The UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The prime objective of the Association has always been to promote the use of vision in industry, primarily through a series of educational activities. Throughout its history the Association has produced technical publications, run educational seminars, attended trade shows, published technical articles in Trade & Technical magazines, produced newsletters and provided a technical help-line. The Association's current newsletter, "Vision in Action', is available in hard copy and as a download from the UKIVA website and provides a showcase for members and their interesting applications.
The UKIVA was an early adopter of web technology to promote vision, launching its first website in 1996. This rapidly became, and continues to be, the main source of dissemination of information about its members. It has grown to be a highly regarded and search-optimised vision portal for visitors seeking information about machine vision and imaging technology. It also provides access to the UKIVA's Technical Consultant, Dr John Haddon of UKIVA member, Panther Vision, who can provide technical advice to existing and potential vision users and members alike.
Now a Special Interest Group of the PPMA (Processing & Packaging Machinery Association), the UKIVA has three main membership categories. "Vision Technology Providers' can supply end-user and OEM customers with anything from individual components such as cameras or light sources to complete vision systems. The new "Vision System Integrator & Consultants' category will make it easier for customers to find companies who specialise in working with manufacturers to integrate vision into a new or existing production line. The new "Providers of Solutions that utilise Vision Technology' category provides another way for PPMA members that build machines with integrated vision technology to showcase their vision-enabled products.
UKIVA Chairman, Mark Williamson says: "We have recently revised our membership categories to better reflect the state of industrial vision in the UK and these are designed to help existing members, potential new members and vision customers alike. Throughout the past 20 years, members have benefited from being part of a progressive organisation dedicated to raising awareness of the capabilities of vision. The Association is committed to continuing this process and would welcome any new members".
To find out more about machine vision and imaging technology, or for further detaiols about UKIVA membership, visit www.ukiva.org.