherently hazardous or physically demanding, these responsibilities exacted a toll on workers. The heightened state of vigilance demanded for these tasks often led to psychological fatigue. Studies have revealed that individuals engaged in vigilance tasks exhibit elevated levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine, indicative of high-stress levels and a substantial mental workload. Picture standing beside a packaging line, scrutinizing hundreds of products as they pass by in search of any defects. Although the majority of products may be flawless, the worker must remain alert to avoid overlooking any faulty item. This underscores why vigilance tasks are considered mentally strenuous and stressful.

Varieties of Automation Vision Systems

Automated vision systems, also known as machine vision systems, deliver image-based inspection across a range of industrial and manufacturing applications. Machines and robots have now gained the capability to "see"!

There exists an ever-expanding array of applications for vision systems. The suitability of a particular vision system type for a given application hinges on several factors: the nature of the inspection target, the unique properties of the process or products, the inspection speed required, and the available budget.

2D and 3D cameras have become commonplace for automated inspection, robot guidance, quality control, product sorting, and more. A smart camera, calibrated to conduct specific inspections automatically, examines products as they move along or adjusts processes in real-time.

Here at Yeaman Packaging Systems, the integration of machine vision systems has become standard practice. We employ top-tier vision systems from our trusted partners for a diverse array of applications. Below, we delve into some of the most common applications:

Verification of Barcodes, Code Dates, and Label Data

Print & Code Inspection Systems can automatically flag incorrect or damaged labels on products before release. Examples include:

- Detection of damaged or poor-quality text
- Verification of 1D barcodes and 2D matrix codes for readability and product correspondence
- Inspection of pre-printed artwork, ink-jet quality, laser markings, chemical etchings, etc.
- Validation of accurate labeling, nutritional information, precise ingredients, etc.

Integration of Vision Systems with Databases and Software Platforms

Process Control Vision Systems allow for the utilization of process feedback to attain a flawless production line with industrial vision process controls. This includes:

- Precise control of robot positioning via imaging systems
- Capture and transmission of measured values to various data logging systems
- Historical data capture from the production process
- Logging of data trends for process monitoring and proactive maintenance
- Event monitoring and event capture systems, and more.

Robot Guidance

Machine vision has empowered robots to "see" and respond to dynamic conditions. Vision-guided robots can now independently locate and guide themselves to loosely positioned parts on a conveyor using two-dimensional (2D) machine vision, for instance. With a range of 3D machine vision technologies at their disposal, vision-guided robots can manipulate and assemble products of varying sizes and shapes on a conveyor, rack, or bin. They can even collaborate alongside humans without posing significant safety risks. Vision-guided robotics (VGR) systems encompass multiple technologies that collaborate to provide reference points for the robot. Employing specialized lighting, one or more cameras, and software, robots can recognize, process, and handle objects based on visual data. Depending on the application, this data can be translated into two-dimensional (X and Y) or three-dimensional (X, Y, and Z) information to accurately pick, orient, and place objects.

So, if you are seeking a cartoning, case packing, or palletizing solution integrated with inspection and verification machine vision systems, do not hesitate to reach out to us for a free quote!