Novatec Co., Ltd. (Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Kazuji Saji, President), an independent IT solution provider engaged in the development and sales of software and hardware, has announced and launched a package solution called “nFactory” that enables automated visual inspection and equipment monitoring in manufacturing processes.

Visual inspection is performed during the production process to ensure product quality. It involves checking for foreign objects, deformation, scratches, etc., to determine whether a product is good or defective. Since visual inspection by humans requires experience, time, and effort, automation is desired.

When customers introduce automated visual inspection/equipment monitoring, Novatec starts by selecting cameras and lights to capture optimal images. Depending on the situation, we provide an environment that allows for capturing still images or videos, recording, playback, and searching. We build a system that captures images from multiple cameras via various interfaces (GigE, WiFi, USB) to an Edge Server.

“nFactory,” equipped with Novatec’s independently developed image inspection engine, detects anomalies in captured images. Furthermore, when detecting defects that are difficult to detect with normal image inspection algorithms, it is also possible to use an AI engine utilizing Deep Learning and Machine Learning techniques to determine good or bad products. Inspection results are stored as data along with environmental factors at the time of defect occurrence and can be used to investigate the cause of the defect.

By incorporating the image processing and AI technologies that Novatec has cultivated to date, “nFactory” achieves more practical and highly accurate defect detection. By further evolving “nFactory” in the future, we will provide cost-effective automated visual inspection/equipment monitoring solutions that meet customer needs and contribute as an independent IT solution provider.