2009 was a surprisingly good year
Sometime in early January 2010, we would all like to read a headline such as this. Now, however, most readers will find it a most unlikely scenario. In fact, despite having had a very good year, most vendors of machine-vision components and integrators of machine-vision systems expect tougher times in 2009.
There is plenty of evidence that this scenario will emerge. Publicly listed machine-vision firms in Europe and North America have made no secret of their concerns, reducing workforce and cutting expenses. Dim forecasts are predicted for most of the traditional global markets served by machine-vision products.
Despite this turmoil, however, many companies in image-processing and machine-vision markets will continue to do well as the adoption of OEM components and subsystems grows rapidly. This growth can be seen in application areas that include transportation, remote sensing, and security, and in biomedical device and photovoltaic manufacturing. The reason: To remain competitive, end users know that they must adopt cost-saving automation processes to succeed.
Although OEM suppliers of machine vision may feel some effect of an economic recession, it is likely that the growth in automation systems across these application areas will compensate for the downturn. Indeed, with a spate of new developments in semiconductor devices, embedded hardware, and parallel-processing software, it is likely that the market for machine-vision products and services will equal or better 2008.
The persuaders
Developments driving such optimism are evidenced in articles throughout this issue. They begin with traditional factory automation applications such as using vision sensors to inspect automotive oil-cap assemblies and include a system that checks the quality of lids used in food containers.
For more persuasive evidence, consider some of the articles about recent technical developments. For example, an article describing an architecture for artificial cognitive systems, shown at November’s VISION show in Stuttgart, explains how it increases the ability of robots to respond to external stimuli, including visual, audio, and tactile input. Another article describes the use of open-source software in a microscope-based system for advanced industrial inspection.
Developments in image sensors, both CCD and CMOS, are also helping expand the reach of machine vision, as editor Andy Wilson writes in his Product Focus feature. Using a growing variety of imager architectures in solid-state cameras is allowing system designers to integrate these cameras in an increasing number of niche markets.
Both new and traditional products and technologies were on display at VISION. In January, we will provide extensive coverage of the show and of other developments in machine vision. That’s January 2009—the start of a year that promises to be surprising in many senses of the word.
W. Conard Holton, Editor in Chief
[email protected]