Based on AI and IoT, the system automatically detects defects and anomalies to improve quality assurance
Quality control is an expensive and time-consuming task that requires several hours of continuous checks by human inspectors — especially in manufacturing operations, logistics and warehouses. Moreover, the increasing complexity of production pipelines sometimes makes it impossible for manual inspections to provide the required level of accuracy. It is for precisely these reasons that Konica Minolta is launching Visual Quality Inspection, which combines Konica Minolta's AI-based technology with intelligent camera solutions. The inspection system is designed to significantly improve the production process in terms of both safety and efficiency. It can be applied in a wide range of industries.
Detecting defects in manufacturing operations, logistics and warehouses can be a lengthy process. Manual inspection is usually based on human judgement, but can lead to inaccurate results due to various factors such as eyesight, experience, fatigue etc. However, accuracy in quality inspection is required for a more cost-effective production line and to prevent the loss of expensive equipment and materials, rework and, in the worst-case scenario, even injury or death.
Konica Minolta has therefore combined its long-standing expertise in imaging technologies with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to develop its unique Visual Quality Inspection system. The quality monitoring system is designed to detect defects and anomalies in terms of their size and severity, scratches, spills, leaks including cracks and foreign objects, as well as improper position of specific objects. This can reduce human error and produce more consistent and higher-quality products. Human resources can be used more efficiently by assigning employees to activities that create more value.
Visual Quality Inspection is the first video analytics solution service based on Konica Minolta's own imaging IoT platform FORXAI. The platform enables immediate AI-based edge analysis processing of images and videos on site or quick cloud-based processing. The image data is provided by highly sensitive, intelligent video camera solutions that detect defects better than the human eye. Based on Deep Learning [1] FORXAI Imaging AI analyses these images, recognises specific patterns and thus identifies defects. It is trained for this monotonous but critical task and achieves a higher level of accuracy and consistency than human inspection processes. The platform provides all the information to the client in real time. Defects are rated in terms of their severity on a scale of 0 to 100% and the process manager is immediately notified via the dashboard. They can then retrieve the images from the relevant cameras to identify the type of warning. This enables a real-time response to the problem and minimises the number of staff required, as each camera does not need to be constantly monitored. The very easy-to-use user interface is simple to operate, even without knowledge of programming or machine learning. To make production predictable, the platform also provides long-term analysis and statistics on the number of items detected and the type of defects.
About Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH, based in Langenhagen, Germany, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta Inc., Tokyo, Japan. With its unique expertise in imaging, data processing and data-based decision making, Konica Minolta creates relevant solutions for its customers - small and medium-sized businesses, large enterprises and public sector - and solves issues faced by society.
As a digital workplace solution provider, Konica Minolta helps its clients to identify and unlock the potential digitalisation holds and reach the next level in the digital maturity of their organisation by rethinking the workplace. In support of an ‘Intelligent connected workplace’, Konica Minolta offers cloud, IT, managed print and video solution services for remote working, collaboration, workflow management and automation and security. The company’s success in driving transformation is also confirmed by IDC, since the ‘IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Print Transformation 2023 Vendor Assessment’ has named Konica Minolta a “Leader” in print transformation. Konica Minolta has been a Microsoft Global Managed Partner since 2021.
Konica Minolta's Igniting Print Possibilities offering helps printers, converters and brand owners maximise workflow automation to increase efficiency. The company delivers consultancy in all communication matters as well as top-of-the-line production, packaging as well as label printers. Its finishing devices create print products that stand out and create added value. Konica Minolta has established itself as the production printing market leader for more than a decade in Europe (InfoSource).
For an increasing number of organisations, success today is more than the narrow definition of financial prosperity – it also includes protecting the environment and having a positive impact on their workforce as well as the societies they are embedded in. With its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Konica Minolta has pledged to consistently pursue its sustainability and social responsibility goals.
The company has been repeatedly recognised for its rich history of social contribution as well as for working towards achieving the SDGs throughout its business and supply chain. Konica Minolta received a GOLD Level Recognition Medal in the EcoVadis sustainability ratings for 2024.
For its remote services, Konica Minolta was awarded the prestigious ‘Buyers Lab (BLI) 2023-2024 Pacesetter Award in Remote Service for the Western European market’ from Keypoint Intelligence.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe is represented by subsidiaries and distributors in more than 80 countries in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa. With more than 8,800 employees (as of April 2024), Konica Minolta Europe earned net sales of over EUR 2.13 billion in financial year 2023/2024.
Worldwide, the company has over 40,000 employees and is operating in over 150 countries.
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