Rapid and accurate AI-based inspection

Omron's latest addition to its industrial vision systems family combines advanced AI-based inspection capabilities, a simplified user interface and compact design, reducing design time and total implementation cost. This makes it possible to implement high-precision inspections without requiring complex configurations and specialist expertise. The Smart Camera FHV7-AI, as the new device is called, brings the power of artificial intelligence directly to visual inspection on the production line. Thanks to its ability to learn automatically even from a limited number of images, it eliminates the need for lengthy and complex manual configurations, reducing installation time from several hours to just a few minutes. Moreover, the system can continuously adapt to product variations, ensuring stable and reliable results. This technology is ideal for performing common inspection tasks such as checking for missing components, verifying product type, identifying scratches or dents, and checking the presence and legibility of codes.

Equipped with a simple and intuitive screen, the new interface provides operators with clear instructions for each stage of the configuration process: from adjusting lighting and focus to recording the reference image and teaching product variations, every step is designed to be straightforward. Even those with little experience with vision systems can create robust inspection processes, reducing dependence on specialist engineers and accelerating commissioning. Designed for use even in extreme industrial conditions, the Smart Camera FHV7-AI features IP67-rated housing, integrated white LED lighting and five lens options with autofocus. The compact, standalone design eliminates the need for external housings, additional lenses or supplementary hardware, reducing initial installation and maintenance costs, whilst the simplified structure, with fewer product codes, facilitates selection and warehouse management, simplifying inventory standardisation. The flexible autofocus function covers a wide range of focal distances (from 59 to 2,000 mm), automatically adapting to transitions between products of different sizes. This makes format changes faster and more efficient, improving productivity without compromising quality.

By combining AI functionality with a simple, scalable and cost-effective design, the Smart Camera FHV7-AI opens up new possibilities for companies of every size, enabling them to automate inspections that were previously too complex or expensive to implement, ensuring consistent product quality, reducing waste and meeting regulatory requirements. The device finds its ideal application areas in the packaging, automotive and consumer goods sectors where precision, reliability and traceability are fundamental. Thanks to the innovations introduced by Smart Camera FHV7-AI, Omron takes another step towards industrial automation that is increasingly accessible, intelligent and quality-oriented. To support companies and operators in adopting these new technologies, the company will organise two webinars dedicated to the application of AI in machine vision and optimising data collection in production. These appointments offer an opportunity to explore the concrete advantages of Omron solutions and engage directly with industry experts. The first meeting – entitled "The advantages of AI applied to machine vision", scheduled for 17 February – will explore the differences between a traditional approach and one based on AI in machine vision, the reasons why AI makes machine vision simpler and ready to use, and AI-based machine vision according to Omron. The second appointment – entitled "Efficiently using production data", scheduled for 3 March – will instead address the value of optimised use of production data, the advantages of efficient data collection and Omron solutions for data collection and management.