Eckelmann: Innovation unit for image processing and artificial intelligence

At Eckelmann, 250 engineers, computer scientists and natural scientists work and research on the design of a sustainable and networked world every day. With the "Vision AI" innovation unit, the full-service provider for industrial automation and digitalization has formed an additional development unit for intelligent image processing with AI. Its mission: to use image processing and machine vision to shape the production and processes of the future - for example for 24/7 quality control and defect detection through visual inspection.

Eckelmann is a development partner for systems and customer-internal processes in production and intralogistics: with solutions and control systems for controlling individual systems or lines via Eckelmann FactoryWare Solutions. Supplemented by seamless material tracking for the entire warehouse management via Eckelmann FactoryWare Logistics.

"Vision AI" unit part of the corporate strategy

The "Vision AI" team carries out future-oriented test runs in the test center using real customer products in order to perfect automation and significantly reduce commissioning times. The establishment of the Vision AI unit is part of the corporate strategy: using machine vision to anticipate and shape the needs of industries - with smart camera systems, innovative technologies and AI software solutions. This makes the team a sparring partner for sustainable developments for target customers in (inter)national target markets.

One example of AI-supported image processing is the FactoryWare RCD ^S+ (Reusable Crate Detection) camera-supported counting gate, which is used to digitally record reusable packaging containers (RPCs) in automated logistics depots. It combines classic image processing algorithms and AI solutions. The RCD S⁺ takes just a few seconds for reliable counting and detection, compared to 20 minutes of manual work in the past.

Eckelmann was the development partner for washing depots with visualization expertise: On arrival, the reusable containers stacked on pallets are fed to the RCD S⁺, recorded, identified, counted and the results made available to the logistics depot for billing its customers. The Eckelmann systems are now in use in 32 washing centers in 17 countries across Europe, two more on the Asian continent and are currently being rolled out in North America.