NOVEMBER 5, 2008--VISION 2008 has increased in size in the midst of the current, general economic turmoil. Although exhibitors and attendees were uncertain about the future impact of the economic situation, most companies reported very strong current sales. Most companies, however, anticipate weaker sales in the first half of 2009.
Two large halls were fully occupied for the first time with a total exhibition area of 20,000 m2. There are 292 exhibitors, with 45% coming from outside of Germany. The organizer, Messe Stuttgart, expects 6500 visitors, with 30% coming from outside of Germany.
On the first night of VISION 2008, Supercomputing Systems (SCS; Zurich, Switzerland; www.leanxcam.org) was presented with the 16th annual Vision Award for its leanXcam camera, an intelligent camera that comprises a CMOS image sensor and a complete computer containing a digital signal processor and a uClinux operating system. The camera can autonomously analyze the images and transmit the results of image analysis via different interfaces. Technical data is available at: http://www.scs-vision.ch/leanxcam/download/leanxcam_datenblatt_e.pdf
The VISION Award is open to all companies and institutes that manufacture machine-vision components and systems, whether or not they exhibit at VISION. The jury consisted of Roland Beyer, DaimlerChrysler; Don Braggins, Machine Vision Systems Consultancy; Holger Hofmann, ISRA VISION; and Martin Wäny, Awaiba. The award is worth EUR5000 to the winner.
