Industrial Automation Insider: Why It’s Good to Look at Machine Vision Through Different Generational Lenses
They say there’s two sides to every story. Well, now there’s at least two viable solutions to every problem when you invite both seasoned and early career vision system engineers to the table, and that’s making it easier to see the right path forward.
For many decades, there were business problems that machine vision technology (and engineers) just couldn’t solve for manufacturers, warehouse operators, 3PLs, retailers, and even healthcare providers. Now, we’re seeing at least two solutions proposed for every problem. In some cases, we’ve swung from having no options to having too many options when it comes to using machine vision as a solution facilitator.
Admittedly, newer AI, deep learning OCR, and 3D technology capabilities are part of the reason why we’re finally able to crack the code on problems that previously stumped us. However, I would argue that it’s our new “human computing” capabilities – the critical thinking now emanating from multi-generational viewpoints and collaborations – that have really removed the hurdles to operational transformations.
Tomás Goldaracena and Robert Eastlund from Graftek Imaging, a Zebra Registered Reseller and Industrial Automation Distributor, agree.
In fact, Robert said the reason he’s still excited to go to work every day after 30+ years in the machine vision space is because the combination of new technology capabilities and fresh engineering perspectives makes it possible for him to help customers with anything and everything they want to do. This wasn’t the case even 10 years ago. Sometimes things were just “impossible,” and that was frustrating.
Now, though, Robert welcomes customers’ challenging requests because he knows his knowledge, perspectives, and technical skills pair nicely with those of early career engineers such as Tomás. Together, these two generations of engineers can answer the hard questions, simplify complex workflows, and help drive meaningful changes within customers’ businesses.
That’s not the only reason why both he and Tomás see the multi-generational “convergence of the minds” so pivotal to the machine vision space and so beneficial to you, however.
Tune into the latest episode of the Industrial Automation Insider podcast now to hear how seemingly contrasting points of view about vision system design are resulting in solution recommendations that are more compatible with your business objectives, quality and safety priorities, and growth ambitions.
You can also download the MP3 from the audio player below to listen later/offline.
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I’ve also included the transcript here in case you’d prefer to read the interview.
When you have time, it would also be good to check out these other discussions around how machine vision and automation technologies can be used to solve your business problems and meet your objectives:
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Matt Van Bogart
Matt Van Bogart is a 20+ year veteran of the industrial imaging and machine vision market. He is currently responsible for machine vision-focused strategic business development at Zebra and previously drove the global channel strategy for industrial automation at the company.
