AVEVA launched Vision AI Assistant 2021, an image classification-based analytics tool. The artificial intelligence solution, which can be integrated into AVEVA System Platform and Operations Management Interface and AVEVA Insight, enables customers to use video and images from existing general-purpose cameras and convert them into user-friendly information and timely alerts.

Designed for low latency industrial environments, Vision AI Assistant leverages deep learning to train and deploy 24×7 artificial intelligence models to enhance situational awareness to help operators focus on the task at hand without continuously monitoring live camera feeds.

Vision AI Assistant enables organisations to improve operations, quality, and maintenance capabilities across industrial enterprises by using cameras to determine visual anomalies, assess quality, and vigorously monitor production, optimising efficiencies and improving sustainability in the process. Product applications include:

• Standard digital cameras can be used with Vision AI Assistant to ensure quality control, such as by analysing the quality of water treatment fluids, by gauging if a hopper is full or empty, or by identifying defective products on a production line.
• Vision AI Assistant can also scan thermal or infrared camera feeds so operations teams can uncover visual inconsistencies. For example, by locating compressed air or fluid leaks, it can reduce failure and efficiency loss, and by spotting hot-spots in a data center, it can prevent overheating of critical equipment.
• The AI solution assists maintenance efforts through continuous monitoring of plants and machinery and diagnosis of equipment issues weeks, or months before failure.

Vision AI Assistant is offered as an exclusive extension for AVEVA System Platform purchases through the AVEVA Flex subscription initiative. The flexible payment and usage program spans any mix of cloud, hybrid, and on-premises solutions across AVEVA’s portfolio – enabling simple license purchasing, usage and management.

Kenneth Labhart, Innovation Leader – Global Supply Chain North America, Schneider Electric said, “AVEVA’s Vision AI is monitoring and analysing the 1.5 km main drive chain for our Lexington, Kentucky, smart factory which manufactures electric breaker panels. If that chain goes down, our entire factory comes to a halt, which typically happens a few times per year. Vision AI has already provided early detection of issues with parts of this chain on two occasions, giving us the ability to take proactive action. By doing this, we avoid revenue-impacting, unplanned downtime. We’re looking forward to expanding our usage of this artificial intelligence system.”

Jim Chappell, Global Head of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics at AVEVA said, “This breakthrough technology represents a game-changer that transforms factory operations through the power of artificial intelligence. The Vision AI Assistant enables enhanced process optimisation, thereby reducing time, wastage, and costs. Cameras can also be used in areas that are not suitable for humans for security or safety concerns, freeing up workers to focus on high-value tasks instead of continuously monitoring live camera feeds.”