In a recent chat with Cognex CEO Matt Moschner, Vision Systems Design learned how different sectors are adopting AI and machine vision technologies, according to the company’s survey of 500 manufacturers.
In this second part of a three-part series, Moschner says the logistics, consumer electronics, and automotive sectors are currently leading AI adoption. He said these industries often face challenges that older technology cannot address and see measurable benefits even from small improvements in vision system performance.
In contrast, sectors such as fast-moving consumer goods and advanced semiconductors tend to be more cautious. He says this caution is largely due to the strict quality requirements and regulatory standards they must meet—these industries prioritize transparency and auditability in AI systems to ensure compliance and consistent operation over time.
Geographically, AI adoption appears balanced across regions including Asia, the Americas, and Europe, with no significant differences in uptake reported.
Advancements in embedded systems technology are playing an important role in advancing machine vision capabilities, according to Moschner. Embedded vision systems, which run AI software on onboard computing hardware, are becoming more capable due to improvements in specialized chipsets designed for AI workloads.
For manufacturing leaders evaluating AI investments, revisiting previously shelved applications may be worthwhile, he says. Improvements in AI performance and usability mean problems once considered unsolvable may now be addressed effectively. He notes that providers are increasingly focused on delivering solutions that are both technically advanced and easier to deploy and scale.
