Interview with Dr. Peter Adolphs: Industrial Image Processing with System

From the standpoint of the sensor engineer the evaluation of pictures, or rows of images, which are obtained by means of CCD or CMOS chips, it is no more than the inevitable further development of the single point elements of sensors or light beam devices and switches. But the significantly greater amount of information opens up new possibilities for intelligent sensor systems. So it is no great surprise, that nearly all established manufacturers of optical sensors are also active in this field. Pepperl+Fuchs is certainly ‘at home’ with automation technology concepts and here it is, not least, also a matter of the cost of a system. First, the progress in micro-computer technology, as well as the great proliferation of digital cameras, enables us to make use of the technologies from image processing in automation applications. In this respect it is in our primary interest to explore this area.

With the acquisition of VMT almost two years ago did you want to strengthen your competence in image processing – above all in high-end systems? Have you fulfilled your expectations in this respect and was the investment worthwhile?

The technological drivers in image processing have always been the system technology, in particular the software algorithms and optimized illumination techniques. At this point much application know-how existed and consequently users with such high-end requirements always search out these system houses. So this provides us with the possibility of learning about the many aspects of experience of system business and, where possible, to also integrate this in compact sensor solutions. On the other hand, we are seeing time and again, that due to a lack of component expertise the system houses are processing standard sensor tasks with tailor-made system solutions and it is here that the available component knowledge of Pepperl+Fuchs can be used to find a better symbiosis. We already have encouraging examples of the transfer of this knowledge in both directions, but our strategy is aligned to the long-term and we will harvest the fruits of this in the future.

How is VMT integrated within the Pepperl+Fuchs-Group?

Since VMT is a systems house, which has other directions and trends to follow than those of a component manufacturer, in contrast to many other acquisitions in the past, VMT has not fully integrated, and still acts largely on an independent basis. This is also underlined by the fact that we have retained the trademark name of VMT in our external presentation. The synergies are taking place internally and are not so evident externally.

How does it work – is it chiefly the software factor that lies between your component business, the vision sensors and the VMT system business?

As already mentioned, the two business models are very different. However, technologically there are a series of interesting synergy effects, which are not restricted to the software. The illumination technique is a quite essential core competence in image processing and the experiences resulting from the system business are of immense help in the design of vision sensors.

Are further developments planned for VMT in the future?

Yes, we will also further develop VMT in the system house direction on demanding solutions in the area of the automobile industry and even outside the image processing specialization. This was also evident as a sensible approach even before the acquisition by Pepperl+Fuchs, for example in projects relating to automatic door and cover construction in final assembly. As a next step we will offer system solutions on the market via VMT, but also in the area of our identification technology and in this way expand the range of products of the Pepperl+Fuchs Group to include system business under the VMT brand name. This will enable us to separate this business from the component business and achieve a high degree of transparency for the customer.

Which projects, for example, have you been able to achieve so far in this context?

In recent months the project business in the automobile industry has developed very well. The reason for this was the increased investment activity at the premium German manufacturers, but also a further increase in the demand for quality. An example here is the sensor system-supported construction of doors and covers, which results in essentially improved gap dimensions. It is of interest here, that these investments are taking place not only in Germany, but also in other production facilities, for example in the USA and China. Of course, in this case a worldwide established company like Pepperl+Fuchs has considerable competitive advantages over small systems houses in Germany.

Where do you see your particular strengths and in which technological direction is Pepperl+Fuchs tending towards in the IBV?

A special strength of the Pepperl+Fuchs-Group is the cost-optimized sensor solution in the medium to high quantity ranges. With our production facilities in Singapore, Indonesia and, in the near future, also Vietnam, we are able to offer an interesting cost/performance balance in this segment in all markets. This means that we are of interest to international machine constructors all over the World as well as to local companies. Since image processing is slowly but surely emerging from the shadows of expensive special solutions, it is an essential asset that we can use in our marketing.

Can you be more precise?

From a purely technological point of view, with the vision sensors we are focusing on application-specific devices and solutions. Our foremost aim is not a general parameter-assignable mini image processing system, but a device optimized for a specific and frequently occurring application. Thus providing the customer with an optimum solution and minimal expense in terms of adjustment. Examples worthy of mention here are the specialized fine positioning of stores racking devices and the inspection of sheets in the printing industry area.