In the fast-evolving world of industrial automation, reliable and flexible object detection is a cornerstone of Vision Guided Robotics (VGR) and Quality Control. At HD Vision Systems, our mission is to push the boundaries of what’s possible in automation. As a Vision Partner on the Bosch Rexroth ctrlX platform, we’re bringing state-of-the-art vision capabilities to the factory floor through powerful apps that simplify connectivity and enhance performance.
Pattern Matching: A Traditional Approach
One of the key questions that often arises when designing automation solutions is whether to use traditional pattern matching techniques or opt for modern deep learning-based object detection. Pattern matching is a rule-based method that relies on manually defined templates or geometric shapes to detect objects in images. While it has long been a staple in traditional machine vision systems, it tends to struggle under real-world conditions. Changes in lighting, orientation, scale, or even slight occlusions can lead to detection errors. Moreover, setting up a pattern matching solution often requires significant manual effort, expert tuning, and is not easily adaptable to changes in the production line.
Deep Learning: Intelligent and Adaptive
In contrast, deep learning-based object detection leverages data-driven models trained on large and diverse image datasets. These models learn to recognize objects by identifying patterns at various levels of abstraction, making them far more robust and adaptive. Unlike pattern matching, deep learning solutions can tolerate a wide range of variations and imperfections commonly encountered in industrial environments. With tools like transfer learning and data augmentation, models can also be quickly adapted to new objects or changing conditions without rewriting complex rules.
Integrated AI on ctrlX
At HD Vision Systems, we’ve embraced this modern approach and integrated it directly into the Bosch Rexroth ctrlX platform. Our apps allow users to connect standard industrial 2D cameras that comply with the GenICam standard and operate via Ethernet. Once connected, the cameras capture images that are then processed using deep learning object detection models running directly within the ctrlX ecosystem. These detections are not only accurate but are also automatically transformed from 2D image coordinates into 3D world coordinates—critical for precise robotic guidance and quality control workflows.
On-Site Training and Customization
Beyond offering pre-trained models, we also provide powerful frameworks that enable users to annotate their own image data and train custom object detection networks. Importantly, this entire process happens on-site. There is no need to send sensitive production data to the cloud, ensuring full control over data privacy and security. This capability empowers integrators and end users to create highly specialized detection solutions tailored to their specific applications, all without leaving the factory network.
Looking Ahead: AI for Modern Manufacturing
Pattern matching served the industry well for many years, but the increasing complexity and variability of modern manufacturing demand more intelligent and flexible solutions. Deep learning meets these demands head-on. With the combined strength of HD Vision Systems’ advanced vision tools and the modularity of the ctrlX platform from Bosch Rexroth, manufacturers now have the tools they need to implement cutting-edge object detection solutions that scale with their needs.
Whether you’re retrofitting an existing line or designing a new one from scratch, now is the time to embrace the power of AI-driven vision. We’re excited to help you on that journey.
