Image Processing for Precise Industrial Processes

Industrial machine vision and metrology are key technologies for automated production, inspection, and assembly processes. Cameras and 3D sensors capture visual and spatial information, and algorithms use this data to determine the position, shape, identity, or quality of components. In practice, companies face the challenge of developing machine vision systems that are optimized for specific applications, precise, and cost-effective at the same time.

State of the Art

Many industrial applications rely on established, rule-based image processing methods or, in some cases, on AI-based approaches. Rule-based solutions work well in standardized scenarios but reach their limits when it comes to complex tasks. AI-based methods can solve even difficult tasks, but they have limitations in terms of geometric accuracy and precision requirements, limited training data, and a lack of information regarding the reliability of results.

Technology

The “Machine Vision Metrology” (MAV) research group at the Institute of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (IPF) focuses on methods for automated sensor-based inspection and robot guidance. The researchers combine classical image analysis, geometric modeling, and AI techniques. The goal is to tailor image processing systems precisely to the specific task at hand, such as object recognition, pose estimation, metrology, or quality inspection. One example is a software-based calibration method for vision-guided industrial robots: Here, the method uses existing cameras to determine geometric parameters with high precision based on images of a reference pattern and to automatically optimize the robot model. The same methodological approach – measuring from images, evaluating uncertainties, and specifically improving models – can also be applied to other industrial applications, such as inline inspection, 3D shape inspection, or camera-based process monitoring.

Advantages

Companies benefit from customized maschine vision solutions that offer high accuracy, robustness, and transparent result quality. These solutions typically do not require expensive specialized hardware, can be integrated into existing systems, and are adaptable to a variety of sensors, equipment, and use cases.

Options for Companies

KIT is searching for partners for application-specific collaboration. Companies can draw on this expertise through collaborative projects, contract research, or pilot applications. Together, image processing problems are analyzed, suitable algorithms are developed, and prototypes are implemented.