C h a p t e r 3
SENSING AND PERCEPTION
The Value of Sensing
For any autonomous system to function
safely, it must be able to perceive its
surroundings. Autonomy is built on
awareness. Whether for a robotic arm on
a production line, an autonomous mobile
robot in a warehouse, or a servo motor
adjusting its position, accurate and timely
sensor data are essential.
Machines build their understanding of the
world through sensors. They gather data
about position, movement, and a range
of physical effects. AI takes these inputs
and decides when to act, how to respond,
and when to notify its human colleagues.
A machine may be powerful and fast, but
without accurate sensing, it is blindfolded.
Sensors are the enablers of true
autonomy in industrial systems.
Without sensors, autonomous
systems would be unable to
perceive, adapt, or self-correct.
Like humans, autonomous robots
rely on sensory input to navigate
their environment."
Hector Barresi
Industrial Technology Advisor
Computer Vision and Beyond
Most humans rely on vision to build a
three-dimensional model of their world.
Computer vision systems provide the same
for machines. In industrial applications,
vision systems are often used to monitor
production lines as well as to conduct
inspections and monitor goods and
workers. These systems do not rely solely
on the visible spectrum. Modern vision
systems use near-infrared imaging, using
light in the 850-1500 nm wavelength
range to see in environments where
visible light is limited.
Although vision systems provide rich data,
they demand significant computing power.
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Autonomy Meets Intelligence: Enabling the Future of Factory Automation
