Uster @ ITMA 2023
(Source: Uster)
The latest product for fabric inspection is being introduced by Uster at the ITMA 2023. The Uster Fabriq Assistant is a central platform for automated processing, analyzing, and visualizing quality data from Uster fabric inspection systems. Comprehensive data, interpreted reliably, let fabric producers focus on their core tasks to drive operational excellence.
The new Uster Fabriq Assistant eliminates manual data processing and speeds up decision processes significantly. Fabric manufacturers can release their product for delivery automatically based on their specific business rules without any human in the loop, which eliminates bottlenecks and increases productivity.
The application is a web-based tool with individual user accounts and specific dashboards. Fabriq Assistant from Uster Technologies AG, Uster/Switzerland, shows a summary of quality performance from all the fabric rolls ever inspected in the mill. Information is presented – and can be easily shared with other users – as a variety of statistical analysis tools, with results in different charts, histograms or evolution trends.
Automated data collection, visualization and analysis, as well as data processing and reporting functions, are viewed on the central data platform. It works like an expert assistant, offering the relevant quality data during and after inspection. If the user is searching for information on a specific roll, for example, just a few clicks will bring up the review dashboard. Here, all the details for that single roll are available – including defect images, defect map and list and roll statistics.
Fabriq Assistant removes the unwanted workload of manual data preparation and analysis. It also provides the basis for maximum decision-making accuracy, using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Automated features let users experience this highly flexible and customizable application as their virtual everyday assistant, enabling them to be more efficient and productive. An additional effect is increased process accuracy and security, through consistent quality decisions for grading of quality levels, post-processing, delivery release, and avoiding claims.
Cutting-edge hardware generates the data to build a reliable foundation for decisions. Uster Fabric Inspection systems offer automatic real-time quality inspection. They can be seamlessly integrated into production – at line running speeds up to 1,000 m/min– providing consistent and efficient defect detection.
AI Classification
The core value module introduced with Uster Fabriq Assistant is AI Classification, which extends the application scope of data generated by Uster automated fabric inspection systems. Specific codes can be automatically assigned to every image generated by Uster Fabriq Vision and Uster Fabriq Vision N. Without AI Classification staff members have to laboriously add defect image codes at the PC to perform a data review. By introducing machine learning capabilities, data classification is fully automated and fabric producers can save more than 80% of their manual review time.
The real difference AI Classification makes is being demonstrated at the Uster stand at the ITMA 2023 in Milan/Italy.
