University of Paderborn, Heinz Nixdorf Institute

CAMPUS STORY

The Heinz Nixdorf Institute (HNI) joined the MVTec on Campus program in 2022. The University of Paderborn is a renowned research and educational institution specializing in the field of computer science and its applications in the context of digital factory and applied production.

Mr. Michael Hieb, Research Assistant at HNI, gave us insights in how the institute is using MVTec HALCON for academic teaching and research.

Can you describe the use case in which HALCON is applied?

At the core of the institute's activities are its lectures and educational programs that provide students with a comprehensive understanding of digital factory and applied production. These courses aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to tackle the challenges posed by the digitalization of manufacturing processes. Through a combination of theoretical foundations and practical applications, the lectures offered by the HNI enable students to grasp the intricacies of advanced manufacturing systems and industrial automation.

In addition to the educational programs, we actively engage in various research projects, including dissertations and student theses. These projects serve as platforms for students to explore and contribute to the forefront of scientific advancements in digital factory and applied production. Students have the opportunity to tackle real-world problems and develop innovative solutions.

Which tasks are being solved by MVTec HALCON?

The software being used in various tasks aims to address specific challenges in the domains of robotics and computer vision. These tasks include robot vision, object detection, and classification, and are primarily approached using deep learning techniques. In summary, the software solution enables systems to perceive and understand their surroundings, accurately detect and locate objects, and categorize them into predefined classes, contributing to advancements in various domains such as robotics, automation, and computer vision.

Which advantages result from the participation in the MVTec on Campus program?

Participating in the MVTec on Campus program offers several advantages for our students and research team. Firstly, the program emphasizes practical use, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art software tools in the field of machine vision. This practical application enables students to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding and skills in the field.

Another advantage is the outstanding user-friendly software HALCON that is provided free of charge. The software provided by MVTec is designed with a user-centric approach, making it accessible and intuitive for users of varying technical backgrounds. This user-friendly interface facilitates a smoother learning process and enables participants to quickly grasp the functionalities and capabilities of the software.

Furthermore, the program encourages and supports student projects. By providing access to advanced machine vision software, students are enabled to undertake challenging projects, explore innovative applications, and push the boundaries of their knowledge. Engaging in such projects not only fosters a deeper understanding of machine vision technologies, but also provides students with valuable practical experience.

Which feedback do you get from your students or research team concerning MVTec on Campus?

Students and researchers at HNI who are participating are amazed at the capabilities and performance of HALCON. They appreciate the robustness and accuracy of the tools, which enable them to accomplish complex tasks in machine vision. The software's comprehensive feature set and advanced algorithms have been highly regarded, as they facilitate the development of sophisticated applications and empower users to achieve impressive results. Overall, the participation in the MVTec on Campus program brings practical use, user-friendly software, and opportunities for student projects.

Do you have any further comments?

In conclusion, we’re highly appreciating to access complex methods wrapped in a user-friendly software tool. This combination allows both, our students and researchers, to gain hands-on experience and a very profound knowledge of machine vision technologies.

Thank you, Mr. Hieb, for the interview!

Would you also like to benefit from MVTec on Campus? Find out more about the areas of application of HALCON for teaching and research purposes.

Learn about MVTec on Campus