Defense, Security + Sensing, held in Orlando, FL, April 25–29, is a good reminder that machine vision is much more than a technology for industrial applications. With technical sessions and exhibits displaying the latest in image processing, target and pattern recognition, unmanned and robotic systems, and infrared imaging, the show and conference are expected to draw more than 6000 attendees.
The interest in many of these topics has been reflected in attendance at several of our recent webcasts, now available on demand. These include webcasts on the fundamentals of infrared imaging by Jon Kane at Computer Optics, machine vision in intelligent transportation systems by Ned Lecky at Lecky Integration, and machine vision for service robots by Adil Shafi at Advenovation. Infrared imaging is also highlighted in this issue by editor Andy Wilson, who writes about how to choose an IR camera and the importance of understanding more than the specifications on manufacturers’ data sheets.
Unmanned and robotic systems are of special interest, since Adil Shafi and I recently completed an extensive technology survey and market report on the subject of vision for service robots. Service robots—those that serve beyond factory floor applications—perform tasks that range from aerial surveillance, bomb disposal, farming, and warehouse logistics to teaching children and assisting the elderly or disabled.
The report, available through our web site, is aimed at suppliers of vision components, vision subsystem integrators, technology researchers, service robot manufacturers, and companies and organizations interested in entering the numerous markets that exist for service robots. These near-term market opportunities for vision components and systems total several billion dollars.
Some of the primary vision technologies used in service robots are frequently covered in Vision Systems Design: structured light systems, stereo camera systems, time-of-flight sensors, lidar, and motion control systems. In service robots, sensor fusion techniques can combine vision with GPS navigation, radar, sonar, and inertial guidance. For more sophisticated robots, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is critical to build maps of unknown environments or to update maps within known environments, while at the same time keeping track of the current location of the robot.
In particular, the healthcare industry offers substantial new opportunities for vendors to supply vision systems in applications that include robots in surgery, rehabilitation, routine care, and assistive living. As populations age around the world, these robots will play critical roles in compensating for limited nursing staff and enable many people to live independently longer.
This is an exciting and dynamic time for machine vision in nonindustrial applications such as those offered by service robots. With the help of image-processing and machine-vision systems, such applications will gain widespread acceptance in both commercial and personal sectors, assisting people in many aspects of life.
W. Conard Holton, Editor in Chief
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