IBM has launched a new Watson-powered Internet of Things (IoT) solution designed to help manufacturers streamline their assembly line inspection process.
The solution, dubbed Cognitive Visual Inspection, helps inspectors speed up the too long and expertise-based visual inspection process for rapidly finding and classifying faults in the manufacturing process.
It helps to increase production yield and lower inspection time by 80% as well as cut defects by 7% to 10%.
The solution uses an ultra-high definition camera and cognitive capabilities from IBM Watson to capture product images when they move through production and assembly.
Together with human inspectors, the solution can help detect product defects as minor as scratches and pinhole-size punctures. 
The solution continuously gains knowledge based on human evaluation of the defect classifications in the images.
It helps manufacturers enhance product excellence, achieve specialisation levels that are not seen earlier, and deliver on the promise of Industry 4.0.
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IBM Watson IoT, Customer Engagement and Education general manager Harriet Green said: “By bringing cognition to the factory floor, IBM is helping usher in the fourth industrial revolution where entirely new levels of efficiency, flexibility and product excellence in manufacturing can become an everyday reality.
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“With our new Cognitive Visual Inspection capabilities, we are bringing a new set of intelligent eyes to the manufacturing floor that have the potential to help manufacturers not only virtually eliminate product defects, but can also help businesses maintain product excellence, build brand reputation and increase revenue.”
IBM is currently working with Capgemini for testing and integrating the IBM Cognitive Visual Inspection system for its clients.
Capgemini is one of the companies co-located at the IBM Watson IoT headquarters in Munich, Germany, where Big Blue has invested $200m, its largest investment in Europe in over two decades.
The Watson IoT headquarters houses over 1,000 IBM researches, designers and developers who work together to help monetise the IoT and transform business.
