Using AI for Quality Control During Production is a Cost-Saver

Introduction

In today’s competitive market, delivering high-quality products to consumers is essential for any business. Eigen Innovations, an AI software company based in New Brunswick, Canada, plays a crucial role in ensuring defect-free goods reach consumers by helping manufacturers improve their production processes. Leveraging Intel technology, Eigen’s solutions not only save time and money but also enhance customer satisfaction.

The Need for Speed

Eigen’s in-line quality machine vision software, OneView, operates on a robust hybrid architecture within the factory. By consolidating data from various sources – including PLCs, cameras, machines, and sensors – into a traceable digital record, OneView trains patented AI models for inline inspections and root cause analysis. Cloud capabilities allow customers to deploy improvements across all machines seamlessly.

Real-World Success: Southern Fabricators

Southern Fabricators, a North Carolina-based contract manufacturer, relies on OneView. When sensors detect welding defects, AI confirms the issue and alerts technicians. A detailed dashboard provides insights into fuse times, temperatures, and other relevant metrics. Full traceability down to individual serial numbers helps mitigate recalls, and the system’s agility has reduced rejects on the shop floor.

Intel’s Role: Flexibility and Performance

Eigen chose Intel due to its flexibility and performance. Graphics processing units were ruled out due to debris and heat concerns, leading to the adoption of Intel central processing units (CPUs) and the OpenVINO™ toolkit. Eigen’s hardware-agnostic approach allows customers to choose the best hardware for their needs, while OpenVINO’s unmatched speed ensures timely decision-making.

Thermal Applications and Competitive Edge

Eigen’s focus on manufacturing sets it apart. Thermal applications using cameras help detect defects invisible to the human eye, such as weld quality. Eigen’s OneView-managed solutions offer comprehensive thermal inspections. The company simplifies AI adoption, empowering technicians to resolve issues quickly without the need for data scientists or coding.

The Future: Humans and Automation

Despite headlines about AI replacing jobs, many factories struggle to find skilled workers. Eigen believes that dirty, dangerous, or dull tasks should be automated, allowing humans to focus on higher-value activities.

In summary, Eigen’s AI-driven quality control revolutionizes manufacturing, benefiting both businesses and consumers. By embracing technology, companies can achieve cost savings, efficiency, and superior product quality.