Processes & Tools: Machine Vision Guided Automation

AEi utilizes machine vision in the majority of our flexible automation solutions. This versatile tool allows us to implement flexible automation solutions that are highly reconfigurable without the need to replace or modify mechanical fixturing.

Application Examples:

• Camera Sensor Alignment and Test
• MEMs Assembly
• Vision Guided Stent Welding
• Planar Photonics Device Alignment and Test
• Single Channel Photonics Device Alignment and Assembly
• Automated Wafer Handling and Inspection System
• Guide Wire Assembly
• Component Placement and Liquid Dispensing Station with Machine Vision
• Precision Alignment of Macro Lens
• Vision Guided Thermal Grease Dispense for Audio Amplifier Housings

Products & Platforms:

• Photonics Module Align, Assembly and Test (PMAT)
• Camera Module Align, Assembly and Test (CMAT)
• FlexAuto
• Vision Guided Laser Tool (FlexLase)

Features & Benefits of AEi Implementation:

• Open architecture approach allows for selection of optimal specific machine vision components and algorithms for a given application
• Extensive experience with all aspects of machine vision implementation (selection of right optics, illumination, cameras, and analysis algorithms)
• Access to a wide range of AEi and third-party machine vision algorithms
• AEi team has the capability of creating custom machine vision algorithms if needed
• The FlexAuto software platform seamlessly integrates machine vision, motion control, and operator interface for flexible automation

AEi uses machine vision guided automation to find and measure features on objects to determine the position and orientation of the objects in order to automatically pick and place them, inspect them to verify proper dimensions or detect defects, or determine the correct path for automated laser processing or liquid dispensing.

AEi staff has the experience and ability to select and utilize the most effective machine vision components for a given application from a variety of sources, including the right optics, illumination, cameras, and machine vision algorithms. We work primarily with area scan cameras in both monochrome and color, and we utilize line scan cameras as needed. For most demanding applications we use megapixel format cameras with up to 12-bit resolution on pixel intensity.