Machine-vision-inspection-system market exceeds $1 billion

MARCH 14--New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (San Jose, CA; www.testandmeasurement.frost.com), World Machine Vision Inspection System Markets, reveals that the industry generated revenues totaling $1.12 billion in 2002. Total market revenues could reach $2.62 billion in 2009. As machine-vision technology rapidly expands to meet sophisticated market demands, developing a common standard is necessary to increase the system component and capability options available to end users, and to make systems more appealing.

"The lack of operating standards within the machine vision industry creates difficulties in developing and operating vision systems and end users often cannot connect desired components," says Frost & Sullivan research analyst Sunderraju Ramachandran. "Conflicts between components, computer software and hardware technologies, and user interfaces reduce credibility for the industry as a whole as there exists no plug-and-play for a generic system." With the industry working toward making machine vision technology irreplaceable in the inspection and quality control processes, research and development budgets are likely to be strained.

End users want systems based on technology that is more robust, have greater potential applications, and add value. Simpler user interfaces that allow comfortable interaction with the system, regardless of the level of technical knowledge, are also in demand. Other areas that need additional focus include optical character and pattern recognition algorithms, resolution and image mapping.

Increasing buyer awareness of the vastly improved capabilities of machine vision systems is also important to overcome lingering skepticism or misinformation created by the earlier less capable systems.

Innovation is the key to success in this market. With processes in the automotive, electronic, semiconductor, food and pharmaceutical industries requiring more high-technology vision systems, products that have greater flexibility, the ability to inspect multiple parts and handle product changeovers seamlessly and efficiently without major reprogramming are needed.