As manufacturers push for higher inspection accuracy while shrinking the physical footprint of equipment on production lines, vision sensors are increasingly expected to handle more tasks without increasing setup or operational complexity. These tasks include character verification, dimensional measurement, and color inspection.Autonics has designed its new VG2 series vision sensors to meet modern manufacturing demands by combining compact hardware, built-in lighting, and a broad set of inspection functions in a single device. The sensors are aimed at applications where installation space is limited, inspection requirements vary by product, and changeovers need to be handled quickly.VG2 Series Vision SensorsAutonics’ VG2 series sensor integrates the lens and LED lighting directly into the sensor housing with eight internal light sources that support stable image capture even in low-light environments. This reduces the need for external illumination. Users can also replace lighting components, filters, and polarizing filter covers to adapt the sensor to different materials and surface conditions.The sensors are available in 0.3-megapixel and 1.2-megapixel color or monochrome models. The series functions as an industrial camera platform capable of inspecting shape, size, characters, and patterns on fast-moving production lines.Auto-Tuning and Group-Based FocusOne of the core features of the VG2 series is its auto-tuning capability. After setting a detection target, users can initiate automatic adjustment of focus, brightness, and exposure. This process reduces manual setup time and helps ensure consistent image quality across different inspection environments.The auto-focus function can be configured by the workgroup, allowing different focus settings to be stored for different inspection tasks. The VG2 sensors support up to 64 separate workgroups, making it possible to switch between products or inspection modes without reinstallation or extensive recalibration. This approach is intended to reduce setup time and limit dependence on operator experience.Exploded view of the VG2 series vision sensor showing built-in LED lighting, interchangeable color filters, and polarizing cover options. Image used courtesy of AutonicsGlobal Shutter Imaging for Moving TargetsThe VG2 series uses a global shutter method, enabling accurate image capture of fast-moving objects with minimal motion distortion. This is particularly relevant for conveyor-based applications where rolling-shutter artifacts can compromise measurement accuracy. In the 1.2-megapixel model, the sensor captures images at a resolution of 1,280 × 960 pixels at up to 45 frames per second. The 0.3-megapixel model operates at up to 60 frames per second, offering higher speed where lower resolution is sufficient.Broad Inspection Function SetThe VG2 series supports a wide range of inspection functions within a single platform. These include optical character recognition and verification (OCR/OCV), shape-based and corner-based alignment, brightness and contrast inspection, area measurement, edge detection, shape comparison, length and angle measurement, diameter inspection, and object counting.Color models add functions such as color identification, color area measurement, and color object counting. Multi-position inspection allows the sensor to detect the presence and position of multiple instances of a target within a single field of view. Together, these capabilities allow a single sensor to cover inspection tasks that might otherwise require multiple dedicated devices.The VG2 vision sensors are configurable via Autonics’ intuitively designed atVision software. Image used courtesy of AutonicsData Handling and Software IntegrationInspection images and result data can be stored in the sensor’s internal memory and transferred to an FTP server. Measurement results can also be accessed through Gigabit Ethernet communication. This feature supports data management, historical analysis, and traceability. The VG2 series is configured using dedicated atVision software. The software provides a graphical UI for parameter setup, inspection monitoring, and image editing, allowing users to fine-tune inspection conditions without complex programming.Precise Vision SystemsThe VG2 series is positioned for use across a wide range of industries. Typical applications include pharmaceutical packaging inspection, object counting in packaging lines, text verification on logistics labels, shape inspection in automotive manufacturing, and color identification in electronics and component assembly. Additional use cases span food packaging, semiconductor handling, plastic container manufacturing, and inspection of printed expiration dates and markings.By combining compact hardware, built-in lighting, flexible inspection functions, and simplified setup, the VG2 series targets production environments where inspection requirements are diverse and space is at a premium.
