EZ Automation recently showcased an innovative in-line version of its PIQuE AI-powered surface inspection system at the ISA Automation Summit & Expo in Florida. This advancement could be transformative for manufacturing industries aiming to optimize quality control processes.

In an era where manufacturing precision is not just preferable but essential, EZ Automation's PIQuE system offers a glimpse into the future. With its AI-driven in-line inspection capabilities, this system has the potential to streamline operations and reduce costs related to surface defects. The latest PIQuE configuration promises increased adaptability and efficiency across various manufacturing sectors.

The PIQuE Evolution

The Evolution of PIQuE

Originally launched as a 360-degree vision system with robotic manipulation, EZ Automation's PIQuE has now evolved. The latest version, demonstrated at the ISA Automation Summit, replaces robotic manipulation with a streamlined in-line system. This transition emphasizes speed and integration into existing production lines. Retaining its core 3D laser triangulation and AI-driven inspection features, the PIQuE system ensures detailed and reliable surface inspections.

Efficiency and Adaptability

Efficiency and Adaptability

The push for adaptable and efficient quality inspection systems drives this new configuration's development. The in-line PIQuE is designed to fit seamlessly within various production environments, enhancing both speed and accuracy. Manufacturers can conduct inspections without halting production, thereby minimizing downtime and increasing throughput. EZ Eye’s 55% reduction in training time for deep learning systems further underscores potential efficiency gains.

Implications for Various Industries

Implications for Various Industries

Initially designed for the electronics and semiconductor sectors, the PIQuE system's versatility extends to aerospace, medical devices, and more. Its ability to detect minor defects, like soldering imperfections or component misalignments, is crucial where precision is key. For the automotive sector, the system could be invaluable for maintaining rigorous quality standards while managing large volumes. As industries lean more into automation for quality control, systems like PIQuE offer the adaptability needed to effectively scale such technologies.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The platform also supports future integration of pre-trained AI models, easing the transition and setup process for new users. By continually learning from historical data, PIQuE enhances its accuracy over time, providing a robust solution for industries that demand consistency and reliability.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Integrating an advanced system like PIQuE may involve upfront costs, but the return on investment can be significant. Manufacturers can achieve notable reductions in waste and rework thanks to fewer defects. Additionally, training times for AI models have been dramatically reduced, as demonstrated by EZ Automation's 55% reduction benchmark, made possible by the EZ Eye's intelligent sorting capabilities. This frees up labor for more strategic tasks and speeds up the deployment of AI-driven inspections.

By the numbers

• Training time reduction: 55 percent, since integration — EZ Automation

• Inspection time savings: 33-78 percent, varied projects — EZ Automation

What's next

The next steps for PIQuE include broader implementation across more manufacturing sectors and measuring the impacts in varied environments. Observations from these installations will guide further development and refinement of the system.

> "PIQuE represents our commitment to delivering advanced turnkey quality control solutions tailored to real-world manufacturing challenges," said Ahmed Tawfik, CEO of EZ Automation.

Moreover, eliminating robotic manipulation from the design leads to less maintenance and operational risk, providing long-term cost savings.

Sources

• robotics247.com — EZ Automation demonstrates new inline configuration of AI-powered inspection system (2025-10-04)

• robotics247.com — Machina Labs announces custom automotive manufacturing methods with AI, robotics (2025-10-01)

• robotics247.com — NEURA Robotics announces acquisition of driverless transport systems provider ek robotics (2025-10-02)