Bühler Leybold Optics and MIRAPRO announce collaboration for AI-driven lens inspection and more

AI is transforming both the industry and our daily lives. The collaboration between Bühler Leybold Optics, a German based leading supplier of vacuum coating machines, and MIRAPRO, a Japanese based renowned technical innovation and AI solutions provider marks a significant milestone in bringing the benefits of this technology to the ophthalmic industry.

Traditionally, the optics industry has relied on human inspection. Smart inspection systems now promise to transform these processes by making them more precise and consistent. Tasks once deemed too challenging for machines can now by handled by the AI-based automated visual inspection solution HAWKAEYE, developed by MIRAPRO.

Strategic collaboration that drives innovation

Bühler Leybold Optics and MIRAPRO are both committed to constant innovation, aiming to provide superior solutions to ophthalmic labs. This partnership combines Bühler’s expertise in thin-film vacuum coating and MIRAPRO’s innovative cosmetic lens inspection technology, making a significant step towards a complete value chain lab solution.
Driven by a strong innovation spirit and the Japanese quality, it enables new opportunities to the customers and paves the way for a future where AI-driven technologies enhance the precision and reliability of ophthalmic products.

AI-driven lens inspection

The HAWKAEYE – L Series inspects lenses of various sizes and shapes at each stage of production – prior, during and after coating. It detects defects as small as 20μm or even smaller, including smallest scratches and foreign matter inclusions on the surface and inside of lenses that were previously considered difficult to inspect – without the need to configure for different lenses.

By learning from the judgment results, the AI continues evolving to achieve higher accuracy. The continuous learning enables high accuracy and helps customers to continuously increase production output and recognize deviations earlier.

“The introduction of AI marks a transformative step towards fully automated smart labs,” stated Steffen Runkel, Head of Business Unit Optics. “By ensuring highest precision and consistency in quality control, this technology revolutionizes the lens inspection processes. Combined with our expertise in coating machinery, it paves the way for ophthalmic labs for superior quality and high throughput.”