ANN ARBOR, MI---The Automated Imaging Association (AIA), the world’s largest machine vision trade group with more than 300 member companies from 30 nations, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Machine Vision Union (CMVU), a recently-formed trade association representing machine vision in China.

“We are very excited to be collaborating with CMVU in our mutual efforts to advance the understanding and use of imaging and vision technologies,” says Jeff Burnstein, president of AIA.

The agreement outlines a wide range of activities on which the two associations will collaborate including an exchange of market data, mutual support for trade shows and technical conferences, and promotion of member companies.

“We plan to build upon our initial areas of cooperation within the next year as CMVU grows and accelerates its activities,” says Burnstein. “Having experienced the difficulties of starting AIA back in 1984 with only a handful of member companies, I know how challenging it is to build a strong trade group. I’ve pledged the support of myself and the AIA staff to help CMVU in any way we can.”

Burnstein signed the agreement on behalf of AIA, while Dr. Ding Shaohua, Chairman of the Board of CMVU, signed for the Chinese trade group. The signing ceremony took place on October 26 in Beijing during the Vision China trade show and conference.

During the conference, Burnstein gave a talk on the growing importance of machine vision, which focused on leading applications and future opportunities for vision in a wide-range of industries.

For more information about AIA, contact AIA Headquarters at (734) 994-6088 or visitMachine Vision Online .