Acquire Automation has introduced its new CountQ vision inspection system that counts and verifies trayed products, eliminating manual inspections and increasing production line throughput. The system also records the results of its inspections, producing data that supports ongoing and year-end production records and inventories.

The pharmaceutical industry has increased production line speeds in recent years by developing systems that automatically fill the trays carrying vials, cartridges, ampoules, syringes, droppers, and other smaller containers through production. However, manual inspection of those trays to ensure they document the tray count, and counting containers to reconcile product counts, has often diminished the productivity advantage, often producing inaccurate results.

The CountQ system uses machine vision cameras and software to instantly and accurately count and verify the contents of each tray, and the software records and stores the results to maintain up-to-date production records. The CountQ system is adaptable to the physical requirements of each manufacturer’s tray sizes and production line speed.

Standard features include: HMI interface, report and audit logs, security levels that control access, two-touch changeover, and configurable run modes. It also incorporates advanced product counting tools that enable it to adapt to targets with varying visual characteristics.

CountQ offers various options, including an adaptive learning function that enables it to count highly-reflective glass containers such as ampoules, an MES Ethernet interface, wireless communication capability, as well as a data entry scanner and Ethernet data module. An image storage option can expand storage capability to meet more extensive needs.