Demonstrating computer vision to small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises in manufacturing: Toward overcoming costs and implementation challenges

Computer vision (CV) systems are crucial in various fields, such as manufacturing. However, the general feedback from small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing indicates that implementing CV systems are out of reach due to their high costs, the need for expertise, and the complexiti...

Full description

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Engineering reports (Hoboken, N.J.) Vol. 6; no. 11
Main Authors:	Werheid, Jonas, Münker, Sven, Klasen, Nils, Hamann, Tobias, Abdelrazeq, Anas, Schmitt, Robert H.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01-11-2024 Wiley
Subjects:	Artificial intelligence Automation Computer vision Effectiveness Fault detection Feedback Inventory management Machine learning machine vision Manufacturing Portability SME Software Germany
Online Access:	Get full text
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!

Description
Summary:	Computer vision (CV) systems are crucial in various fields, such as manufacturing. However, the general feedback from small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing indicates that implementing CV systems are out of reach due to their high costs, the need for expertise, and the complexities of Machine Learning (ML). To demonstrate the feasibility and applicability for SMEs, we present a cost‐effective portable CV‐based demonstrator for SMEs in manufacturing. Incorporating low‐cost hardware components, the system integrates open‐source software and employs Transfer Learning to adapt pre‐existing ML models. We present two illustrative use cases with fault detection and inventory management based on plastic brick datasets including various colors and shapes to demonstrate the system's effectiveness. Bringing this into a showable demonstrator, all components are integrated into a portable suitcase as a plug and play demonstration. We showcase the portable demonstrator at German television and four different industrial fairs, leveraging these dynamic platforms for direct interaction with SMEs and stakeholders. Firsthand insights and feedback from SMEs regarding our demonstration and their challenges, as well as opportunities for CV in manufacturing were received and summarized in this research. In response to SMEs' barriers to adopting computer vision (CV) systems, we present a cost‐effective CV demonstrator for manufacturing. Integrating low‐cost components and open‐source software, the portable system showcases fault detection and inventory management. Presented at TV and industrial fairs, it gathered valuable SME feedback, addressing challenges and opportunities.
ISSN:	2577-8196 2577-8196
DOI:	10.1002/eng2.12910