STUTTGART, Germany — Machine vision has proved itself many times in practice and makes processes more efficient. Visitors from diverse industries, be it from the automotive and components supply industry, mechanical engineering, precision engineering, optics, electrical engineering and electronics industry, semiconductor production, printing industry, glass processing, wood industry, pharmaceutical industry, chemicals and food industry, medical industry, traffic, security, agriculture, as well as advertising and sports, have the opportunity in autumn at VISION 2014, the world's leading machine vision trade fair, to obtain comprehensive information.

It is the marketplace for machine vision component manufacturers and also the platform where end users searching for specific machine vision solutions meet numerous system suppliers and integrators. VISION is where OEMs, mechanical engineering companies and system houses learn about the latest innovations from the world of machine vision components. This is the only place in the world where the complete spectrum of the machine vision technology is staged in this way.

VISION takes place for the first time with its new two-year cycle from November 4-6, 2014. The signs are already indicating that the next VISION will be able to exceed the exhibitor record of the previous events. The number of registrations suggests that the 400 mark will be reached by the start of the event: to date, a total of more than 320 exhibitors have registered for VISION 2014. The bookings for more than 90 percent of the stand space have already been confirmed. It is also clear now that the interest in VISION has grown further. Particularly pleasing is the growing international demand in VISION. The foreign share is currently at over 50 percent and thus above the level of the previous event.

With the comprehensive framework programme, opportunities for further training are also provided at the unique exhibition and information platform for machine vision.

Above all, the world's most important machine vision forum ‘Industrial VISION Days’, which will be providing visitors once again with further inspiration and incentives. This has been guaranteed by management of VDMA Machine Vision, who are responsible for its content. Anyone looking for very specific production solutions, who wants to know more about current state-of-the-art applications or who, as a newcomer to the industry, wants to find out more about the possibilities of machine vision, will find the right expert here who can provide the answer.

The special show “International Machine Vision Standards” will help clarify any confusion about standardisation, organised in conjunction with the Automated Imaging Association (AIA), the European Machine Vision Association (EMVA) and the Japan Industrial Imaging Association (JIIA). Here, the findings from global standardisation efforts made by the machine vision industry will be presented and discussed. A unique platform with expert knowledge on a topic that makes machine vision technology even more user-friendly.

The theme of Industry PCs (IPCs) will be given more space at VISION 2014. "The IPC is an important topic at the leading international trade fair VISION", said Florian Niethammer, Project Manager of VISION at Messe Stuttgart. "However, to date the IPC manufacturers were under-represented. We want to change this with the special stand 'IPC 4 VISION.' The special stand will be set up for the first time and is an attractive presentation platform, which is positioned exclusively in the entrance area of Hall 1 where it can't be missed!"

Some of these IPC manufacturers obtaining a comprehensive selection of targeted information are taking part in the trade fair for the first time. "Eleven exhibitors registered straight away in order to benefit from the attractive complete offer." said Niethammer, "All places are now booked out, but we are currently checking whether we can extend the stand concept."

With the "Inspect Application Forum," Messe Stuttgart introduces a brand new and special programme item to this year's VISION. The aim of this début forum especially for end users at VISION is to link potential users of machine vision technologies with the system and solution providers relevant to them.

"With the 'Inspect Application Forum,' we want to address and acquire new target groups - both visitors and exhibitors - for VISION." said Niethammer, "The new presentation format is an ideal supplement to existing offers such as the 'VISION Integration Area.' Firstly, it is directed at providers with system solution competence, but also at component providers who can appear together with their system partners."

The focus should be on various industries and their specific requirements of machine vision. One to two topics will be addressed each day of the trade fair with application-related presentations. The comprehensive B2B matchmaking offer for visitors and exhibitors also includes a Business Lounge at the Gallery in Hall 1, which provides ample opportunity to get to know other participants better and exchange information and ideas.

“Research meets Industry” is the motto of the VDMA Technology Days. During a special show, institutes and universities will present their findings from research projects which boast promising user potential, as well as opportunities for tapping into new markets. Everything from new 3D technology to innovative methods of object classification, high-speed machine vision algorithms to concrete applications.

The “VISION Award 2014," a prize which demonstrates the innovative power of the machine vision industry,  will be presented for the 21st time. Special attention is paid to submissions which set high technological standards, applications that display a particular innovativeness, as well as the importance of the development for the machine vision industry and the end user.

If interested in the assessment of the global market situation for machine vision by well-known industry representatives, watch the discussion of the VISION CEO Round Table, which took place on February 4, 2014 in Frankfurt. The video is now available online at www.vision-messe.de/roundtable.

Further information on VISION 2014 as well as video impressions of VISION can be found on www.vision-fair.de.