Introduction
At the beginning of 2024, the market for vision positioning systems will be experiencing a major change, a change that is driven by a confluence of macroeconomic factors, including technological innovation, government regulations, and changes in the behavior of consumers. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are enhancing the capabilities of vision positioning systems and making them more precise and efficient in many industries. At the same time, regulations are tightening, and the need for compliance and safety measures is driving innovation. Furthermore, changing customer expectations regarding automation and real-time data processing are pushing industry players to adopt and invest in more advanced vision positioning systems. These trends are of crucial importance for all market participants who wish to understand and navigate the complexities of this market.
Top Trends
- Increased Adoption of AI and Machine Learning
Machine vision is becoming increasingly a component of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The Cognex Corporation is at the forefront of this trend. It has been estimated that the accuracy of such systems can be improved by up to 30 per cent. This is reshaping the operational efficiency of the industry, particularly in manufacturing and logistics where the processing of real-time data is of paramount importance. The future development of this technology will likely lead to more and more independent systems capable of learning and self-correcting.
- Expansion of Autonomous Vehicles
With the emergence of driverless cars, the vision positioning systems are experiencing a growing demand. Industry leaders such as DJI and Parrot SA are developing this market. The governments are also becoming more and more supportive. Several countries are setting up frameworks for testing driverless technology. This trend could improve the safety and efficiency of transport, and it may eventually be adopted in urban areas.
- Enhanced 3D Vision Capabilities
Sick AG is a pioneer in this field. Its research shows that a 3D system can detect objects in the real world with a 40 per cent improvement over a 2D system. This is of great importance for automation and robotics. It makes for more precise operations and fewer mistakes. It also opens up new fields of application in complex surroundings.
- Integration with IoT Devices
“Industry 4.0” is a buzzword for the digital transformation of manufacturing, and it is a way of describing how a combination of vision positioning systems and IoT devices is changing manufacturing. IoT integration can increase the visibility of manufacturing by up to 50%. This enables more intelligent production processes and preventive maintenance that reduces downtime. In the future, the Internet of Things could be used to optimize the allocation of resources.
- Focus on Cybersecurity Measures
ABB is one of the companies that have adapted to the need for increased security of the systems. In recent years, there has been a 30 percent increase in cyber attacks on industrial systems. This trend is pushing companies to invest in strong security measures, which could lead to the development of more secure and robust systems in the future.
- Advancements in Sensor Technology
Advances in sensing technology are bringing about improvements in vision-based positioning, and in this field the leading company is Pepperl & Fuchs. Their new sensors increase the detection range by up to 25%, thereby bringing about a considerable increase in the operational capabilities of these systems. This trend is important for industries such as logistics and production, where precision is paramount. Future developments may well bring about an even smaller, more efficient design for these sensors.
- Regulatory Compliance and Standards
It is the turn of government and industry to take up the regulation of optical guidance systems. The standardization of such systems would increase their reliability and safety. Indeed, it has been estimated that in the environment where these regulations are in force, the accident rate is reduced by twenty percent. This tendency, in the pursuit of the satisfaction of the regulations, will encourage the innovation of the companies, which will thus be developing a culture of safety and responsibility.
- Growth in Augmented Reality Applications
A number of companies are integrating augmented reality into their vision positioning systems. For example, the Seegrid Corporation is experimenting with the use of augmented reality for locating a tool in the field. Its experience suggests that augmented reality can increase the training efficiency by up to 35 percent, which makes it a useful tool in the field. The trend of augmented reality will be a better experience for users and more effective training for workers in various industries.
- Sustainability Initiatives
Vision-based systems are increasingly becoming the focus of sustainable development, and many companies are now adopting an eco-friendly approach. According to a study, the use of sustainable technology can reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent. This trend has affected product design and operation strategies, and companies are now aiming to minimize their impact on the environment. Moreover, future developments may lead to the use of more sustainable materials and processes.
- Customization and Flexibility in Solutions
Demand for vision positioning systems is growing, driven by the requirements of a wide variety of industries. In response, more and more companies are offering customized solutions. According to a study, 60 percent of companies prefer these systems. The trend toward customized systems has improved efficiency and satisfaction for the users. These developments have a future. They might lead to more modular designs, making it easier to add new functions.
Conclusion: Navigating the Vision Positioning Landscape
In 2024, the market for vision-based positioning systems will be highly competitive and highly fragmented, with the market being contested by both the established players and the new entrants. The market for localized solutions will grow as the suppliers adapt to the local market needs and the regulatory environment. The established players are able to use their established reputations and their extensive resources to improve their offerings, while the new entrants are able to develop new niches, based on innovations in the areas of artificial intelligence, automation and sustainability. Suppliers that wish to be leaders in the future will have to be able to offer flexibility in their product offerings. They will not only be able to strengthen their position in the market, but will also be able to meet the increasing demand for flexible and sustainable solutions in the vision-based positioning systems sector.