COVIE is the highly adaptable machine vision engine based on the technology of real time video processing and using the obtained data to quickly solve various kinds of industrial problems in modern technological and production processes with no need of human intervention. 

COVIE is the eyes of modern industry. Using cameras, sensors, photosensitive devices that convert the energy of optical radiation into an electrical signal, and computing resources, COVIE allows industrial robotic systems to automatically solve problems in production. COVIE also helps industrial automated systems in many processes such as improving efficiency by improving inventory, detecting faulty parts, improving production quality. 

COVIE’s machine vision algorithm can be roughly divided into three stages: image capture, processing, and the necessary manufacturing operation. 

Photosensitive sensors, digital cameras, ultraviolet or infrared cameras are used to capture the image. All of these devices capture an image and convert it into digital information. 

The digital data coming from the video equipment is then analyzed using image processing algorithms. Even though it only takes a fraction of a second, this process can also be divided into stages. Pre-processing consists of noise removal and image contrast enhancement. After that the image is analyzed: its boundaries are determined, elements, features (size, color, shape, etc.) are identified. 

After collecting and analyzing information based on machine vision, the system takes needed action according to algorithms: corrects the supply of insulating material to the place of the welding seam on a metal pipe, manipulates the welding robot to obtain an ideal welding seam and welding quality, detects deviations on the railways’ cover and sends a signal with coordinates and revealed deviation type to the repair team, signals an error in the production process and lets the supervisory team to quickly react and avoid irreversible loss, detects and removes a defective part from the conveyor. 

Benefits of using COVIE in industrial process automation

Helps remove human factor dependency and ensure high quality of the result of industrial process. 

Example 1. The welder usually protects his eyesight, so at the time of welding the surfaces he closes his eyes, which negatively affects the relief of the welding seam. COVIE’s machine vision integrated with the welding robot “cuts off” unnecessary illumination, clearly sees the surfaces of the elements and the weld seam at the time of welding, which ensures an even and high-quality connection of the elements during welding and an even weld seam. All process parameters are taken into account in such a way that as a result of welding the structure of the metal element itself and the weld seam are identical, which can be seen in a cross cut section.  

Example 2. The welder usually tries to quickly finish welding the current segment and move on to another one in the welding process. COVIE’s machine vision integrated with the welding robot will weld a segment exactly as long as it takes to form a high-quality, even weld, and only then will it move on to another segment.  

Allows to eliminate risks in the field of occupational health and safety, reduce the level of occupational injuries of workers during the potentially dangerous industrial process. 

Example: To ensure quality of the produced varnishes, paints and production chemistry the production site has to ensure quality control on the conveyor level which requires human presence, verification of samples and removal of defective items. Working in such environment causes danger to health of the employee. COVIE’s machine vision integrated in the robotic module will correctly detect each defect and remove defective product with no need of human involvement. 

Lets your automated process work in conditions harmful to humans, high temperatures, adverse weather conditions, etc.  

Example: In certain cases welding must be done in a desert with high temperatures during a day. State legislation normallty obliges the employer to stop all works in case of high temperature. As a result, welding works can be done only early in the morning and in the evening before dark which creates big concerns. COVIE’s machine vision integrated with the welding robot can do its job despite high temperatures and conditions that can be potentially harmful  to the human. 

Helps reduce human labor and optimize human resources. 

Instead of a group of workers and equipment you get automonous robotic solution equipped with machine vision under human supervision and the ability to quickly interfere if something goes wrong. The need to deal with HR-related issues – residence, taxation, vacation and sick leave, etc. is significantly reduced.  

After all, COVIE is easy to use, reliable and adaptable. 

Leverage the power of a single, unified platform to control your enterprise-wide factory automation and logistics solutions. With an intuitive and modern interface, COVIE makes it easy for both experienced and novice users to set up, deploy and operate its machine vision engine. 

Our product is ready and can be used in a SaaS or on-premise model – integrated into your system via API, or in a hybrid format. Integration is always done individually. We can also modify COVIE for the specific needs of your business and the robotic equipment used in  your industrial operations, equip it with optimal types of cameras and sensors depending on the production process.