SICK launches AI-powered 3D quality inspection

Combining AI with spatial understanding, AI-powered 3D image processing goes beyond conventional 3D imaging to include more advanced inspection functions. It's the first time SICK has provided intelligent AI capabilities for its high precision, reliable 3D machine vision technology and its Nova Intelligent Inspection toolset.

Delivering configurable 3D machine vision across industries such as logistics, electronics, battery manufacturing, automotive, and consumer goods, AI for 3D with SICK Nova improves quality control with intelligent inspection. The example-based approach, together with on-device training and a user-friendly interface, simplifies solution development and provides a cost-efficient way of incorporating deep learning into quality control operations, with no extra equipment required.

New applications across an array of industry sectors

SICK AI-powered machine vision with 3D height analysis unlocks advanced quality-control applications that were previously difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional rule-based inspection. Key applications for the new solution include: package deforming inspection in sectors such as food and beverage and consumer goods; empty box/missing object detection in totes or matrix packaging for fulfilment and logistics operations; assembly verification and surface inspection for electronics and battery production; classification and tyre inspection, including 3D OCR, for automotive applications; and completeness checks in manufacturing.

For example, AI-powered deformation inspection validates the appearance, integrity and function of carton packaging after filling, reliably measuring height deviations of the shape and surface of packages to easily detect defects at high speed, even if there is no colour contrast. AI-powered 3D machine vision sees far beyond the human eye to ensure faulty products are removed from the production and packaging process at an early stage.

Ensuring the value of each pixel is captured

Teach-by-example with sample images provides easy setup, and SICK's AI for 3D solutions are customised and trained on each organisation's own data. Users collect data, train models and execute inspection tasks directly on-device, with reliable, quick set-up of inspection tasks that enables fast, effortless batch changes.

Every pixel carries a height value and is captured by accurate, high precision SICK technology, enabling reconstruction of 3D data and defect detection by a trained neural network embedded in the Nova AI software. The new solution provides colour and contrast independent inspection and improved quality control across industries, with detected defects displayed on an anomaly heatmap. Activated with license on pre-defined devices or through an upgrade license, the toolset also includes traditional rule-based machine vision software tools.

SICK experts work closely with customers to develop tailored solutions that address their key inspection challenges and detect specific anomalies, from minute electrical components to large packaged goods.

Diego Quintana Tukasaki, Market Product Manager from SICK, says, "Our latest innovation combines SICK quality, expertise and consistency with deep learning to meet demand in two of the highest growth product categories in machine vision: AI software and 3D imaging.

"Introducing neural network AI capabilities into our high performance Nova platform expands 3D inspection beyond its traditional limits. Seeing far beyond the human eye, it provides greater control over data and analytics to deliver highly accurate, configurable, easy-to-train, customised intelligent inspection solutions. Inspected items fulfil required quality and sorting demands, helping to improve yield, reduce waste and increase customer satisfaction, while problems with batches or production lines are swiftly identified with the anomaly heatmap."