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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.

Considers the use of bar and matrix codes in assembly operations and after‐sales part tracking.

Reviews the marking methods, the types of codes employed in different industries, and the machine vision equipment used to read them.

Matrix codes are being widely adopted as a means of improving the efficiency and quality of production, and as a way of achieving traceability, for the appropriate handling of any faults that appear during usage. Equipment for marking and reading the codes is available from several suppliers, and can be integrated into the production line.

Shows the power and versatility of matrix code labelling for the manufacturer.

A report on the 2000 Manufacturing Week exhibition in which automation was one of the focused sections. Two areas in this section – assembly systems and vision – are singled out for attention. In each area, principal exhibits that were launched at the show are described with application examples. In assembly, Mikron assembly cell modules and Bosch conveyors and constructional extrusion elements are highlighted. The vision products depicted are from Cognex, Data Translation and Datacell.

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.

To report some successful applications of vision‐controlled robots in picking and packing of foodstuffs.

The design and capabilities of ABB's two picking robots are explained, and the specialist software that integrates vision guidance and product inspection. Then two food‐picking applications are described in detail.

The delta robot design combines low weight with high stiffness, giving very fast picking capability. The Cognex‐based vision system also produces high speed and precision, and is able to guide the robot and perform 100 per cent inspection in real time. Hygienic robot design allows it to handle open food.

ABB's FlexPicker robot has moved from being a niche product to a volume product, bringing high‐speed picking capability to a wider market.

Showcases the capability and flexibility of a powerful vision‐guided high‐speed robot.

Advances in the design of image processing software and in the development of cameras with on‐board processing are changing the face of machine vision. A group of suppliers is now producing vision systems targeted directly at end‐users in the assembly plant.

The purpose of this paper is to review the progress of machine vision as it applies to automated assembly applications.

A series of technological developments is described: 3D vision, smart cameras, near infrared (NIR) imaging and LED illumination. Associated with each are relevant assembly applications.

Advances in multi‐core processors are facilitating the development of 3D image processing algorithms for robot guidance and product inspection, which in turn enable the automation of skilful and labour‐intensive tasks. Machine vision products are becoming more capable, yet simpler to use. NIR imaging is useful for inspecting semiconductors and bottle filling. Advances in LED lighting address difficult inspection tasks at the macro and microscopic levels.

The paper recognises the emergence of 3D machine vision as a new tool in assembly automation. Updates engineers on other relevant machine vision advances.