For decades, businesses of all types have been increasing the number of machines in their facilities to automate tasks and streamline processes. The issue is that no matter how many machines a location has, they are reliant on people or sensors to give them feedback on what is happening and how they should perform their tasks—instead of interacting with the world the way we can.
However, camera vision and AI are merging to create a new era of intelligent observation. This powerful combination is revolutionizing how machines interface with the world, leading to significant advancements in facilities of every type. Although there are use cases specific to each industry, several common applications provide benefits that virtually every facility can find useful. Given that the camera vision market is expected to have a 10% compound annual growth rate until 2027, it’s safe to say that this is a proven AI use case that will only get bigger and better.
Top Use Cases
Robots have traditionally been confined to repetitive tasks and were unable to adapt to any variance in the process. Now, cameras can provide real-time visual data that they can use for complex tasks like assembly, sorting, and welding. AI algorithms guide robots to perform tasks with greater precision and efficiency, freeing up human workers for more complex activities.
Smart cameras can track inventory levels in real-time, providing businesses with a clear picture of stock availability. This data is then used to optimize stock levels, preventing stockouts and ensuring that the right materials are readily available for production. This not only reduces costs associated with excess inventory or lost sales but also improves overall supply chain efficiency.
Vision AI can eliminate the need for constant human monitoring. By analyzing video feeds in real-time cameras can send alerts based on restricted areas, weapon detection, or flagged individuals and send immediate alerts to ensure security personnel can intervene quickly. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative applications of vision AI to emerge, shaping the future of intelligent facilities management.
Security and Privacy: Top Priorities
While vision AI offers incredible benefits, people have very understandable and justified concerns about security and privacy. Businesses must consider anonymizing data whenever possible and adhere to relevant data privacy regulations. Data should be securely stored, and event-based vision can only store camera data if necessary. Cybersecurity should be made a priority by any organization when choosing where to invest.
Options like edge computing can minimize data transfer and storage, and privacy-preserving algorithms can anonymize video data. In many applications, people in videos can be reduced to stick figures or pixelated to make identification difficult while still extracting valuable insights. This can allow for the analysis of group behavior like customer flow tracking without recording their individual identities.
Manufacturing: Optimize Quality Control and Plant Efficiency
Studies have shown that in many manufacturing operations quality-related costs are as high as 15-20% of sales revenue, but this can be mitigated with camera vision and AI. High-resolution cameras capture intricate details of products at various stages of production. AI algorithms then analyze these images, meticulously inspecting for defects that might escape the human eye. This not only reduces human error, but also ensures consistent quality, minimizing the number of defective products reaching customers and ultimately resulting in a significant increase in profit.
Beyond quality control, camera vision and AI can also enhance production efficiency. Instead of process engineers gathering data manually, strategically placed cameras track can objects and materials as they move throughout the production process. AI analyzes this visual data, identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the production flow. Instead of spending countless hours observing the factory floor, manufacturing engineers can use their time understanding these bottlenecks, maximizing factory potential and allocating resources where they are needed.
Retail: Provide a Better Experience for Your Customers
The retail landscape is evolving from a one-size-fits-all approach to a customer-centric experience. Camera vision and AI are playing a key role in this shift by analyzing consumer behavior. They are able to anonymously track customer movement patterns, discern where customers spend most of their time, and even take note of body language and expressions to see how pleased they are with your store. Heat mapping customer movement provides valuable insights into store layout, product placement, and customer flow. Retailers can then optimize their locations for better traffic flow, strategically place products to encourage sales, and improve customer experience.
Furthermore, camera vision and AI can contribute to loss prevention and inventory management. Cameras can detect suspicious customer behavior that might indicate potential shoplifting. AI is capable of analyzing this data and triggering alerts for security personnel. Additionally, camera systems can track inventory levels on shelves, ensuring shelves are always well-stocked and products are readily available for customers.
Healthcare: Improve Patient Care with Vision AI
One of the best camera vision use cases is autonomous inventory monitoring. Many hospitals still manually track inventory, and a whopping 40% of hospitals surveyed have admitted to cancelling surgical procedures due to a lack of supplies. Camera vision is able to track inventory levels and send automatic alerts when low stock has been identified, but when paired with AI, it can forecast demand and notice when items are near expiration.
Cameras can also monitor patients in real-time, especially those at risk of falls or wandering. AI algorithms can detect falls or patients leaving designated areas, allowing staff to intervene quickly and ensure patient safety. This is particularly beneficial for elderly or at-risk patients who may require constant monitoring.
Similar to manufacturing cases, camera vision can track staff movement within a hospital to identify inefficiencies in workflows. AI analysis of this data can help optimize staffing schedules and resource allocation, allowing for better patient care and improved utilization of staff time.
The Time Is Now
This technology has been implemented successfully across the globe, and common use cases have demonstrated a strong ROI for those bold enough to be first in line. As use cases increase, camera vision and AI will only become more valuable, and those who already have it in place will be able to quickly adapt and implement uses as they come.
Learn more about the solutions and services Connection has to offer to help your organization harness the power of AI.
James Rust
James Rust is an Industry Solutions Specialist at Connection, working to assist with sales and client engagements when communicating the Manufacturing Practice’s value propositions, capabilities, practical use cases, and business outcomes that align with our portfolio of technology solutions. Prior to Connection, James got his start working in a manufacturing shipping department. His career advanced in various industries, including food and beverage, oil and gas supply, machine shop, and pharmaceutical. James offers experience in maintenance management, ERP systems, going paperless, and improving factory floor and office processes.
