August 28, 2025 by technologyMK Table of Contents Toggle Market overviewDifferences between 2D and 3D vision systemsHow 2D vision worksHow 3D vision worksIndustrial applicationsQuality control and defect detectionFactory automationVision-guided roboticsPharmaceuticals and healthElectronics and semiconductorsCosts and economic implications2D vision systems3D vision systemsROI and strategic advantagesHow to Choose 2D and 3D Machine Vision Systems In recent years, the artificial vision has established itself as one of the key technologies within the digital transformation and the industrial automation. Thanks to advances in smart sensors, smart cameras and deep learning algorithms, modern factories can inspect products with high accuracy. They can also analyse and sort them quickly. The vision systems market includes simple solutions for label inspection. It also encompasses advanced applications for vision-guided robotics, assembly verification and 3D metrology. These technologies bring efficiency. They also ensure compliance with regulatory standards in sectors such as automotive, electronics and pharmaceuticals. In this article we will explore the industrial applications of machine vision systems. We will also look at their technological differences, cost implications and success stories. Market overview The global market for machine vision systems for manufacturing companies has experienced accelerated growth. According to Grand View Researchis expected to reach 41 billion in 2030with a compound annual growth rate of 12.3% between 2023 and 2030. Factors driving this trend: Expansion of the factory automation. Demand for automated inspection and traceability. Integration with Machine Vision in advanced robotics. Development of digital sensors y image sensors increasingly precise. Differences between 2D and 3D vision systems Although all are part of machine vision, there are key differences between 2D, 3D and 1D vision systems. 1D vision systems occupy a specific niche. Feature 2D Machine Vision 3D Machine Vision Main focus Surface inspection, defect detection Depth perception, dimensional measurement Ideal for High speed, low cost applications Complex geometries, robotic guidance, extreme precision Depth information No Yes Speed Faster Slower Cost Menor Mayor Examples Barcode reading visual inspection Bin picking metrology, assembly verification How 2D vision works The 2D vision systems use colour cameras or monochrome images to capture flat images that are analysed with a computer vision software. They are applied in inspection of products of consumption, validation of Barcodesand presence/absence control. They are inexpensive and offer error reduction in repetitive processes. They are present in sectors such as food, pharmaceutical products and packaging. Example: In a beverage line, a industrial chamber verifies that the labels are centred and free of printing defects. The vision processor and the dedicated controller send the rejection order in case of failure. How 3D vision works The 3D vision systems use vision sensors advanced, laser sensors and structured light techniques to create three-dimensional point clouds. They allow volume, shape and position measurements. Ideal for surface inspectiondimensional analysis and assembly. They withstand conditions of advanced lighting without compromising quality. Example: In the automotive industry, a robot performs bin picking extracting jumbled metal parts in a container. The system uses a specialised sensor element. It combines it with 4K cameras and ultra-high resolution cameras. This determines the exact orientation of each part. Industrial applications Quality control and defect detection The inspection systems based on image processing carry out visual inspection and real-time analysis to identify defective parts. This is crucial in sectors such as automotive and food, where precision guarantees the compliance with the rules. Factory automation The factory automation benefits from smart cameras y intelligent sensors that monitor production lines. With the use of tracking of partsIn this way, companies can trace components from raw material input to the final product. Vision-guided robotics In modern robotics, the vision-guided robotics is essential for assembly, welding and handling tasks. The combination of image processing with algorithms of deep learning allows robots to identify and manipulate objects with high precision. Pharmaceuticals and health In the pharmaceutical industry, inspection systems ensure traceability. They use character reading, character recognition and object recognition. In addition, the image generator and the digital sensors ensure that packaging complies with regulatory requirements. Electronics and semiconductors Microchip manufacturers use machine vision systems with a specialised sensing element. These systems detect microscopic defects. The following are used here ultra-high resolution cameras y computer vision software to achieve nanometre precision. USEFUL CONTENT - Is it profitable to invest in machine vision for inspection? Typical cases in plants Industrialists Costs and economic implications 2D vision systems Basics: $200 - $3,000 → label inspection or barcode reading. Intermediate: $3,000 - $10,000 → inspection of simple geometries and verification of presence. Advanced: $10,000 - $25,000+ → image processing advanced on high-speed lines. 3D vision systems Basics: $3,000 - $10,000 → simple dimensional inspection. Intermediate: $10,000 - $30,000 → assembly verification3D metrology. Advanced: $30,000 - $60,000+ → advanced robotics and tracking of parts in dynamic environments. Key involvement3D requires more investment, but in demanding industries, 3D is a very cost-effective solution. advanced technology translates into higher ROI, less waste and safer processes. USEFUL CONTENT - Industrial Machine Vision: The Transformational Drive for a More Efficient and Profitable Manufacturing Industry ROI and strategic advantages Reduction of operating costs thanks to the automated inspection. Increased productivity in the factory automation. Quality improvement with systems of surface inspection. Regulatory compliance in regulated sectors. Flexibility to suit different industries. How to Choose 2D and 3D Machine Vision Systems The machine vision systems for inspection and rejection have become a central focus of the industrial automation. The choice between 2D vision systems, 3D vision systems or even 1D vision systems depends on: The complexity of implementation. The available budget. The degree of accuracy required. In environments where speed, operational simplicity and cost are critical factors, the 2D systems remain the best option. Their ability to execute rapid visual inspectionsvalidate BarcodesThe use of these devices to verify the correct printing of labels or to detect surface defects makes them indispensable tools for mass production sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals or consumer goods. Moreover, they are relatively easy to integrate, as they do not require a high level of technical expertise or sophisticated hardware, making them more accessible for companies looking to implement the factory automation with moderate initial investments. On the other hand, in applications where the spatial precision, complex geometry and three-dimensional metrology are essential, the 3D systems The investment is amply justified. This equipment allows the calculation of volumes, dimensions and exact orientations, making it possible to perform critical tasks such as the bin pickingthe validation of assemblies by means of assembly verification or the generation of digital twins in advanced manufacturing processes. Although their implementation usually involves higher costs and the need for intelligent sensors y vision processors The more powerful, more accurate, error-reducing and advanced automation capabilities make them a key enabler in highly regulated, high-precision industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and automotive and automotive components, as well as in the automotive industry. pharmaceutical products. Companies integrate image sensors, smart cameras and deep learning algorithms. This optimises their quality control. They also ensure compliance with standards. In addition, they position themselves at the forefront of advanced technology. Machine vision is not a luxury. It is a strategic investment. This investment will make the difference between the companies that lead the industry of the future and those that are left behind. Request a personalised quote Automation and controlWhat did you think of the article? Rate this post Subscribe to our blog Receive our latest posts weekly Recommended for you Sistemas Automáticos de Clasificación para Almacenes ROI of Digital Transformation Digitisation of industrial processes Optimisation of industrial processes: a guide for the plant Previous Post:Rehabilitation of Industrial Water Wells Next Post:Installation of Safety Valves in Steam and Pressurised Process Systems