AI

Transform Your Inspection Process with Adaptive AI Solutions

At Fisher Smith Ltd, we know that no two inspection processes are the same, and your needs can evolve over time. With over 50 years of combined experience in machine vision and AI-powered inspection solutions, we’ve seen first-hand how fixed systems can quickly fall behind in fast-paced industrial environments. That’s why we offer more than just AI to detect specific fault types—we provide intelligent, adaptive systems designed to grow and improve as your inspection requirements change.

Our AI solutions are built to continuously evolve, ensuring that your inspection processes remain at the cutting edge. Whether it’s maintaining your current system to the highest standards or methodically training the AI to identify new faults, we help you get the most out of your technology, every step of the way.

Over time, the data collected from these inspections becomes a powerful tool. It enables efficient process control, facilitates preventative maintenance, and improves everything from material choices to staff-machine interactions. With Fisher Smith’s adaptive AI systems, you’re not just keeping up with today’s demands, you’re gaining the insights and tools to shape tomorrow’s success.

Mastering Machine Vision with Cutting-Edge AI

Traditional machine vision systems can inspect most production processes but struggle when faced with variations. These “old school” systems are rules-based, meaning they operate on fixed parameters. For example, they can mistakenly interpret a simple beam of sunlight as a product defect. These systems lack the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions or unexpected scenarios.

A heat map showing surface damage on a metal part detected with AI

That’s where machine vision powered by AI makes all the difference. AI-driven systems are designed to handle variations and stay focused on the intended inspection, even as production environments change. AI can be trained to recognise that external factors, like sunlight, aren’t product faults. Over time, it also adapts to your process, learning what’s acceptable and evolving with new production standards.

What sets our AI systems apart is their ability to go beyond the limits of traditional machine vision. They don’t just detect a fault, they identify what kind of fault it is, enabling more precise analysis and control. By continuously learning from the data they gather, these systems give you greater insight and control over your production line, ensuring efficiency and quality at every step.

We’ve also pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with AI in machine vision. Our expertise allows us to apply these systems in unconventional ways, such as live feedback assembly stations where human interaction is required, delivering real-time insights and support.

Core Competencies

Our strengths in machine vision and AI include:

Image Recognition: Accurately identifying objects and products for quality control
Object Detection: Pinpointing specific elements in complex production environments
Image Segmentation: Breaking down images for detailed fault analysis and processing

What Sets Us Apart

At Fisher Smith Ltd, we don’t just implement AI systems, we work closely with our customers, sharing our extensive expertise. Whether you need remote support or on-site assistance, we’re there to help ensure your system performs at its best.

Tackling Your Inspection Challenges with Advanced AI Solutions

At Fisher Smith Ltd, we leverage AI to help our customers continuously enhance their inspection processes. Our solutions create powerful platforms that not only improve quality control but also provide deep insights into the data generated during inspections.

In industries like medical manufacturing, where strict regulations and varying supply chains can slow down product approval, our AI-driven systems make a real difference. We design AI inspection solutions that adapt to these variations, whether by recognising them, ignoring irrelevant factors, or even providing actionable data on them.

One example of this is a 25-camera AI inspection system we developed for a medical company to analyse the colours of plastic beads used in their final product. A traditional machine vision system would have struggled with the subtle variations in bead colour, but our AI solution delivered accurate, reliable results, overcoming the limitations of conventional technology.

The Fisher Smith AI Advantage

Technology Overview

At Fisher Smith Ltd, our AI systems are designed to think and adapt like a skilled operator would. We use advanced machine learning algorithms that are trained to understand the subtleties of your production line, from product variations to environmental changes. These algorithms enable our systems to detect faults, identify patterns, and make intelligent decisions, all without being limited by fixed rules. Think of our AI as a dynamic learning system—constantly evolving to meet the demands of your inspection process.

How It Works

Our AI inspection process follows a streamlined, four-step workflow:

Data Collection: High-resolution cameras and sensors capture detailed images and information from your production line in real time
AI Training: The system is trained using both ideal and variable examples of your product, learning to identify acceptable ranges and potential faults
Real-Time Analysis: During production, the AI rapidly analyses each item, adjusting to new variations or external conditions as they arise
Feedback & Insights: The system doesn’t just inspect—it learns from the data, providing valuable insights to enhance process control, prevent downtime, and support ongoing improvement

Why Our Approach Stands Out

Adaptive Learning: Unlike traditional systems that operate on rigid rules, our AI continuously learns and improves, handling complex variations without requiring constant reprogramming
Precision & Speed: Our AI delivers faster and more accurate results by focusing on real-time analysis, ensuring that even the smallest faults are detected and classified
Data-Driven Insights: By capturing and processing data over time, our systems provide actionable insights that can optimise everything from material usage to workflow efficiency
Flexibility Across Industries: Our AI isn’t limited to any one industry. Whether in medical, automotive, or food production, our solutions are tailored to your specific needs and adapt as they evolve

Tackling Your Inspection Challenges with Advanced AI Solutions

In industries like medical manufacturing, where strict regulations and varying supply chains can slow down product approval, our AI-driven systems make a real difference. We design AI inspection solutions that adapt to these variations—whether by recognising them, ignoring irrelevant factors, or even providing actionable data on them.

Visionary Experts Behind Fisher Smith

At Fisher Smith Ltd, our team is the driving force behind our success. Comprised of industry-leading engineers, AI specialists, and machine vision experts, we bring a wealth of experience and innovation to every project. We’ve mastered the art of creating bespoke AI inspection solutions that deliver measurable results.

What sets us apart is our passion for solving complex challenges. We don’t just build systems, we partner with you to understand the unique needs of your production line and apply cutting-edge technology to meet your goals. Whether it’s developing a custom AI solution, fine-tuning an existing system, or providing ongoing support, our team is with you every step of the way.

Bob Fisher: Joint MD, Bob has been at Fisher Smith for over 15 years and is a Machine Vision Specialist & Software Engineer. You can connect with Bob via LinkedIn or use our contact form here.

Iain Smith: Joint MD, Iain has been at Fisher Smith for over 15 years and is also a Machine Vision Specialist & Software Engineer. You can connect with Iain via LinkedIn or use our contact form here.

Radu Cretu: MSc Hons working in Machine Vision for over 7 years now. Experienced in all AI methods. You can connect with Radu via LinkedIn or use our contact form here.

Reece Donneky: BEng Hons from an Electronics background, with 3 years of experience in AI vision systems. You can connect with Reece via LinkedIn or use our contact form here.

Chris Dolan: Sales guy, history of working with Machine vision lighting. You can connect with Chris via LinkedIn or use our contact form here.

Driven by Innovation, Powered by Integrity

At Fisher Smith Ltd, our culture is built on a foundation of pride and passion for pushing the boundaries of what's possible in machine vision and AI. We thrive on challenging ourselves, constantly exploring the latest consumer and industrial technologies to create even more advanced and efficient systems.

Our commitment to quality is reflected in the fact that some of our systems have been running flawlessly for over 20 years—proving their reliability and value over time. We take immense pride in designing solutions that stand the test of time and keep delivering results for our customers.

Honesty and transparency are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in providing not just the best solutions but the right solutions for your needs. That means openly discussing both the strengths and potential limitations of any approach, ensuring that you have full confidence in the system we build for you.

We also love to share our knowledge. Our team is always ready to offer insights, empowering you with the understanding and confidence needed to make the most of your inspection processes.

Industries We Transform with AI

At Fisher Smith Ltd, we specialise in delivering AI-powered machine vision solutions tailored to the unique challenges of a wide range of industries. Our advanced technology enables precision, efficiency, and adaptability across diverse environments.

Agriculture
We use cutting-edge 3D camera systems to monitor and enhance the milking process, even in tough conditions. Our self-developed AI software delivers highly accurate 3D coordinates, ensuring reliability in one of the harshest production environments.

Pharmaceuticals
Our AI-driven inspection systems are designed to meet the strict demands of the pharmaceutical industry, where speed and precision are crucial. We create solutions that handle complex inspections with the highest levels of accuracy and within tight time constraints, ensuring regulatory compliance and product integrity.

Manufacturing
In the manufacturing sector, our AI solutions optimise quality control, helping to identify defects and variations with unparalleled accuracy. Our systems adapt to evolving production lines, ensuring efficiency and consistency over time.

Aerospace & Defence
In industries where precision is critical, our AI systems excel. We provide intelligent inspection solutions that meet the exacting standards of aerospace and defence, ensuring that even the smallest details are identified and analysed with the utmost accuracy.

How AI Solves Industry Challenges
What sets us apart is our deep understanding of how to apply AI effectively in each industry. Whether it’s enhancing efficiency in agriculture or meeting the rigorous demands of aerospace, we know how to implement AI solutions that address your industry’s specific needs and challenges.

Any of our AI 3D or 2D solutions are ready to be trialled in our Vision workshop. You are more than welcome to book a visit and get a true understanding of what we can offer, and what you can obtain from one of our solutions.