Machine vision gets smarter

JUNE 10, 2008--Smart cameras, smart sensors, and compact vision systems all have one thing in common--they are leading the charge in the field of machine vision with above-average growth, according to a new report by IMS Research (Wellingborough, UK; www.imsresearch.com), a supplier of market research and consultancy services on a range of global electronics markets. The world hardware market is estimated to have been worth more than $1.5 billion in 2007 and is forecast to grow to $2.1 billion in 2012. Unit shipments are predicted to grow faster than revenues, as prices are steadily chipped away.

"The reasons for this are well understood," commented John Morse, author of the report. "Developments in software and sensor technology help manufacturers to produce greater functionality per dollar to reduce prices." Morse continued, "Market growth in machine vision is above the average for industrial automation in general, but there are substantial regional differences; not surprisingly Asia Pacific is expected to grow fastest."