Computer Vision systems, applications in Industry 4.0
The evolution of Computer Vision, a fast-growing branch of Artificial Intelligence, is an important part of automation processes for Industry 4.0. Although the human visual apparatus is complex to replicate, Computer Vision is making important progress and it can perfectly integrate into industrial processes, improving quality, efficiency and safety.
Computer Vision: What it is
Before deep-diving into the applications of Computer Vision systems in the industry, we must define what Computer Vision is.
Computer Vision is an area of Artificial Intelligence (AI), studying systems and devices that can capture images, videos, or other visual inputs and obtain valuable information to take further actions. It’s not only a matter of capturing an image as a simple photo or video device, but it aims at reproducing the human capacity to discriminate, elaborate, and make evaluations from an object, scene, or experience.
Computer Vision systems have to be trained with a wide dataset of images to make the algorithm efficient and intelligent. Thanks to the most advanced technologies of Machine Learning, it’s possible to educate a Computer Vision system and obtain results comparable to the human ones and in some cases even more accurate.
What can be done with a Computer Vision system?
There are several applications for Computer Vision systems in automation for Industry 4.0. With Computer Vision, it’s possible to:
- measure products’ quantities precisely and fastly;
- reduce costs and timelines;
- avoid human contact in particular processing to eliminate contamination risks;
- guarantee better safety standards to employees.
A Computer Vision control is not subjective. As a result, it can annul the error margin that inevitably can occur to a worker.
There are several benefits of using Computer Vision systems in industry: better quality control, more efficient production, continuous process monitoring, and labor cost reduction.
A Computer Vision algorithm can perform different tasks depending on the captured image and on the requested output. Among the possible tasks, we can cite:
- Recognition, like:
- Object Classification: to classify objects;
- Identification: to recognize a specific part of an image like a face (face recognition);
- Detection: the algorithm scans the image to detect a certain condition in the image, like possible abnormal cells in medical images.
- Motion Analysis, to analyze or estimate the movement and speed of an object;
- Scene Reconstruction, using images or videos it is possible to build 3D models of an object or scene.
Computer Vision is fastly growing in the industrial world because it offers integrable solutions in the production lines. A Computer Vision system can perform several operations like monitoring products, analyzing possible defects, performing predictive maintenance to avoid malfunctions and interruptions, and improving safety on production sites.
Face Recognition Systems
MAS Elettronica has developed industrial hardware for Face Recognition and Computer Vision. To satisfy these market needs we have signed important partnerships with companies specializing in applications like Laser Navigation and their software SophyAI and with companies specializing in components like Lattice semiconductor, Arrow Electronics.
Our solutions for Computer Vision are:
- SBC NVIDIA Lightfront developed for JCube Inc;
- SBC FRIDA IMX8M plus.
For more information on our products, services and technology partners:
MAS Elettronica and TTM Technology join forces for embedded vision systems
MAS Elettronica, specialized in the latest generation embedded systems for the industrial market, is pleased to announce the collaboration with TTM Technology, a company operating in the field of artificial vision.
Two well-established and structured realities, together to create new embedded artificial vision systems.
About TTM Technology
TTM Technology is part of TTM Group (Top Technology Mission), an Italian financial holding with headquarters in Reggio Emilia.
TTM unites 3 different entrepreneurial realities specialized in the field of intelligent artificial vision, whose mission is to achieve excellence in different sectors:
- DPControl is the award-winning digital atelier of computer vision edge, neural networks, AI and intelligent cameras, specializing in high-performance custom hardware and software systems, imaging sensor fusion and multimodality. It revolutionizes the approach to Edge AI Vision by accelerating and simplifying access to technology with easy-to-use, generic and programmable solutions and methods.
- Spark offers the best computer vision technologies for security, smart city, retail and industrial applications.
- Bridge 129 deals with safety and protection systems by proposing innovative and technologically advanced solutions. Protagonists of access control in restricted traffic areas and in video surveillance of public and private environments.
TTM produces customizable cameras with artificial intelligence capabilities for security, business intelligence and smart city applications. The production process is structured as follows:
- AI design and technology carried out by DPControl
- construction of devices and cameras from Spark
- development of infrastructures and systems by Bridge 129
Embedded systems and artificial vision
A very strong synergy immediately took place between MAS Elettronica and TTM Technology where the common goal is to create the best solution on the market, as claimed by Fabrizio Stocchini, COO of TTM Technology.
Both offer their experience in their respective fields of specialization and are linked by a common vision on the use of proprietary technologies, centralized production process and totally made in Italy activities.
The combination of different skills allows us to imagine a new generation of applications, as stated by Sandro Mascetti, the CEO of MAS Elettronica.
The goal of the partnership between MAS Elettronica and TTM is to enhance multimedia applications by integrating computer vision with artificial intelligence solutions.
Embedded systems have a reputation for delivering maximum performance with the smallest size. Thanks to computer vision applications and their neural functions, they can also manage advanced detection, classification and recognition functions.
The target is to produce high-performance microprocessors capable of supporting embedded applications for computer vision.
Application sectors of embedded vision systems
The embedded vision systems are at the centre of the industrial revolution because always more technological sectors use or want artificial vision systems. The areas where embedded vision systems are applied are many, among these the most common are:
- industrial sector, the vision is used to verify the dimensions and accuracy of the assemblies
- military division, to help the armed forces in security and monitoring tasks
- medical field, for example for surgical interventions and endoscopic investigations
- domestic burglar alarms
- remote control of sensitive areas
- robotics
- thermography
- traffic control
Precisely for this reason, the partnership for video applications between MAS and TTM was born and it is suitable to satisfy the foreseen needs.
Strengths and experiences combine to define new software and hardware specifications and to create reliable embedded vision systems with high performance.
For more information on our products, services and technology partners
MAS Elettronica and Laser Navigation, together to create Artificial Intelligence solutions
The aim of the collaboration between MAS Elettronica and Laser Navigation is to share their specific skills and propose Artificial Intelligence solutions made in Italy, both hardware and software.
The two companies are committed to creating robust, reliable, powerful but above all scalable applications according to specific needs.
About Laser Navigation Company
Laser Navigation is an innovative SME and a research laboratory in Bergamo qualified by the MIUR. In its origins, there is the robotic design which, in recent years, has naturally evolved towards Artificial Intelligence applications.
The company was among the 3 founders of the Arducopter open project which now boasts more than 3,000 developers internationally.
They collaborate on specific projects with the Milan Polytechnic, the Marche Polytechnic and the University of Padua. Additionally, they are Inception Partner of NVIDIA USA and have close relationships with NASA's Intelligence System Division.
Earlier this year they participated in the launch of a CubeSat whose hardware component they fully developed.
In the last 4 years, the Laser Navigation team has also been dealing with Artificial Intelligence solutions applied to vision. They developed and patented an A.I. called SophyAI, scalable and modular in relation to the purposes to be achieved.
SophyAI can interface with any existing IoT in order to amplify its cognitive abilities or carry out specific implementation commands, such as opening/closing gates, fire systems, adjustments.
Artificial Intelligence Solutions: how the SophyAI platform works
The patented SophyAI platform is a truly interactive, operational and attentive h24 control and surveillance system. It uses digital and analogue cameras (even existing ones) to supervise everything that happens or could happen in industrial contexts.
SophyAI is used for the neural interpretation of images, their classification and the algorithmic declination of the resulting utility aspects. Its peculiarity is that it is not limited to the sole interpretation of the various scenarios through its neural module. Rather, thanks to the other two integrated georeferencing and workflow modules, it generates customizable functions for managing the safety of workers and company assets.
Furthermore, SophyAI complies with the rules of the GDPR because it operates in full Digital Twin model.
Integrated into SophiAI is another application called Sophy Assistance, which allows you to have on your smartphone relevant functionality for monitoring the safety of employees. SophyAI is structured to be able to interface with any IoT component (collaborative or not).
For more information, visit SophyAI for vending.
How the collaboration between MAS Elettronica and Laser Navigation was born
Laser Navigation's SophyAI Artificial Intelligence platform has found in MAS Elettronica's Jetson NVIDIA architectures an excellent “engine” capable of fully satisfying its computational requirements.
Their synergy gives life to solid, reliable and efficient Artificial Intelligence solutions. But the most important feature is the possibility of offering scalable applications, totally Italian, to meet every type of request and need.
Specifically, MAS NVIDIA SBC Lightfront is an SBC card that includes the NVIDIA Jetson NANO and XAVIER SOMs. Thanks to their performance and attributes it will be possible to manage modern A.I., add advanced Artificial Intelligence, embedded applications and IoT on third-party products.
For more information on our products and services
Who is MAS: our origins and embedded solutions
MAS Elettronica was born in Padua on 9 December 2008 as an electronic design studio thanks to the experience and passion of its founders, the Electronic Engineer Sandro Mascetti and his wife Carolina Sanhueza, Head of administration, communication and marketing.
The origin of the name MAS Elettronica
The company's name contains the corporate mission and the values of its founders. MAS Elettronica was chosen for 3 main reasons:
- It is made up of the initials of the founders' surnames: MAscetti and Sanhueza
- MAS is the acronym for Most Advanced Solutions
- In Spanish, MAS means “more” and together with Elettronica it becomes More ElectronicsSo, MAS Elettronica bears the name of the founders and contains the essence for which it was created.
Embedded solutions and the company evolution
Over the years MAS Elettronica has grown and has managed numerous strategic collaborations. Thanks to the decades of experience of Sandro Mascetti and the proven knowledge of his team in new generation embedded technologies, it has established itself internationally.
On the occasion of the first participation in EW in 2015, the company presents itself with the slogan Embed your needs, precisely to establish itself as a leader in embedded solutions.
2020 begins with major changes, website and branding restyling, landing on social networks to make the most of digital communication and visibility.
With 12 years of experience, MAS can meet the needs of the Embedded market with innovative and reliable solutions while maintaining high-quality standards and strengthening its identity, the slogan becomes Embed your needs and manage them.
What does MAS do
MAS Elettronica is a company specialized in Embedded Solutions and ARM Architectures for the industrial market. It designs, develops and manufactures its products starting from the proof of concept, then deals with the design of hardware, software, mechanics and Embedded Operating Systems (Linux and Android) managing both low-level software and applications.
It provides standard or customized solutions for the industrial market in different sectors: medical, artificial intelligence, safety, automotive, and much more.
The company mission is to create competence and value, provide customers with new technologies and support them in choosing the best solution. This can only be reached through specific skills and in-depth studies.
MAS is constantly growing in its reference market, also becoming a strategic partner for small and large Italian and international companies. It aims to offer simple solutions to complex problems.
Founder Sandro Mascetti states: "It is in our DNA to find innovative solutions and to make our customers the masters of the solutions we offer."
Company strengths
Carolina Sanhueza states "I believe that strong leadership is essential for the success of a good strategic plan. For this reason, Sandro and I try to get involved and involve both our collaborators and our partners in the development of our projects for a better mutual growth".
The business can count on:
- Young, dynamic and professional team
- Proven experience and knowledge in next-generation Embedded technologies
- Flexible and efficient organization
- Coaching and technical support
A look towards the future
The challenges of the future are made up of progress, technological innovation and solutions to complex problems for industrial electronics and everyone.
For 13 years, MAS Elettronica has supported not only Italian companies but also international ones in the difficult process of technological products innovation. Today it wants to be the protagonist of change, proposing what it does best: intelligent and complete solutions for the evolution of products with industrial criteria.
MAS's focus in the coming years is to create value for the markets: medical, vision, energy and environmental. These are sectors that the company knows very well, where it can offer a real competitive advantage to customers.
In this exciting and challenging future, MAS is not alone. Employees, collaborators and travel companions are all united by the same vision: they work, every day, to create an extraordinary team… stay tuned!
If you want to find a customized solution to your problem