Integrating AI Edge Computing for Enhanced In-Line Bottle Inspection
Implementing AI Edge Inferencing for Advanced In-Line Bottle Inspection
For more than six decades, this provider of in-line bottle inspection solutions has been implementing their innovative automated vision systems for quality control in the beverage and food sectors. They've established dedicated local support teams worldwide, expanding their reach into more than 20 countries.
Integrated into rapid production lines, their solution meticulously inspects each item for imperfections before it's distributed to wholesalers and retailers. The company has crafted a proprietary interface leveraging machine vision technology for comprehensive inspections, including checks for empty bottles or cans, seal integrity, tamper evidence, and accurate fill levels, among other aspects. This automation streamlines the inspection process, helping food and beverage manufacturers minimize the risk of shipping defective products and uphold their brand integrity.
Challenge:
- They needed a dependable edge computing solution to enhance their machine vision system for in-line bottle inspection.
- They have faced issues with a former supplier altering design layouts unexpectedly.
- They aimed to transition from an aging Intel 7th Gen Single Board Computer (SBC) setup to an updated, rugged industrial computer that meets EMC certification requirements.
- Intended to merge past system solutions into one computing platform to reduce expenses, improve efficiency, and minimize space usage.
- Search for a skilled and responsive manufacturer in California, USA, for trustworthy engineering/sales support and effective supply chain management.
Solution:
- C&T's RCO-6000-CML Series AI Edge Inference Computer, designed with advanced processing capabilities and adaptable connectivity, is optimized for machine vision applications at the rugged edge.
- Equipped with the Intel XEON-W TE processor for robust server-level performance, reliable edge operation, and support through an extensive product lifecycle.
- Achieves system integration by managing eight vision cameras at once with the help of EDGEBoost I/O modules.
- Features a fanless and cableless architecture, rigorously tested and validated to meet global certifications (CE, FCC, UL) for adherence to safety regulations.
Benefits:
- C&T's partner is strategically located in California, USA for optimized local supply chain management
- Features a dedicated engineering and sales team equipped to address present and future challenges.
- Maintains open and skilled communication with the solution provider, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
The Challenge
Following repeated miscommunications and unexpected notifications about changes in their open-board design, this bottle inspection company began searching for a new edge computing provider for their system. They had been using an open-board single-board computer (SBC) setup housed within a cabinet, but issues arose due to their vendor's habit of making unscheduled design alterations to the SBC, leading to a mismatched and unreliable product that required constant adjustments. This inconsistency prompted the need for a more reliable solution and a trustworthy partner.
A key consideration in their search was the outdated Intel 7th Gen processor used in their current SBC, which was nearing its end-of-life (EOL). The company needed an edge computing partner offering updated technology with dependable, long-term support for product lifecycles.
While not initially aiming to consolidate their system, the possibility of operating 8 inspection cameras with a single computer — as opposed to their former setup of two SBCs managing four cameras each — emerged as an appealing advantage. Additionally, as the company was working towards developing an EMC-certified system, they required an edge computer that was fully ruggedized, unlike their previous SBC setup.
by Evie, C&T Sales VP
The Solution
C&T recommended their RCO-6000-CML Series AI Edge Inference Computer as the optimal choice for the inspection vision system, highlighting its easy configurability and adaptability to match deployment requirements.
Leveraging 10th Gen Intel Processor For Machine Vision
The RCO-6000-CML Series utilizes a 10th Gen Intel XEON W1290TE processor, optimizing the AI vision interface for bottle inspection with a 35W TDP. This choice of a TE model processor aligns with Intel's embedded product lifecycle, guaranteeing extended support and stability. While AI vision tasks often demand a GPU for accelerated performance, the server-grade XEON processor efficiently supports the machine vision bottle application, offering cost savings and a smaller footprint.
System Consolidation With EDGEBoost I/O Technology
A standout feature of our AI Edge Inference Computers is the dual EDGEBoost I/O modules capability. This feature offers our machine vision provider unparalleled I/O flexibility and compatibility through a customizable mix-and-match approach.
For their bottle inspection system, which needed to accommodate 8 vision cameras, our RCO-6000-CML Series presents a significant improvement. Previously, they required two separate SBCs, each handling four cameras. Now, the RCO-6000-CML Series enables them to connect all 8 cameras directly through the EDGEBoost I/O modules in a single device. This consolidation results in substantial savings in terms of space, software licensing fees, and overall expenditure.
Fanless & Cableless Design For In-Line Edge AI Inferencing
The bottle inspection system will be seamlessly integrated into factory operations upon implementation, aligning perfectly with the ongoing production process. The RCO-6000-CML Series is specifically designed with a fanless and cableless structure to enhance system dependability and longevity. It has undergone rigorous testing to withstand harsh conditions often found on factory floors, such as constant shock and vibration, fluctuating temperatures, and erratic power supply.
Additionally, during a period of design evolution aimed at obtaining EMC certifications, the machine vision provider found an invaluable advantage in C&T's RCO-6000-CML. This system has been extensively tested and validated, achieving top-tier certifications from CE, FCC, and UL for meeting safety standards. This accomplishment significantly streamlined the process for the machine vision provider to comply with EMC requirements, facilitating their certification efforts with ease.
The Benefits
Beyond the robust edge computing solutions offered, C&T has capitalized on external advantages that the bottle inspection provider greatly appreciated. The collaboration between the solution provider and C&T was so fruitful that it led to C&T being recommended to the provider's affiliate for potential future collaborations.
Robust Computing Product Portfolio
Understanding the diversity of needs in edge computing, C&T has curated a broad selection of ready-to-deploy rugged edge computing solutions to accommodate various industrial requirements. This range spans from highly compact industrial mini computers to advanced machine vision computers capable of supporting dual FHFL GPUs. A consistent feature across most of C&T's industrial computing solutions is their adaptability, highlighted by:
- Modular EDGEBoost I/O for effortless connectivity and compatibility.
- EDGEBoost Nodes designed for specific hardware acceleration needs.
- Hot-swappable Storage options for easy data transfer and system upgrades.
- PCIe expansion capabilities for extensive support of extra add-on cards.
Localized Supply Chain Management
C&T's partner, strategically located in the City of Industry, California, boasts a specialized supply chain team adept at managing and overcoming supply chain challenges effectively. Their proximity to the machine vision provider offers advantages like reduced lead times and improved cost savings. Consequently, C&T and their partner have forged a solid business alliance that has strengthened trust and reliability in delivery.Engineering & Sales Support
As an established partner, C&T offers comprehensive support for any issues or inquiries and expedited responses for upcoming projects or orders. Their engineering and sales teams have contributed their expertise to guarantee dependable operations and maintain open communication with the machine vision provider.Contact us to consult with our industrial technical experts.
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