This course introduces participants to Vision Builder for Automated Inspection (VBAI), a powerful graphical development environment from National Instruments (NI) used to create machine vision applications quickly and without traditional programming. Participants will learn to build inspection solutions, configure vision systems, automate defect detection, and integrate inspections into industrial workflows.

Course Agenda:

Introduction to Machine Vision and VBAI

• What is machine vision and why it matters

• Overview of VBAI environment and workflows

• Applications in industry: examples and case studies

Setting up a Vision Inspection

• Connecting and configuring cameras

• Image acquisition: triggers, lighting, and best practices

• Camera calibration and scaling measurements

Building Basic Inspections

• Defect detection and presence verification

• Measurement tools: distance, angle, area, diameter

• Pattern matching and template creation

Advanced Inspection Techniques

• Color inspection and classification

• Edge detection and shape analysis

• OCR (Optical Character Recognition) basics

Integrating with Automation Systems

• Communicating with PLCs via Ethernet/IP or Modbus

• Digital I/O integration for pass/fail signaling

• Automating inspection triggers and outputs

Debugging and Optimization

• Troubleshooting common image problems

• Optimizing inspections for speed and accuracy

• Managing inspection files and results

Hands-On Exercises