Vision AI, which specialises in advanced automation using robotics and machine vision, has become ABB Robotics Australia's newest Authorised Value Provider (AVP), joining a network of businesses progressing robotic automation and propelling knowledge robot applications’ benefits.
An ABB Channel Partner since 2022, Vision AI has already made great strides in locally designing, engineering, and manufacturing tailored solutions to modernise and optimise industrial processes for its customers in the agriculture and food sectors.
Vision AI is an expert in integrating vision systems with robotic platforms to support customers in improving their grading, selecting, and packaging applications using integrated machine vision systems with robotic technology.
This combination enables precise control and handling, higher productivity levels, and final product reliability in manufacturing and production environments.
As an ABB Robotics AVP, Vision AI will benefit from expert support for design obstacles via both local and global specialists. It will also have the opportunity to participate in complementary robotic training courses focused on optimally growing the skills of robot technicians.
Additionally, Vision AI will have access to ABB’s RobotStudio, an offline programming and simulation tool offering users advanced robot programming and optimisation exploration pathways for testing, validation, visualisation, and optimisation.
This comprehensive support ensures AVPs are equipped with the resources to drive success in their projects and operations and deliver faster implementation of solutions for their customers.
“From the start, I set out to redefine what’s possible for Australian industries. We wanted to be a supplier of next-gen solutions that were never seen before,” said Mark Strangio-McRae, founder and director of Vision AI.
“I could see critical gaps that needed to be filled in the market, and where robotic automation could support in solving those problems to reshape the future of these industries.”
Vision AI has already designed and assembled a precision-driven intelligent fruit grading and packing solution that uses ABB’s IRB 1200 and IRB 1300 industrial robots in a world-first application that will be supplied to Victorian glasshouse fruit and vegetable grower Flavorite to accelerate and optimise their operations.
The solution leverages advanced vision software to grade and select fruit on a production line, using techniques including edge detection, contour analysis, and colour recognition. It is helping to outmanoeuvre ongoing labour shortage issues in Australia's agricultural sector, including workers required for fruit harvesting.
This automation of the grading process is not just enhancing efficiency and increasing productivity by accelerating the packaging process, but it's also helping to support the sustainable growth of the industry while answering consumer demand for greater product availability.
Up to 13 of ABB’s industrial robots are integrated into the 50m long production line of this platform, handling both the packing application and the cutting of fruits and vegetables.
Vision AI's system is also equipping businesses with the freedom to decrease the number of employees required for such tasks from 20 to as little as two, giving staff the opportunity to sidestep repetitive or redundant work and instead focus on growing their skills in other areas.
“ABB technology and software stands out for its user-friendliness and ease of adoption. This is especially crucial when training graduates, as they can grasp the software quickly,” added Strangio-McRae.
“Beyond that, I truly value the local ABB Robotics team in Australia. Their expertise and unwavering support make this partnership an ongoing success.
“Engineering can be a tough industry, often traditional in its approach to workforce development. But here at Vision AI, we're committed to doing better.
“We support our employees by offering them opportunities to learn new skills – whether through AI, deep learning, or flexible work practices, that will help them thrive in their careers.”
According to Peter Bradbury, channel manager for ABB Robotics in Australia, Vision AI is undoubtedly one of the most exciting tech and robotic automation companies in Australia’s agriculture and food sectors.
“I’m eager to see where their innovation journey takes them next, especially with their ambitious plans to expand into other industries. No doubt their groundbreaking technology will soon be featured in even more businesses, both in Australia and abroad,” said Bradbury.
