Rikei Corporation (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Satoru Isaka; hereinafter “Rikei”), is pleased to announce that it starts to sell “visual inspection system” of Mindhive Ltd. (Head Office: Oakland, New Zealand; CEO: Neil Martin; hereinafter “Mindhive”). In addition, it also starts to support small and medium-sized manufacturers in applying for the government’s manufacturing subsidies so that they can reduce the initial cost of automating visual inspection (*1).

*1) Visual inspection: to detect defects in visual, such as scratches, stains, or adhesion of foreign objects on the object to be inspected.

Background of the Market

In recent years, image recognition/analysis has been attracting attention in the growing AI market. Currently, the image analysis market in the manufacturing industry is dominated by simple and inexpensive platforms that allow users to create visual inspection programs, but it is difficult to solve problems with accuracy of inspection. In addition, many projects using deep learning (*2) and other technologies cost more than 10 million yen, and such a high initial cost for small and medium-sized manufacturers is a barrier to implementation.

*2) Deep Learning: Technology or method to make more accurate and efficient decision by computer’s own machine learning system that captures potential features in data.

Product Overview

“Visual inspection system using AI image analysis” is a system that can automatically process visual inspection of completed products, which was previously done by human eyes, and it will also reduce labor costs. Rikei provides comprehensive support from selecting lighting equipment and cameras that take place of the human eyes, to producing an AI-based visual inspection program and building a whole inspection system.
It is possible to create a visual inspection program with a high judging system by utilizing Mindhive’s actual inspection achievements depending on user’s needs and expert of image analysis creates a program with original platform.
In addition, our consultant supports to obtain the government’s manufacturing subsidies, who has a high success rate in applying for the subsidies in the last fiscal year.

Rikei will proactively make proposals to small and medium-sized manufacturers who are interested in automating visual inspections, and support them from the application for manufacturing subsidies to the introduction and full-scale operation of the system.

Features

Mindhive

・Overseas track record in the field of grading hides by inspecting scratches/unevenness of color.
・Track record in Japan in the field of visual inspection of automotive parts.
・Create highly accurate visual inspection programs even under various conditions such as light and dust.
・Can be embedded on any platform (iOS, Android, GPU, CPU)

Proxy application for manufacturing subsidies

・Support by a consultant who has a lot of experiences in getting approved for manufacturing subsidies.
・Prepare business plan (required) and management innovation plan (document for additional point) at low cost.
・Manufacturing subsidies are up to 10 million yen (1/2 of the total, and 2/3 for small businesses.)

About Mindhive Ltd.

Mindhive is a New Zealand-based IT start-up company founded in 2011, and able to quickly resolve a variety of customer issues through the latest and most appropriate technology and R&D.
Mindhive provides visual inspection and management solutions for a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to infrastructure inspection. “Model V” uses AI technology to analyze the movement of people and vehicles to clarify events that could not be recognized by conventional technology; “Model Q” uses AI models that can be tailored to your needs, from store flow analysis to preventive safety.

About Rikei Corporation

Established in 1957, Rikei Corporation is a solution provider for the IT and electronics industries.
Rikei offers a wide variety of solutions centered on the world’s cutting edge technologies and advanced products in the fields of system solutions, such as entrance exam and educational affairs systems and IT infrastructure, business strategy, and information security solutions. It also provides network solutions, such as satellite communication data transfer systems, digital video transfer systems, network systems for telecommunication operators and other private companies, wireless access systems, and disaster management information systems. In addition to solutions, Rikei provides electronic components and devices, such as high frequency components, high performance adhesives for industrial use, testers for automotive audio and navigation equipment, power grid analysis systems, defense-related machinery and security systems. 

*Product and company names mentioned herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.