Situation
The use of machine vision technology in America is steadily growing. Every year, more industries are turning to the technology to increase the accuracy and efficacy of their inspection methods. Companies stand to benefit from its implementation in areas where automating detection processes would cut costs and time. As the use of application-specific machine vision technology continues to expand, companies are becoming more creative in the ways they seek to incorporate it into their practices.
A few years ago, IDEXX—a biotechnology company specializing in diagnostic products and services—ran into an obsolescence issue when the camera in their SNAPshot® reader neared its end of life. The device served to analyze the company’s line of SNAP® Residue and Contaminant Tests in order to detect antibiotic residue and contaminants in milk. In the U.S., it is required that processors perform testing for beta-lactam antibiotics before processing milk. In many areas outside of the U.S., testing occurs prior to off-loading the milk from transport trucks. Dairy farms, dairy processors and milk consolidation stations worldwide depend on the reader to accurately examine and ensure that milk is safe for consumption.