Machine vision and quality inspection

Two ways of checking

A few parts from each batch are measured in a lab, or every part is checked on the line.

Box 1 measures a few parts from each batch very precisely. Box 2 checks every part as it is made, at the speed of the line. Box 3 inspects dams, ports and ships' hulls instead of parts. Tap a title in the diagram to jump to its companies.

Measuring machines and software 2 companies

These companies make machines and software that measure a sample of parts very precisely and compare them with the design.

ZEISSZEISS, the Indian arm of the German optics group, with engineers in Bengaluru, makes machines that measure parts with a probe, scanners that X-ray parts for hidden cracks, and microscopes.BengaluruHired recently

Hexagon (R&D)Hexagon (R&D), with engineers in Hyderabad, builds Hexagon's software for measuring manufactured parts.See alsoCAD and PLM software

The tech, explainedCoordinate measuring machine (CMM)

Testers and cameras on the line 5 companies

These companies make testers and cameras that check every item as it is made.

Sciemetric Technologies (TASI India)Sciemetric Technologies, with engineers in Pune, makes instruments that test whether valves, pumps and battery cases leak, and the software that records every test on a line.Pune

Cognex Corp.Cognex, with engineers in Pune, makes smart cameras, each with its own computer that judges every picture, and barcode readers.

Eternal RoboticsEternal Robotics, in Mumbai, is another company that works on inspecting parts.

Beltech AIBeltech AI, in Bengaluru, is another company that works on inspecting parts.

Senso VisionSenso Vision is another company that works on inspecting parts.

The tech, explainedMachine vision Leak testing

Underwater inspection robots 1 company

This company inspects structures under water instead of parts.

PPlanysPlanys, a company from IIT Madras with engineers in Chennai, builds underwater robots that inspect dams, ports and the hulls of ships.

How it all worksIndustrial automationThousands of bottles an hour, a few people watching.

See how it works →

What's changing

The inspector that never tires.

Checking parts by eye has been one of the last manual jobs on a production line. AI models now spot defects they were never shown, after learning from a handful of examples. In Indian factories, where inspection is still largely done by people, affordable vision systems are among the most immediate uses of AI.