Cognex announced today (the 12th) that it has acquired ViDi Systems, a manufacturer of deep learning software for industrial machine vision. The acquisition was completed on April 4th.

ViDi Systems' deep learning software leverages artificial intelligence techniques to enhance the image analysis performance of industrial vision systems. Integrating ViDi Systems' software into a vision system allows for the recognition and analysis of various variations in product images. Furthermore, if a product deviates slightly from a set standard, it can be determined whether the deviation is within an acceptable range of normal error or represents a product defect.

“BD Systems has a proven track record of applying deep learning techniques to industrial machine vision,” said Robert J. Willett, President of Cognex. “We are pleased to expand the range of applications that can be solved with Cognex vision.”

With the acquisition complete, Vidi Systems' deep learning software will continue to be developed and integrated into Cognex's product portfolio.

Meanwhile, Vidi Systems, based in Villars-Saint-Pierre, Switzerland, was founded in 2012 by computational neuroscientist Dr. Reto Wies and the Swiss holding company and incubator CPA Group. Dr. Wies and the Vidi Systems engineering team joined Cognex upon the closing of the acquisition.