Is Computer Vision the Future of Manufacturing?
Computer vision technology is becoming increasingly important in digital transformation strategies.
The technology enables systems to gain meaningful information from digital images and interprets these into usable knowledge for an organisation. As a result it has been garnered as a reliable tool within the manufacturing industry to drive projects forward.
With this in mind, AI Magazine speaks with Margarita Lindahl, AI Head at Panasonic Connect Europe, about how AI-powered computer vision technology can spark real value within the manufacturing industry.
She explains how computer vision insights can be analysed by humans or AI systems to enhance efficiency, reduce cost and streamline operations.
“It's a powerful tool for improving product quality and driving productivity,” she says.
The value of computer vision within manufacturing
The role of computer vision in manufacturing is to enhance efficiency, automate tasks and improve safety. What makes this valuable is that the technology is expected to drive productivity increases of 42% on average over the next three years, according to Panasonic.
“Unlike large language model-based solutions such as ChatGPT, which are currently at the "peak of inflated expectations" in Gartner’s hype cycle, computer vision technology is further along in its development cycle,” Margarita shares.
“It's expected to reach its productivity plateau within the next two years, making it a more mature and reliable technology for practical applications in manufacturing.”
Adopting new technologies like computer vision is expected to vastly improve overall productivity within the industry. For instance, it can automate production lines, reduce human error, improve worker safety and optimise supply chains.
This diverse range of applications can also help accelerate production without compromising quality or accuracy within the organisation.
Margarita explains: “Manufacturing decision-makers are particularly optimistic, predicting productivity increases of 52% over the same period, which is the highest among surveyed sectors. These productivity gains can lead to increased operational efficiency and profitability, enabling manufacturers to invest in new technologies and processes.
“Additionally, our research found that 28% of manufacturers are using computer vision for volume measurement, like pallet volume for efficient loading and transportation. These applications help accelerate production without compromising quality or accuracy.”
Moving forward, Margarita expects computer vision technology to rapidly improve certain areas of manufacturing, namely in electronics final assembly.
“Computer vision can increase accuracy and sensitivity in inserting additional components or connecting sub-assemblies to main boards, tasks often performed by people,” she says.
Additionally, the technology can work to analyse and optimise operator movements by, as Margarita explains, “enhancing efficiency and identifying the source of any significant product quality issues caused by human error.”
Combating challenges: The pivotal role of AI
More broadly, despite much promise, manufacturers still face challenges in deploying computer vision technology. Some of these, according to Panasonic, are a lack of third-party support to implement and maintain the technology, in addition to ethical concerns over privacy and data security.
“46% of manufacturers cite data security concerns and 36% are concerned about existing AI tool regulations,” Margarita highlights. “Addressing these issues requires robust security measures and clear regulatory frameworks to protect organisational and industry IP.”
Amongst this digital transformation backdrop, the manufacturing industry is also contending with how AI can work to improve processes and automate tasks.
Our sister publication Manufacturing Digital previously reported that almost half of mobility and advanced manufacturing companies have fully integrated AI-driven services already, or product changes into their capital allocation process. Likewise, manufacturers are actively investing in AI-driven automation, recognising its potential to optimise operations and reduce downtime.
“AI will also play a crucial role in the business transformation journey for manufacturers,” Margarita says. “While 18% of manufacturers have already implemented AI and are seeing short-term benefits, nearly a quarter are in the planning stages.
“Overall, 74% of manufacturers say AI is very important, and 24% say it is somewhat important. They see successful AI implementation as a pathway leading to improved process optimisation, reduced downtime, and enhanced product quality and output.”
Moving forward, the future of computer vision in manufacturing appears to be a positive one, as it sets the stage for a “revolution in manufacturing”.
Margarita notes: “It enables significant productivity and efficiency gains, automates many processes, enhances quality control, and accelerates innovation. It will be fascinating to see how this technology continues to transform the sector over the next two years and whether these ambitious expectations are met or even exceeded.”
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