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Describes how a computer disk and storage media company [KAO Infosystems of the USA]uses machine vision technology to maintain the quality of its products by isolating problems and identifying ways of improving the manufacturing process. Emphasises the need to fully define applications and evaluate the technology before introducing a new element to an automation process and stresses the need to integrate the vision system hardware with the plant’s existing manufacturing equipment.

The recent introduction of low‐cost vision sensors has greatly increased the range of applications for vision. Within the arena of automated assembly there are a number of tasks that vision is suited to and these are outlined. Also the idea of distributing vision throughout the assembly process together with networking via Ethernet is examined.

Describes an “innovation” in machine vision technology from Cognex, UK called PatMax. This is technology implemented in machine vision software that “understands” images. Describes the benefits of PatMax according to Cognex, UK.

An account of some of the machine vision systems on display at the 2001 Manufacturing Week exhibition held at the NEC in Birmingham. A re‐occurring theme was 2D code reading and descriptions are given of products and some applications from Toyota Tsusho, DVT Corporation and Cognex. Also described are miniature contact assemblies exhibited by Micro Contacts, including the development of an assembly for automotive airbag sensors in which vision inspection plays a part in maintaining quality and improving production.

The resolution capabilities of cameras, modern pattern recognition algorithms, and the physical capabilities of robots allow for the creation of machine vision solutions in many production situations. In this paper, examples are given for using vision at various stages of automotive production. Specifically, machine vision is used for robust part inspection, operator part placement verification, 3D robotic guidance, and a combination thereof. These solutions to car‐making certainly suggest other applications in other industries. With new and more versatile robots with more and more sensitive and sophisticated pattern recognition systems, new applications are only limited by the imagination.

Looks at the move towards integrating robots with highperformance, fully programmable vision systems. Outlines the problems of traditional vision‐aided robotics and the advantage of modern machine vision technology. The latest generation of machine vision systems combine the capabilities of the “C” program system with graphic “point‐and Click” application development environments based on Microsoft Windows: the Checkpoint system. Describes how the Checkpoint vision systems works and the applications of the new vision guided robots. Concludes that the new systems now make it possible for users and system integrators to being the advantages of vision‐guided robotics to general manufacturing.

Actimed Laboratories Inc., USA, explain how they are using machine vision technology to develop automated inspection systems for home cholesterol‐screening kits.