EDGE LEARNING APPLICATIONS GUIDE
AI for Everyone and Every Industry
Introduction to Edge Learning
From the products we use everyday at home and in our jobs, as well as the distribution systems used to get them from the manufacturer to our homes and businesses, the consumer economy has started to tap into the human-like processing power of artificial intelligence (AI). Within the AI realm is edge learning. This easy-to-use and simple-to-setup automation technology is now migrating into advanced manufacturing and logistics practices for quality inspection and task automation. Edge learning is a versatile technology that can be trained to identify, detect, and classify product defects, components, labels, and other features, lending itself to endless industrial applications. Leveraging pre-trained AI algorithms, edge learning expedites the system training process without compromising performance. Edge learning technology simplifies automated defect detection, assembly verification, classification, character reading, and similar applications that would be too complex for traditional machine vision or too costly for manual labor.
Edge Learning Applications by Industry
Automotive
Automakers and their suppliers are competing on a global scale, driving manufacturers to reduce costs, implement advanced features, and safeguard their products. As traditional automakers transition into the electric vehicle market, more companies are competing for a limited quantity of rare, expensive metals and personnel. Edge learning technology alleviates these burdens, reducing costs and optimizing workforce utilization by automating complex tasks such as inspection, part classification, as well as reading direct part markings (DPM) and label-based codes.
Optical character recognition
Vision systems with edge learning instantly read codes and direct part markings, even in low-contrast conditions and when the code is damaged. This is illustrated by an image of a conveyor belt with items displaying codes, and a close-up showing a vision system reading a code "8119 SJ2" on a textured surface.
Connector insertion check
Vision systems embedded with edge learning can verify if connectors have been properly inserted in wiring harnesses. This is shown with examples of correct insertion (OK) and incorrect insertion (NG).
Textured metal sheet
Leverage edge learning technology and machine vision to detect and classify imperfections, as well as differentiate between flaws and acceptable anomalies. Examples include close-ups of metal surfaces showing acceptable conditions (OK) and imperfections like stains and scratches (NG).
Inspection and presence/absence
Confirm the presence or absence of specific components with edge learning tools. This is demonstrated with images of parts on a conveyor, showing both present (OK) and absent (NG) components.
Electronics
Edge learning technology is ideal for use in automated inspection processes by electronics manufacturers and assembly facilities. Cognex edge learning solutions are easy to use and quick to deploy for high-volume component quality checks or assembly verification.
PCB component assembly verification
Vision systems embedded with edge learning verify correct assembly of PCBs. This is shown with images of PCBs on a conveyor, with examples of correct (OK) and incorrect (NG) assembly.
Resistor quality check
Inspect resistors and classify them as NG (damaged or scratched) or OK with edge learning tools. Examples show resistors with "OK" and "NG" statuses.
LED quality check
Edge learning technology verifies proper operation of LEDs on PCBs by classifying the different statuses as either OFF, ON, or PWR. Examples show LEDs with "OK" and "NG" statuses.
Connector prong quality check
Check the quality of connector prongs on electronic components with edge learning tools. Examples show connectors with "OK" and "NG" statuses.
Life Sciences
Edge learning can automate complex, inefficient tasks in lab diagnostic environments to produce consistent results. Physicians, researchers, and other edge learning novices can train applications and generate valuable data within minutes.
Pathology sample identification
Vision systems with edge learning read and decipher characters on flexible, shiny surfaces. Examples show laboratory samples with barcodes and alphanumeric codes.
Test tube classification
Automatically classify test tubes and cap type along with determining the liquid level. Examples show test tubes with different colored stoppers (yellow, red, green, purple) and indicate whether a barcode is present or absent.
Logistics
Edge learning technology solves challenging vision applications, including difficult item detection and object sortation. With simple example-based training and AI algorithms, Cognex edge learning solutions enable logistics facilities to elevate the efficiency of sortation processes and handle a wide variation of item and packaging types.
Presence/absence detection
Cognex's vision systems embedded with edge learning detect the presence or absence of challenging items on varying backgrounds on totes or trays. Examples show items present (Item) and absent (No item) on a conveyor.
Sortation
Edge learning can be trained on any packaging type to ensure items are routed correctly. Examples show different package types like cartons and paper bags being sorted.
Process issue detection
Vision systems with edge learning detect the hygiene of trays, as well as items stuck within cross-belt sorters or conveyors. These insights help prevent equipment damage or delays in processing. Examples show clean and dirty trays.
Packaging
Edge learning technology simplifies automated inspections for packaging manufacturers. With unmatched ease of use, Cognex edge learning solutions are ideal for verifying proper assembly, detecting missing product from packaging, as well as classifying a variety of defects to assist with process optimization.
Blister pack check
Machine vision systems use edge learning to classify how pills are packaged in blister packs, even under reflective packaging. Examples show correct (OK) and incorrect (NG) blister pack configurations.
Classification and sortation by size and color
Classify and separate products based on size, color, and visual characteristics using edge learning tools. Examples show products being sorted by color (Almond, Lavender, Lemon, Mint).
Missing product detection
Machine vision combined with edge learning technology inspects packages for missing items. Examples show medical kit containers with varying counts of items (1 scoop, 2 scoops, 0 scoops).
Medical kit assembly verification
Edge learning classification tools identify if parts are present in packaged first aid kits. Examples show medical kit components like Antiseptic, Ice pack, and Tape with "OK" or "None" statuses.
Cognex AI
Cognex AI learns to spot patterns and anomalies from example images. It solves tasks that are too complicated and time-consuming to program with rule-based algorithms, while providing a consistency and speed that aren't possible with manual inspection.
Edge learning: Designed for ease of use
Edge learning is a subset of AI in which processing takes place on-device, or "at the edge," using a pre-trained set of algorithms. The technology is simple to setup, requiring smaller image sets and shorter training and validation periods than traditional deep learning-based solutions. Examples show inspection results like "Missing", "OK", and "Mismatch".
Deep learning: Designed for complex applications
Capable of processing large, detailed image sets, deep learning is designed to automate complex or highly customized applications. The technology enables users to analyze vast image sets quickly and efficiently, while differentiating between acceptable and unacceptable anomalies, to deliver accurate results. An example shows inspection of a circuit board.
Cognex AI resources
Cognex offers resources to learn more about machine learning. These include videos and guides such as "Watch Machine, Deep, or Edge Learning: What's the Difference?", "Read Edge Learning: The Power of AI for Everyone", and "Read Getting Started with a Deep Learning Factory Automation Project".
Cognex Global Services
Cognex serves an international customer base from offices located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia and through a global network of highly-trained partners, system integrators, and distributors.
From development to deployment, Cognex is there to get your vision systems up and running as fast as possible. Whether you're considering machine vision for the first time or are already an expert user, Cognex global services provide the expertise to help your organization succeed. Visit cognex.com/support/cognex-services.
Key service areas include Technical Support, Product Training, Self-Service Portal, and Lifecycle Management.
Cognex has offices in 20+ countries and over 500 global partners in 30 countries.
The Global Leader in Machine Vision and Barcode Reading
For over 40 years, Cognex has helped the world's most innovative companies make their manufacturing and distribution faster, smarter, and more efficient. Cognex machine vision solutions combine hardware and software to capture and analyze visual information. The company's wide range of solutions automates manufacturing and distribution tasks for customers worldwide, improving efficiency and quality in applications like inspecting, identifying, locating, and measuring components, products, and packaging. Cognex products incorporate advanced technologies including artificial intelligence to simplify implementation, increase accuracy, and deliver a faster ROI.
Key company statistics include: over 40 years in business, $830M+ 2023 revenue, over 60% revenue from EU & Asia, 25K+ global customers, 400+ channel partners, 500+ global customer support resources, 17% of revenue into R&D, over 1,100 technology patents, and over 8 years developing AI for industrial machine vision. Visit www.cognex.com/products.
Images show various Cognex vision products, including compact vision systems, ring light systems, and handheld barcode scanners.
Build Your Vision
Vision Systems
Automate inspection tasks, from defect detection to assembly verification and text reading, with easy-to-deploy vision systems. Learn more at www.cognex.com/machine-vision.
Barcode Readers
Track and trace, from the floor to dock door, with powerful readers and verifiers designed to handle any code type. Learn more at www.cognex.com/barcodereaders.
Industry Solutions
Solve applications across a wide range of industries with flexible and reliable machine vision and barcode reading solutions. Learn more at www.cognex.com/solutions.
Companies around the world rely on Cognex vision and barcode reading solutions to optimize quality, drive down costs and control traceability.
Contact Information
Corporate Headquarters: One Vision Drive, Natick, MA 01760 USA.
Cognex provides regional sales offices and support globally, with detailed contact information available on their website. Visit www.cognex.com.
