Click for sound
What is 4D Vision?
4D Vision is the underlying technology of Apera AI's Vue robotic vision software. We have a world-class team of applied scientists and engineers who are engaged in machine learning, artificial intelligence and deep learning research.
4D Vision is human-like sight for manufacturing. The general rule is if a human can see and determine an object's positioning in comparison to the environment and other objects, so can an Apera vision system.
Neural Networks
How does our AI training process work?
We start with a CAD model or 3D scan. The part is trained into a digital twin environment using synthetic data. When the training reaches a point of very high reliability—99.99%—a complete vision program is provided to our customer. It is loaded on their computer running Vue software and operation of the robot can begin after a short 15-minute calibration process.
Click for sound
AI in Manufacturing
How does our AI-powered vision technology recognize parts and guide robots?
The scene is captured by pairs of 2D cameras and combined into a 3D understanding of the capture area. A single computer running Apera Vue can run up to 4 pairs of cameras to cover a large operating area.
Those images are run through our proprietary AI technology. Objects identified as pickable, even with hundreds of possibilities, are prioritized. The "most pickable" part is chosen, and full path planning instructions are provided through the robot's controller. Due to the number of simulated cycles run during the AI training process, this process happens very quickly—in as little as 0.3 seconds (3 Hz).
Training AI
The role of synthetic data
Conventional machine learning algorithms are based on having reference images or a CAD model as the foundation of identifying 3D positioning for objects. But what if this is a completely new part and no photos of it exist? Or the CAD model does not show how the object looks under different lighting or its texture?
In training its neural networks, Apera AI uses synthetic data. This allows us to bypass the need for reference images or relying purely on CAD models. Synthetic data allows us to improve the AI process and introduce variables such as lighting, texture, and labels or markings.
See 4D Vision Work
Picking and Placing Clear Objects
Clear and translucent objects are no longer exceptions thanks to Apera Vue vision software.
Learn More](/content/learn/videos/no-exceptions-robotic-picking-of-clear-objects-with-speed-and-precision-at-automate-2023/index.html)
Vision that works in all lighting conditions
This is vision that works in bright conditions, nearly dark and even outside.
Learn More](/content/learn/videos/deep-bin-picking-shiny-stamped-metal-automate-2023/index.html)
High-Speed Robotic Sorting
Apera Vue vision software sorts two nearly identical bolts at industry-leading speeds.
Learn More](/content/?p=5570/index.html)
Continue your journey
Explore more about Vue Software and Forge Lab. You now can implement vision with higher reliability and certainty of success.
Vue Robotic Vision Software
Complete robotic guidance using AI makes manufacturing more reliable and productive.
Learn More](/content/products/apera-vue-robotic-vision-software/index.html)
Apera Forge: AI Training + Simulation
Uses simulation to simplify the process of setting up vision-guided robotic systems.
Learn More](/content/products/forge-ai-vision-training-simulation/index.html)