Interview GL on the launch of "Vision Solutions"

How did you decide on _ae VISION?

Schärer: The demands placed on our products are constantly increasing. Nowadays, industrial production demands 100% quality. Flexible systems are in demand on the market, and optical inspection is an obvious choice.

Eberle: Exactly. With this increasing complexity in the areas of quality assurance and automation, the challenges are also growing. The market is under pressure because automation should not only be safe, but also fast. This brings us into play, as we have already gained extensive experience thanks to a large number of such projects. In the process, we have found that the offerings of other service providers often do not meet our high standards.

Fürer: This is where our expertise really comes in handy. Vision solutions have been integrated into our automation systems for years. Hardly any system leaves our workshop without an inspection system developed by us. Our customers are already aware of this added value. Now we need to make our expertise known to a broader customer segment.

What strategic advantages do you hope to gain from this step?

Eberle: We see ourselves as a driver of innovation. Together with our partners and customers, we explore the potential and constantly drive our developments forward thanks to the latest technologies.

Fürer: We have invested a great deal in this - in our employees, who we train on an ongoing basis. Experts in automation are rare, especially in the field of vision solutions. That's why we invest a lot in the training and development of our team of experts.

Schärer: Not forgetting our Vision Lab, where we provide our customers with the proof of concept in test series and feasibility studies. This expertise helps us to provide holistic customer support. As a result, we know the opportunities and risks and can provide our customers with comprehensive support.

Fürer: This positioning makes us a powerful and reliable full-service provider for our customers, as we can reduce the risk for our customers to a minimum, even for the most complex testing tasks. A clear competitive advantage.

Schärer: This clear focus gives our customers a technological edge. That is why we are doing everything we can to specialize further in this area and play a leading role in the Swiss market in the field of vision solutions.

How will the technology develop over the next few years?

Eberle: We are currently on the next threshold of significant developments. AI and deep learning are opening the doors here. The further development of algorithms will lead to a significant increase in precision tasks - and at an ever faster pace.

Schärer: I also think that this development will enable us to come up with new solutions, even in areas that are not yet on our radar. If I compare our plants and systems with those of 5 or 10 years ago, the leap in innovation is enormous. Our systems today are already so much smarter. They work with sensors, measuring and testing systems that enable processes that were not possible before.

Fürer: You're right. I also think that the technology is still in its infancy in many areas. However, it is clear that we are continuing to improve the quality of our vision solutions thanks to these technological innovations. We must not forget that this goes hand in hand with the increasing complexity of such systems. So it remains highly exciting - and we are at the forefront.

Schärer: (smiling) An exciting journey where we don't know exactly where it will take us.

What are the trends in industrial image processing?

Fürer: I'm thinking specifically of the packaging processes in the food industry. Many production steps and inspection tasks are still carried out manually, which is not very economical. However, the products often look different and automated quality inspection has not been sophisticated enough to function economically. In future, such complex inspection tasks will be performed by an algorithm.

Eberle: Bin-picking comes to mind here. In contrast to the past, the new solutions in this area are very reliable, robust and can also cope with complex components. The flexibility created by "reaching into the box" is very much in demand.

Schärer: And with all this, the hardware is also becoming ever more compact, smaller and more powerful, which opens up new application possibilities. This simplifies the further development of the software in terms of user-friendliness.

These are complex issues. Are there enough qualified specialists to master these challenges?

Fürer: The shortage of skilled workers in our industry is real and we are also facing challenges. But we have taken active measures. As an apprenticing company, we enable young talents to enter this exciting professional world. We are currently training 12 apprentices in the professions of design engineer, automation engineer and polymechanic.

Eberle: It is also important to us to recruit qualified employees who fit in well with our dynamic team and are equipped for the complex tasks ahead. In recent years, we have stepped up our recruiting efforts, which is paying off. Our annual "Young Engineering Day", where we get graduates from universities and universities of applied sciences excited about the world of automation, has become well established. Many of them feel our team spirit and passion there, which also lights the fire in many of them.

Schärer: And we are strongly committed to keeping our specialists and talents in the company. We offer attractive benefits and support them in their professional development with training and further education. Our internal trainee program helps us to continuously improve and plays a crucial role. It also enables us to pave the way for talented and motivated career changers to become experts.

Fürer: Not forgetting the close cooperation with our clients. It enables us to solve interdisciplinary tasks at breakneck speed. The mutual know-how stimulates and promotes "learning on the job". Our team is also available directly on site at the customer's premises, thanks to the possibility of staff leasing both in Switzerland and internationally.

What message do you give prospective engineers?

Schärer: Be open, curious and enthusiastic. As a team player, you will achieve incredible things as part of a team. Don't be discouraged by setbacks, because the lessons learned from every failure are priceless. Look ahead and change the world of tomorrow.

Eberle: Well said, I can only add to that. And add to that: Continuously acquire new knowledge. Stay open to innovative technologies and new working methods, as they are crucial to your success in this dynamic professional field. Think in an interdisciplinary way and use challenges as your opportunity to help shape the future of technology.

Fürer: I would like to follow up these apt words with a concrete invitation. With us, you have the opportunity to work as an engineer or technician on the implementation of various projects and complex tasks. This will allow you to consolidate what you have learned and gain valuable experience. At aerne engineering, you will find an inspiring working environment in which you can fully develop your talents. You can really make a difference here.

If you had one career wish, what would it be?

Fürer: My wish would be to develop THE perfect hybrid model that benefits our team, customers and suppliers alike. This would allow us to generate real added value and be even more successful. Such an innovation could further strengthen our position on the labor market and give our _ae VISION business segment a real boost.

Schärer: That's a nice thought, because after all, we are known for implementing visionary solutions. And mutual trust is very important for this. That's why I want encounters at eye level, characterized by respect and understanding. This also includes passion, perseverance and pure joy.

Eberle: Absolutely, I agree with you. My wish is that fun and teamwork continue to be at the heart of our daily work. And that we, as the Winning team, develop pioneering technologies for _ae VISION that revolutionize our customers' processes in the long term.

That sounds like a promising future.Thank you very much for this inspiring interview!