Robovision, founded in 2004, has been at the forefront of machine vision consultations and installations in Greece for 20 years now. They are based in Thessaloniki, Greece, and expanded in 2014 by opening a branch in Athens to better serve industrial and logistics clients in Southern Greece. As Robovision Machine Vision Experts, the company specializes in integrating advanced vision systems for industrial applications.
Easy Engineering: Can you provide a brief description of Robovision and its activities?
Our status as a Cognex certified Integration Solutions Provider allows us to deliver comprehensive solutions across Greece, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, and Cyprus, extending our reach to global clients such as Nestle in Italy and General Mills in Australia.
Our commitment to enhancing production lines and packaging processes with state-of-the-art technology involves leveraging AI algorithms, high-resolution imaging, and robust data analysis tools to ensure precise and efficient operations. And if you ask us “WHY?” we do all these things—it’s quite simple: we do the best we can to help businesses achieve operational excellence and drive growth—especially in the region of the Southeastern Balkans.
E.E: What are the main areas of activity for Robovision?
Our primary activities revolve around providing customized, state-of-the-art machine vision solutions, covering a broad spectrum of vision applications, including:
- Optical Inspection: Utilizing high-resolution cameras and sophisticated software for defect detection and quality assurance.
- Code Reading: Implementing barcode, 2D code, and OCR/OCV solutions to streamline tracking and inventory management.
- 3D Scanning: Employing laser-based 3D profilers to ensure precision in product dimensions.
- Thermal Imaging: Using thermal cameras for non-contact temperature measurement and monitoring, as well as early fire detection.
- AI-Based Solutions: Integrating AI for advanced pattern recognition and predictive maintenance.
For example, our visual inspection systems utilize convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to detect defects in the manufacturing process with high accuracy. We collaborate with top-tier global companies like Cognex, Zebra, Baumer, Sensopart, and LMI Technologies to offer a comprehensive suite of products and services, ensuring our clients have access to the latest advancements in machine vision technology.
Our offerings target various sectors, including manufacturing, food and beverage, packaging, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. Our focus encompasses guidance, identification, gauging as well as inspection, and even product tracking across the supply chain.
E.E: What’s new in terms of products and services?
We are continually innovating to meet the evolving demands of our clients. Recently, we’ve introduced AI-powered inspection systems employing deep learning models to analyze complex patterns and anomalies in real-time, significantly enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of product inspection processes. Our portfolio includes sophisticated 3D profilers like the LMI Gocator, which provide detailed surface measurements crucial for high-precision industries. Additionally, our new lines of industrial computers from AAEON and TAICENN support high-performance computing in harsh industrial environments, integrating edge computing capabilities for faster data processing and reduced latency in automated systems.
E.E: What product ranges do you offer?
We offer a diverse array of products and services, including high-resolution cameras capable of capturing images at up to 20 megapixels, advanced sensors with sub-micron accuracy, precise measuring instruments, and robust industrial computers designed for harsh environments. Our services support automated production line controls, ensuring seamless operations and high-quality outputs. For instance, our barcode readers utilize advanced decoding algorithms to compare MES data with product barcode data to prevent label mix-ups. This is how our clients know that a product aimed at a foreign market does not get a local language market label. This is why their customers can rest easy, knowing that the filled pastry that says “spinach inside” does not come with a feta cheese filling.
Whether it’s barcode reading or AI-driven inspection, we cover it all. And if you have the team to handle the integration and installation, we can still serve you and your needs through our comprehensive hardware distribution agreements, be it for sensors or cameras, or Direct Part Marking cloud-based traceability solutions.
E.E: What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
The market for machine vision systems is dynamic and growing. In Greece and the surrounding regions, there’s a rising demand for automation and machine vision technologies. The European Union’s emphasis on Industry 4.0 standards, along with Near-shoring and De-risking policies, are bringing large investments for production facilities into the region, which in turn have accelerated the adoption of machine vision technologies. Industries increasingly recognize the benefits of integrating these systems for improved productivity, quality control, and reduced environmental footprint. We see significant potential, especially in the food and beverage, packaging, and automotive sectors. Labor market dynamics, with a shortage of skilled workers, also drive the need for automation to maintain productivity and competitiveness.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
Market trends are heavily leaning towards automation and digital transformation. There’s a significant push towards adopting AI and machine learning in industrial processes. Predictive maintenance powered by AI can foresee equipment failures before they happen, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Companies and managers alike are seeking smarter, more efficient ways to manage production and ensure quality. Sustainability and energy efficiency are also becoming key considerations, driving innovation in our field. European policies, such as the Green Deal, encourage companies to adopt greener technologies, and decreased downstream waste in a production line as well as our energy-efficient vision systems align well with these initiatives.
E.E: What are your most innovative products or services?
Our AI-powered inspection systems are at the cutting edge, leveraging deep learning algorithms to detect defects and inconsistencies with unprecedented accuracy, even in challenging conditions. For instance, our systems can identify micro-cracks in solar panels, ensuring only high-quality products reach the market. Another innovative product are our 3D scanners, like the Photoneo PhoXi, which provides detailed surface measurements essential for quality control in precision manufacturing. These tools can revolutionize industries by enabling higher standards of quality and efficiency.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2024?
Looking ahead to H2 2024 and beyond, we anticipate substantial growth in the adoption of machine vision systems. According to recent market analysis, the global machine vision market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% over the next few years. As more industries realize the benefits of automation, we expect increased demand for our solutions. We’re planning to expand our market reach and strengthen our partnerships to deliver even more innovative and effective solutions to our clients. The ongoing labor shortages and increasing regulatory requirements for quality and safety will further drive the need for advanced automation solutions. Changes in product marking, such as the introduction of 2D coding through the GS1 Sunrise 2027 project, will also bring continued growth and opportunities for Robovision and other solution providers throughout the entire value chain.
Thank you very much for your interest in Robovision Machine Vision Experts, and for your time and consideration!