Vision AI specialist Neurala is collaborating with machine camera producer FLIR to create a full software and hardware stack AI-based industrial imaging solution. 

Neurala’s vision AI software supports the creation of neural networks that can be deployed directly onto FLIR Firefly DL cameras. Machine vision camera specialist FLIR’s Firefly DL cameras are compact with built-in inference on the edge capabilities.

Through the collaboration, Neurala and FLIR are aiming to deliver faster, more cost-effective entry points for customers looking to deploy deep learning on the production line. 

The new solution allows customers to create deep learning models rapidly using Neurala’s Brain Builder on the VIA platform with little data and no AI expertise. These models can be directly uploaded to a FLIR Firefly DL camera using the free FLIR Spinnaker SDK. As a result, neural networks can be deployed for a wide variety of applications, including printed circuit board (PCB) inspection, detection of foreign objects, identification of surface level metal defects and product uniformity issues. With the ability to deploy directly onto the compact FLIR Firefly DL camera, an intelligent, automated inspection point can be placed practically anywhere in-line and quickly reconfigured for new applications.

“The rise of Industry 4.0 has challenged manufacturers to rethink the tools and systems they are using as part of their workflow. With cameras and sensors gathering product data and analysing the overall health of industrial equipment, manufacturers have realised the power of AI to draw actionable insights from this data,” said Max Versace, CEO and co-founder of Neurala. “We are thrilled to collaborate with FLIR to enable customers to capitalise on the data their machines are collecting as they look to further automate their manufacturing processes.”

“Being one of the world’s first machine vision manufacturers with an inference on the edge solution, we are constantly looking for ways to help our customers stay at the cutting edge,” said Sadiq Panjwani, Vice President, Components Business, FLIR Systems. “Our collaboration with Neurala on a simplified and accessible full-stack deep learning solution is another step in that direction, bringing customers the advanced machine vision techniques required for today’s highly automated industrial environments.”