MONTREAL—Matrox Imaging has announced its Design Assistant machine vision software will now be able to communicate directly with DENSO robots using the RC8 controller.

FLORENCE, KY—Balluff Inc. has published a new industrial identification catalog, detailing its complete line of RFID systems, vision sensors, supporting accessories and cables.

CHICAGO—Workers at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant have checked the quality of a vehicle’s paint job basically the same way since the plant opened in 1924—by eye. But the factory is now getting a new 3D imaging system that uses 16 computer-controlled cameras to detect the most microscopic grains of dirt in the paint.

Vision systems can help manufacturers reduce scrap, increase yield and discover better ways to assemble products.

Farason Corp. has been designing and building automated assembly systems for more than 25 years. Based in Coatesville, PA, the company has designed automation systems for food, cosmetics, medical devices, pharmaceutical products, personal care products, toys and solar cells. The company’s client list includes Blistex Inc., Crayola Crayons, L’Oreal USA, Smith Medical and even the U.S. Mint.

Component interoperability for PC-based vision systems has come a long way in a short time. The main reason for this quick evolution is interface standards, which the AIA, a machine vision trade group, began introducing in 2000.

Mennie precision-machines transmission and fuel-system parts and assemblies used in mission-critical applications. Customers include Caterpillar, Bosch Rexroth, Saur-Danfoss, Eaton Hydraulics, Poclain Hydraulics, Allison Transmission, American Axle and Cummins.

ANN ARBOR, MI—A new generation of machine vision systems can inspect parts using infrared, ultraviolet and other nonvisible light spectra.

BILLERICA, MA—Teledyne Dalsa is hosting a free webinar, “Machine Vision for Factory Automation,” on Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Eastern time.

BARRINGTON, NJ—Edmund Optics, a supplier of optical components for vision systems, is awarding $22,500 in grants to university programs in optical science.