# ClearObject

> Vision AI for safer roads and smarter production

## Pages

- [ClearObject | Vision AI for Commercial, Transportation & Purpose-Built Solutions](https://clearobject.com/): Vision AI transforms video streams into actionable data and alerts for commercial operations, transportation networks and purpose-built solutions. In production with the NYS Thruway Authority, Knauf, the City of Fishers and San Antonio Water System.
- [8 Key Benefits of Digital Twins](https://clearobject.com/8-key-benefits-of-digital-twins): A digital twin is a virtual replica or simulation of a physical object, process, system, or even an entire entity. Here are 8 ways they can transform how businesses operate and make decisions.
- [Vision AI for Food & Beverage | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/clearvision-food-beverage): Reduce downtime and improve quality with real-time Vision AI insights into Food & Beverage production. Vision AI improves quality control and food safety.
- [ClearVision for Government | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/clearvision-for-government): Vision AI from ClearObject enhances real-time decision making to improve public safety, inspect infrastructure, and monitor operations for government agencies.
- [About Us | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/company/about): ClearObject is a digital transformation company helping businesses turn data into valuable insights and tangible outcomes with AI, IoT and Cloud.
- [Careers | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/company/careers): At ClearObject, our business is connections. Explore careers, benefits and perks, and help inform the future of our company.
- [Solutions & Services](https://clearobject.com/company/careers/internships)
- [Careers: Current Job Openings | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/company/careers/open-positions): Current job openings at ClearObject, including a Full Stack Developer role based at our headquarters in Fishers, IN.
- [Contact Us | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/company/contact): Considering Vision AI or Generative AI to improve efficiency? Get questions answered or advice on how to start. We’d love to talk with you.
- [Legal | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/company/legal): ClearObject website privacy policy, terms of use and security.
- [Website Privacy Policy | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/company/legal/privacy): How ClearObject collects, uses and protects information when you visit our website, and the choices you have to opt out or correct your data.
- [Terms of Use | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/company/legal/terms): The terms that govern your access to and use of the ClearObject website, including content, acceptable use, warranties and liability.
- [Become a Partner | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/company/partners): Partner with ClearObject to bring proven Vision AI to your customers: production-ready products, co-selling and technical enablement from a Google Cloud Premier Partner.
- [Security | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/company/security): ClearObject shields customer VPCs with controls aligned to ISO 27001, NIST 800-53 and GDPR, plus HTTPS, MFA, vulnerability scanning and training.
- [Customer Support | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/company/support): Behind all the tech jargon is a team of humans who thrive on helping other humans. Get help from ClearObject customer support.
- [ClearObject for Financial Services | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/financial-services-industry): Generative AI is revolutionizing how financial institutions operate, deliver services, and mitigate risks. See how ClearObject helps.
- [Generative AI for Business | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/generative-ai-genai): ClearObject has been selected as a Google Enterprise GenAI Partner to help businesses discover, test, and capture the value of Enterprise GenAI solutions.
- [ClearObject for Healthcare | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/healthcare-industry): Generative AI and Vision AI are revolutionizing patient care, research, and operational efficiency in healthcare. See how ClearObject helps.
- [Industries | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/industries): Vision AI and product engineering for the public sector, manufacturing, food and beverage, wastewater and pipelines, and retail and QSRs.
- [AI for the Food & Beverage Industry | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/industries/food-beverage): Vision AI and GenAI help Food & Beverage companies reduce waste, decrease cost, and enforce regulatory compliance while increasing profits.
- [On-demand Webinar](https://clearobject.com/industries/food-beverage/food-date-label): ClearObject Vision AI helps Food & Beverage manufacturers comply with food and code date label regulations, reduce waste, and improve consumer confidence.
- [ClearObject for Manufacturing | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/industries/manufacturing): Computer Vision and AI data analysis to transform manufacturing operations, catch defects, avoid emergency repairs, and improve the bottom line.
- [Indiana Vision AI Alliance | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/industries/manufacturing/indiana-vision-ai-alliance): An exclusive Vision AI Pilot Program for Indiana-based SMB manufacturers from ClearObject, the Indiana IoT Lab and the IU Luddy School.
- [Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/industries/manufacturing/oee): AI-powered vision systems eliminate the uncertainty of OEE estimates by automating much of the manual data entry required to measure OEE.
- [Vision AI for the Public Sector | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/industries/public-sector): Vision AI extracts new data from existing camera feeds, enhancing real-time decision making and tracking historic data to inform safety strategies.
- [Vision AI for Retail & QSRs | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/industries/retail-qsr): Vision AI extracts new data from existing camera feeds, providing data to increase worker efficiency and streamline the customer experience.
- [Wastewater & Pipelines | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/industries/wastewater-pipelines): AI for utilities: ClearInspect reviews and grades sewer inspection video, and Multi-Sensor Inspection analyzes sonar, laser and video data.
- [Blog | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/insights): Insights on Vision AI, generative AI, machine learning and cloud from the ClearObject team.
- [AI Glossary | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/insights/glossary): Definitions for terms commonly used in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Computer Vision.
- [Success Stories | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/insights/success-stories): ClearObject success stories: how organizations use Vision AI and GenAI to cut cycle times, simplify workflows, and achieve measurable ROI.
- [ClearVision Vision AI Demos | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/insights/vision-ai-demos): See ClearVision, ClearObject's Vision AI solution, in action across manufacturing, retail, QSRs, utilities and food & beverage.
- [Vision AI Hardware Essentials for Manufacturing | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/insights/vision-ai-hardware-guide): The right cameras, lighting, edge devices and networking ensure your Vision AI system works efficiently and accurately on the factory line.
- [ClearObject Webinars | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/insights/webinars): Watch on-demand ClearObject webinars on Vision AI and Generative AI for manufacturing, food & beverage, wastewater, financial services, and more.
- [5 Operations Hacks to Increase Food & Beverage Manufacturing Profits](https://clearobject.com/insights/webinars/5-hacks-webinar-recording): Learn how Vision AI can help with Food Date Label Compliance, along with meeting other regulatory acts and rules.
- [ON-DEMAND WEBINAR](https://clearobject.com/insights/webinars/food-date-label-webinar-recording): Learn how Vision AI can help with Food Date Label Compliance, along with meeting other regulatory acts and rules.
- [ON-DEMAND WEBINAR](https://clearobject.com/insights/webinars/smart-sewers-webinar-recording): Join ClearObject and Justin Star as we explore the benefits of AI for wastewater pipeline inspections.
- [ON-DEMAND WEBINAR](https://clearobject.com/insights/webinars/vision-ai-mfg-webinar-recording): Learn the benefits of Vision AI for manufacturing from Google Cloud's Luis Solano and ClearObject's Derek Bleyle.
- [Vision AI: A must-have for your 2025 Manufacturing Strategy](https://clearobject.com/insights/webinars/vision-mfg-strategy-webinar-recording): Hear how Stuart Farber of Clemens Food Group is using Vision to drive efficiency and profits in his facilities.
- [ClearObject for Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/qsr-quick-service-restaurants-industry): Computer Vision and AI data analysis to transform restaurant operations, reduce drive-thru wait times, and improve the QSR customer experience.
- [ClearObject for Retail | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/retail-industry): Generative AI and Vision AI are revolutionizing online and offline retail with personalized recommendations, virtual try-ons, and inventory management.
- [Services | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/services): Product teams and digital product development from ClearObject.
- [Digital Products | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/services/digital-product-development): We help customers harness the power of data analytics and AI to transform their business, delivering value at pace with agile practices.
- [IBM ELM Engineering Services | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/services/engineering): The largest hosting and managed service provider for IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management (ELM), providing end-to-end ELM migration and managed services to the Cloud.
- [Product Teams as a Service | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/services/product-teams): Product Teams as a Service (PTaaS): outsource part of your product development team to pre-vetted ClearObject experts who scale with you.
- [Contract Intelligence Program | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/services/product-teams/contract-intelligence): Contract Intelligence scans your contracts and documents and turns them into insights: where you can raise prices, which contracts are expiring, and what each one commits you to.
- [Manufacturing Intelligence Program | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/services/product-teams/manufacturing-intelligence): A ClearObject product team that turns vision, sensor and machine data into quality, throughput and safety gains, as it did for Knauf Insulation’s 511% first-year ROI.
- [Vision Intelligence Program | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/services/product-teams/vision-intelligence): ClearVision services help you quickly develop Vision Intelligence, from data labeling and model development to vision teams and hardware, in as little as 2 weeks.
- [Solutions | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/solutions): Vision AI products for safer roads, cleaner pipes and better production — built on the ClearVision platform.
- [ClearHeight | Overheight Vehicle Detection](https://clearobject.com/solutions/clearheight): ClearHeight uses Vision AI on existing traffic cameras to measure every approaching vehicle and warn overheight trucks before they strike a bridge, tunnel or overpass.
- [ClearInspect | AI Wastewater Pipeline Inspection](https://clearobject.com/solutions/clearinspect): ClearVision for Pipes reviews sewer inspection video with AI, flagging and grading defects so utilities like San Antonio and Fishers cut review time by more than half.
- [Faster, More Accurate MSI Pipeline Analysis | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/solutions/clearinspect/multi-sensor-inspection): Accelerate Multi-Sensor Inspection data analysis from months to days while increasing accuracy and delivering actionable insights.
- [ClearQuality | Manufacturing Quality Inspection with Vision AI](https://clearobject.com/solutions/clearquality): Vision AI captures and analyzes image data from the production floor to increase automation, drive continuous improvement, and empower better decisions.
- [ClearWorkZone | Work Zone Intrusion Detection & Worker Alerts](https://clearobject.com/solutions/clearworkzone): ClearWorkZone combines cameras, edge AI and wearable alerts to detect work zone intrusions in real time and give highway crews critical seconds to move to safety.
- [FloodDetect | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/solutions/flooddetect): FloodDetect uses Vision AI on existing traffic and CCTV cameras to map roadway flooding, estimate depth and alert response teams in real time.
- [Platform use cases | ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/solutions/platform): Vision AI capabilities ClearObject delivers on the ClearVision platform that are not yet packaged as named products.
- [What are Soft Sensors?](https://clearobject.com/what-are-soft-sensors): Soft sensors (“software sensor”), also known as virtual or inferential sensors, are software-based solutions that can predict the behavior of physical sensors without the need for additional hardware.
- [What is MSI?](https://clearobject.com/what-is-msi-multi-sensor-inspection): Multi-sensor inspection is a comprehensive approach to inspecting pipelines. It involves combining multiple inspection techniques to obtain a more accurate and detailed assessment of a pipeline’s condition.
- [What is Predictive Analytics?](https://clearobject.com/what-is-predictive-analytics): Predictive analytics is an advanced data analysis technique that leverages historical and real-time data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning to forecast future outcomes with a high degree of accuracy. Learn more about the uses cases and benefits for multiple industries.
- [Wind Turbine Damage](https://clearobject.com/wind-turbine-damage): Ensure a blade inspection is of the highest quality so they can recommend the necessary actions to keep assets operating.

## Success stories

- [Vision AI – A must-have for Manufacturing](https://clearobject.com/vision-ai-a-must-have-for-manufacturing): In a ClearObject webinar, Clemens Food Group VP of IT Stuart Farber shared how the pork supplier won buy-in for Vision AI by proving ROI on key use cases.
- [Beyond OEE: How Vision-based AI solutions slash cycle times and increase profitability](https://clearobject.com/beyond-oee): A composites manufacturer used ClearVision Vision AI to find bottlenecks, optimize WIP and reduce cycle times, increasing throughput and profitability.
- [$20B Mortgage Broker Simplifies Complex Workflows with GenAI](https://clearobject.com/mortgage-broker-simplifies-complex-workflows-genai): A mortgage lender with over $20B in annual loans used a custom ClearObject GenAI solution to streamline loan exceptions and increase accuracy.
- [ClearVision Inference Engine on GCP Marketplace](https://clearobject.com/clearvision-inference-engine-on-gcp-marketplace): ClearObject's ClearVision Inference Engine is now listed on Google Cloud Marketplace, giving Google Cloud customers a simpler path to Vision AI at the edge.
- [ClearObject and Google Cloud Showcase the ClearVision Vision AI Solution at MxD](https://clearobject.com/clearobject-mxd-2024): At the MxD GenAI for Manufacturing Summit in March 2024, ClearObject and Google Cloud demoed ClearVision spotting quality issues on a live line in real time.
- [Knauf Insulation achieves 511% ROI in Year 1 with ClearVision @ the Edge](https://clearobject.com/knauf-clearvision-case-study): Knauf Insulation expects a 511% first-year ROI from ClearVision @ the Edge, with up to 5% less scrap and 50% lower CO2 emissions per implementation.
- [San Antonio Water System and ClearObject Automate Video Inspections for Wastewater Pipelines](https://clearobject.com/san-antonio-water-system-partners-with-clearobject-to-create-an-automated-video-assessment-system-for-proactive-inspection-program-of-wastewater-pipelines): SAWS uses ClearObject AI to score wastewater pipe inspection videos automatically, standardizing scoring in less than half the time of traditional methods.
- [Rolls-Royce Wins 2022 Defence President’s Award for App Developed by ClearObject](https://clearobject.com/rolls-royce-wins-2022-defence-presidents-award-for-app-developed-by-clearobject): Rolls-Royce Defence won its 2022 Defence President's Award for MRO360, a ClearObject-built PowerApp that tracks MRO events and has 100+ active users.
- [ClearObject Provides City of Fishers, IN a High-Tech Approach to Wastewater Assessment](https://clearobject.com/clearobject-provides-city-of-fishers-in-a-high-tech-approach-to-wastewater-assessment): The City of Fishers, IN cut wastewater pipe video review and coding time by more than 50% and inspection and QA costs by nearly 1/3 with ClearVision.
- [Manufacturing Success Story](https://clearobject.com/manufacturing-success-story): A global construction materials manufacturer has seen a 10x return on Vision AI systems deployed with ClearObject on its path to a lights-out plant.
- [Friedrich Success Story](https://clearobject.com/friedrich-success-story): Friedrich moved more than 100,000 devices off Google's retired IoT Core to ClearBlade IoT Core in six weeks, with ClearObject as systems integrator.
- [Teck](https://clearobject.com/teck): ClearObject delivered 10 machine learning models in three months to help Teck Resources predict haul truck engine failures before they occur.
- [UI ITSC](https://clearobject.com/ui-itsc): ClearObject migrated UI ITSC's development environment, IBM tools and users to Google Cloud in under 10 hours, and performance increased significantly.
- [ROUSH Performance](https://clearobject.com/roush): Roush launched its RADAR FLM fleet lifecycle service, now at 18 development test sites globally, on a Google Cloud environment ClearObject built and manages.
- [Pureflow Inc.](https://clearobject.com/pureflow-inc): ClearObject built a Google Cloud pilot web app for Pureflow that ingests 225 eWon data channels, with dashboards and reports for 10 customer sites.
- [Pacer Digital Systems](https://clearobject.com/pacer-digital-systems): ClearObject's Google Cloud MVP for Pacer Digital's next-gen CryoIntelligence app supports up to 200 eWon data channels and up to 12 visualizations/alerts.
- [Dana Inc.](https://clearobject.com/dana-inc): Dana launched its Spicer OpTiMa tire-pressure system on a ClearObject-built Google Cloud platform; Dana says it extends tire life up to 15%.
- [BWI](https://clearobject.com/bwi): BWI is piloting a Google Cloud device data pipeline built by ClearObject for its connected community, with 17 Overlook units on smart thermostats.
- [AES Corporation](https://clearobject.com/aes-corporation): A ClearObject-built Vision AI pipeline for AES detected 95% of wind turbine gelcoat and lightning damage and cut drone images needing human review by 55%.

## Blog

- [Beyond Work Zone Awareness Week: How Vision AI Prevents Intrusions](https://clearobject.com/from-awareness-to-prevention-the-next-evolution-of-work-zone-safety): Awareness campaigns can't protect workers once a vehicle enters a work zone. Vision AI intrusion detection and wearable alerts give crews seconds to move.
- [How to Build a Stronger SS4A Grant Application](https://clearobject.com/ss4a-deadline-is-coming-fast-what-most-dots-and-cities-are-missing-right-now): Strong SS4A applications prove where risk is concentrated, how results will be measured, and that the approach can scale, using location-specific safety data.
- [Gemini for Government: Making Vision AI Explainable for Public Agencies](https://clearobject.com/gemini-for-government-vision-ai): Gemini for Government explains Vision AI detections in plain language, adds context, and shows why events were flagged so agencies can validate and act.
- [Work Zone Safety Monitoring with Vision AI](https://clearobject.com/work-zone-safety-monitoring-ai-blog): Vision AI work zone monitoring detects vehicles crossing into a work zone and instantly alerts workers through wearables, using edge AI that needs no network.
- [How Does Vision AI Detect Urban Flooding?](https://clearobject.com/flood-detection-vision-ai): FloodDetect uses Vision AI on existing traffic and CCTV cameras to detect water on roadways, map how far it spreads, and alert responders in real time.
- [How Does Overheight Vehicle Detection Prevent Bridge Strikes?](https://clearobject.com/overheight-vehicle-detection-ai): Overheight vehicle detection uses Vision AI on existing cameras to measure approaching vehicles and alert operators and drivers before a bridge strike.
- [Preventing 3 Common Public Safety Risks with Vision AI](https://clearobject.com/preventing-3-common-public-safety-risks-with-vision-ai): ClearVision helps municipalities prevent bridge strikes, improve work zone safety, and monitor crowds in real time using existing cameras.
- [Why Edge Inferencing Matters for Manufacturers](https://clearobject.com/why-edge-inferencing-matters-for-manufacturers): Edge inferencing runs trained AI models on the production line, so manufacturers can catch defects and safety issues instantly without waiting on the cloud.
- [5 Ways Vision AI Can Reduce Risk in Food Manufacturing](https://clearobject.com/5-ways-vision-ai-can-reduce-risk-in-food-manufacturing): Vision AI reduces food manufacturing risk by verifying labels, detecting defects and foreign objects, and counting items in real time before products ship.
- [The True Cost of Food Recalls and How Vision AI Prevents Them](https://clearobject.com/the-true-cost-of-food-recalls-how-smart-manufacturers-are-using-vision-ai-to-protect-what-matters-most): Food recalls bring disruption, penalties, lost revenue, and lost customers, 15% of whom never return. Vision AI catches label errors and defects first.
- [Blind Spots in Traditional Manufacturing Quality Control Methods](https://clearobject.com/blind-spots-in-traditional-manufacturing-quality-control-methods): Traditional quality control misses defects through human error, batch sampling, subtle flaws, label mistakes, and foreign objects. Vision AI checks every item.
- [Edge Systems: Immediate Protection vs. Data-Driven Improvement](https://clearobject.com/edge-systems-vs-data-driven-improvement): Edge systems react instantly to stop failures and reject defects locally. Adding scaled data and predictive analytics lets them prevent those problems instead.
- [How to Use Vision AI for Manufacturing Quality Control](https://clearobject.com/vision-ai-for-quality-control): Vision AI inspects every product in real time for defects, surface flaws, assembly errors, and label problems, replacing manual inspection and random sampling.
- [Vision AI Trends for 2025](https://clearobject.com/vision-ai-trends-2025): In early 2025, ClearObject named four Vision AI trends: multi-modal models, 3D spatial understanding, GenAI-assisted data prep and edge AI tradeoffs.
- [How Vision AI and Generative AI Work Together in Manufacturing](https://clearobject.com/mfg-vision-genai-blog): Vision AI detects defects and monitors processes on the factory floor, and GenAI turns that data into reports and plain-language answers workers can act on.
- [Vision AI for Food & Beverage Production Facilities](https://clearobject.com/vision-ai-for-food-bev-production): Vision AI helps food and beverage plants automate quality control, detect foreign matter, verify code dates, count products, and reduce downtime and waste.
- [The Generative AI Grandfather Paradox: Will AI Cannibalize itself into Oblivion?](https://clearobject.com/genai-grandfather-paradox): Not inevitably. AI trained on AI-generated content risks degrading in quality and originality, but diverse data and human oversight can prevent it.
- [Rules-based vs. Deep Learning: A Powerful Synergy in Modern AI](https://clearobject.com/rules-based-vs-deep-learning): Rules-based AI follows expert-defined rules and is transparent but rigid. Deep learning learns from data and adapts. Combining them gives accurate, trusted AI.
- [Foreign Matter Detection: Enhancing Food Safety with Vision AI](https://clearobject.com/foreign-matter-detection-enhancing-food-safety-with-vision-ai): Vision AI detects foreign matter such as glass, plastic, wood, or metal in food by flagging anything unexpected on camera, catching what other checks miss.
- [5 Operational Hacks to Increase Food & Beverage Manufacturing Profits](https://clearobject.com/5-operational-hacks-food-bev): Vision AI lifts food and beverage profits with low-cost equipment upgrades, automated defect detection, less downtime, label accuracy, and better communication.
- [How Vision AI Helps Prevent the Top OSHA Manufacturing Violations](https://clearobject.com/vision-ai-for-osha-violations): Vision AI watches camera feeds to catch lockout/tagout, PPE, hazard communication, machine guarding, and forklift risks before they become OSHA violations.
- [The 6 Big Losses in Manufacturing and How Vision AI Reduces Them](https://clearobject.com/6-big-losses-in-manufacturing-visionai): The 6 big losses are breakdowns, setups, minor stops, reduced speed, process defects, and reduced yield. Vision AI reduces each one to raise OEE.
- [What Is Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and How AI Improves It](https://clearobject.com/overall-equipment-effectiveness-oee-blog): OEE measures manufacturing efficiency as Availability × Performance × Quality. An 85% score is considered world-class, and Vision AI automates its data.
- [Guiding Principles for Working with GenAI and SQL Data](https://clearobject.com/genai-guiding-principles): To get good results from GenAI on SQL data, give the LLM the context a person would need, guide it step by step, keep context focused, and add review loops.
- [How AI Improves Sewer Pipe Inspection](https://clearobject.com/ai-revolutionizes-pipe-inspection): AI pipe inspection cuts manual review of sewer inspection video by 80% or more and grades pipe condition more consistently than manual coding.
- [Artificial Intelligence vs. Machine Learning: What’s the difference?](https://clearobject.com/artificial-intelligence-vs-machine-learning-whats-the-difference): AI is the broad goal of machines that mimic human thinking. Machine learning is one way to build AI: it trains systems to learn patterns from data.
- [GenAI at the Edge: When to Run Generative AI Locally](https://clearobject.com/genai-at-the-edge): Run GenAI at the edge when you need data privacy, low latency, offline operation, fixed costs, or less bandwidth use. The cloud offers more scale.
- [How Vision AI Helps Manufacturers Reduce Emissions and Waste](https://clearobject.com/vision-ai-reduce-emissions): Vision AI cuts manufacturing emissions by catching defects early, predicting equipment failures, and finding wasted energy. Knauf cut waste 20%.
- [What is Structured Data?](https://clearobject.com/what-is-structured-data): Structured data is information in a predefined format, like tables or spreadsheets, with labeled fields that make it easy to store, analyze and train ML on.
- [9 Ways Custom AI Solutions Outshine Off-the-Shelf Products](https://clearobject.com/9-ways-custom-ai-solutions-outshine-off-the-shelf-products): Custom GenAI solutions beat off-the-shelf AI for complex use cases: they fit your data and workflows, stay secure and explainable, and you own them.
- [What is a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)?](https://clearobject.com/what-is-a-plc-programmable-logic-controller): A PLC is a ruggedized digital computer that controls industrial machinery and processes. It feeds sensor data to AI and applies the adjustments AI recommends.
- [What the Food Date Labeling Act of 2023 Means for Manufacturers](https://clearobject.com/compliance-and-transparency-the-impact-of-the-food-labeling-act-of-2023-on-manufacturing): The Food Date Labeling Act of 2023 would limit date labels to "BEST If Used By" for quality and "USE By" for discard dates. Vision AI can verify those labels.
- [What Are Generative AI Hallucinations and Why Do They Happen?](https://clearobject.com/understanding-generative-ai-hallucinations-and-the-importance-of-expert-guidance): A GenAI hallucination is output not based on fact, from subtle errors to fabricated content. It stems from biased data, missing context or overfitting.
- [What is Software with a Service? (SwaS)](https://clearobject.com/what-is-software-with-a-service-swas): Software with a Service (SwaS) combines software with services like support, training, consulting and maintenance, unlike SaaS, which only delivers software.
- [Join the Vision AI Pilot Program for Indiana’s Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers](https://clearobject.com/vision-ai-indiana-smb-mfg): The Vision AI Pilot Program installs a ClearObject vision AI system at Indiana small and mid-sized manufacturers, with help from IU Luddy graduate students.
- [Industry 4.0: Examples in Various Industries](https://clearobject.com/industry-4-0-examples-in-various-industries): Industry 4.0 examples include smart factories, IoT inventory tracking in retail, predictive fleet maintenance, smart grids, and sensor-based pipe inspection.
- [What is Google’s Manufacturing Data Engine (MDE)?](https://clearobject.com/what-is-googles-manufacturing-data-engine-mde): Google's Manufacturing Data Engine (MDE) is a cloud-based system that collects, centralizes, and analyzes manufacturing data for real-time and predictive use.
- [What is Closed Loop Manufacturing?](https://clearobject.com/what-is-closed-loop-manufacturing): Closed-loop manufacturing replaces take-make-dispose production with a circular model, using real-time data and feedback to optimize processes and reuse.
- [How Can Private Equity Firms Use AI in Portfolio Companies?](https://clearobject.com/ai-for-private-equity): PE firms can use Vision AI and Generative AI to help portfolio companies cut labor and energy costs, improve quality control and drive profit growth.
- [How Vertex AI Is Used in Manufacturing](https://clearobject.com/transforming-manufacturing-with-vertex-ai): Vertex AI helps manufacturers predict equipment failures, detect defects, optimize production and inventory, improve supply chains, and cut energy use.
- [Is ChatGPT Worth the Security Risk for Marketing Teams?](https://clearobject.com/the-chatgpt-dilemma): ChatGPT can be worth the risk for marketers if they manage data privacy, content quality, hallucinations and IP risks with access controls and human review.
- [AI is NOT the Answer: But it is part of the Solution](https://clearobject.com/ai-is-not-the-answer): AI is not a solution on its own. It is worth adopting only when it solves a real problem, like predictive maintenance, quality control or demand forecasting.
- [The Top 5 Benefits of Generative AI for Supply Chain Management](https://clearobject.com/generative-ai-for-supply-chain-management): The top 5 benefits of generative AI for supply chains: better demand forecasts, optimized inventory, real-time decisions, supplier insight and route planning.
- [An Example of How Workforce Twins Can be Used in Manufacturing](https://clearobject.com/an-example-of-how-workforce-twins-can-be-used-in-manufacturing): Workforce Twins are virtual models of a workforce that help manufacturers predict breakdowns, optimize shift staffing, and close skill gaps, shown by example.
- [Finding Your AI Solution: What is an AI Discovery Workshop?](https://clearobject.com/what-is-a-discovery-workshop-clearobject): An AI Discovery Workshop is a guided session where ClearObject experts and your stakeholders find 1-3 high-ROI AI use cases to launch as a pilot or POC.
- [How AI Is Transforming the Automotive Industry](https://clearobject.com/revving-up-efficiency-ai-driven-transformation-in-the-automotive-sector): AI is transforming automotive manufacturing through predictive maintenance, computer vision quality control, supply chain forecasting, and finance.
- [How Is AI Used in Wastewater Treatment and Pipeline Inspection?](https://clearobject.com/smart-solutions-for-dirty-water-unleashing-ai-in-wastewater-treatment): AI helps wastewater utilities predict maintenance, optimize chemical dosing and energy use, monitor water quality in real time, and speed up pipe inspections.
- [Configuring a GenAI Chat Agent: A Comprehensive Guide](https://clearobject.com/configuring-a-genai-chat-agent-a-comprehensive-guide): To configure a GenAI chat agent, set clear objectives, tailor its voice, connect a knowledge base, add escalation paths to humans, then test and iterate.
- [How Can AI Help Businesses Reach ESG Goals?](https://clearobject.com/can-ai-save-the-planet-reaching-esg-goals-with-artificial-intelligence): AI helps businesses reach ESG goals by cutting energy use and waste, informing social initiatives, and improving compliance monitoring and ESG reporting.
- [Common Mistakes When Deploying GenAI Chatbots or Chat Agents](https://clearobject.com/common-mistakes-deploying-chatbots): Common GenAI chatbot mistakes: no clear objectives, poor UX, weak personalization and training data, unrealistic expectations, and no ongoing improvement.
- [Cooking Up Creativity: How Generative AI is Transforming the Food & Beverage Industry](https://clearobject.com/cooking-up-creativity-genai): Food and beverage companies use generative AI to create recipes and menus, write marketing content, and forecast demand to optimize their supply chains.
- [Chatbot vs. Chat Agent: What Is the Difference?](https://clearobject.com/chatbot-vs-chat-agent): A chatbot follows predefined rules to answer routine questions. A chat agent is AI-driven and action-oriented: it understands context and can complete tasks.
- [Why Work with a Google Cloud Partner for AI?](https://clearobject.com/how-working-with-a-google-cloud-partner-can-transform-your-business): A Google Cloud Partner helps you adopt AI by advising which Google Cloud services to use, how to configure them, and how to launch them successfully.
- [What is Vertex AI? Benefits and Use Cases](https://clearobject.com/what-is-vertex-ai-benefits-and-use-cases): Vertex AI is Google Cloud's fully managed platform for building, deploying, and managing machine learning models, with AutoML and pre-built models.
- [What is Generative AI? Benefits and Use Cases](https://clearobject.com/what-is-generative-ai-benefits-and-use-cases): Generative AI creates new content, designs and solutions instead of only spotting patterns. Businesses use it for content, design, personalization and analysis.
- [What Are the Security and Data Privacy Risks of Generative AI?](https://clearobject.com/genai-security-concerns): GenAI risks include training data exposure, adversarial attacks and IP infringement. Enterprises respond with data controls, encryption and access controls.
- [What Is Prompt Engineering?](https://clearobject.com/prompt-engineering-blog): Prompt engineering is creating the inputs, or prompts, that tell AI systems what to do. The better the prompt, the better the results from the AI.
- [What to Consider When Adopting AI Into Your Business](https://clearobject.com/what-to-consider-when-adopting-ai-into-your-business): Before adopting AI, weigh expertise gaps, data quality, cost, privacy, ethics and change management, then set clear goals and start with a small pilot.
- [How Vision AI and GenAI will Affect Jobs in the Manufacturing Industry](https://clearobject.com/how-vision-ai-and-genai-will-affect-jobs-in-the-manufacturing-industry): Vision AI and GenAI will automate some manufacturing jobs like quality control, redefine others like product design, and create new roles in data science.
- [The Benefits of GenAI in Manufacturing](https://clearobject.com/the-benefits-of-genai-in-manufacturing): GenAI helps manufacturers increase efficiency, improve quality, cut costs, and innovate faster by automating tasks from product design to quality control.
- [ClearObject Partners with Google Cloud to Drive Customer Innovation with Cutting-edge GenAI Capabilities and Solutions](https://clearobject.com/clearobject-partners-with-google-cloud-to-drive-customer-innovation-with-cutting-edge-genai-capabilities-and-solutions): In June 2023, ClearObject expanded its Google Cloud partnership to offer GenAI discovery workshops, POC development, deployment, and managed services.
- [How to Choose the Right AI Tools for Your Business](https://clearobject.com/how-to-choose-the-right-ai-tools-for-your-business): Choose an AI tool by defining the problem and goals, checking data, security, integration and ROI, getting references, and running a pilot before you buy.
- [What is Edge AI for Manufacturing?](https://clearobject.com/what-is-edge-ai-for-manufacturing): Edge AI for manufacturing runs AI inside the plant, processing sensor and camera data locally for faster response, better security, and predictable costs.
- [Are Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence the Same?](https://clearobject.com/are-computer-vision-and-artificial-intelligence-the-same): No. Computer vision lets computers interpret images and video; AI is the broader ability of machines to mimic human intelligence. They often work together.
- [How AI Quality Assurance Makes Automobiles Safer](https://clearobject.com/ai-quality-assurance-makes-automobiles-safer): AI quality assurance makes cars safer by catching defects like microscopic cracks before parts reach a vehicle, while cutting the cost of manual inspection.
- [Three Key Principles to Build Trust with your Product Teams](https://clearobject.com/three-key-principles-to-build-trust-with-your-product-teams): Build trust with an external product team by starting before you are sure, treating scope growth as learning, and iterating since no product suits everyone.
- [The Top 5 Reasons to use Automated Multi-Sensor Inspection Data Analysis](https://clearobject.com/the-top-5-reasons-to-use-automated-multi-sensor-inspection-data-analysis): Automated MSI data analysis returns pipeline inspection results over 90 times faster, from 6 months to 2 days, and finds anomalies manual review misses.
- [What is Lights Out Manufacturing?](https://clearobject.com/what-is-lights-out-manufacturing): Lights out manufacturing is an automated production process that runs 24/7 without direct human supervision, using robotics, AI, and machine learning.
- [What is Product Teams as a Service? (PTaaS)](https://clearobject.com/what-is-product-teams-as-a-service-ptaas): Product Teams as a Service (PTaaS) is a way to outsource part of your product development team, scaling vetted experts up or down as you need them.
- [What Is Equipment Health Monitoring (EHM)?](https://clearobject.com/maximize-your-uptime-an-overview-of-equipment-health-monitoring): Equipment health monitoring uses sensors and software to track temperature, vibration, and pressure, flagging equipment problems before they cause breakdowns.
- [Fishers Hosts Indiana's First Drone Wastewater Pipeline Inspection](https://clearobject.com/clearobject-helps-indiana-lead-the-way-in-pipeline-inspection-innovation-with-exciting-drone-technology): The City of Fishers, IN and ClearObject set up a live demo of Indiana's first drone inspection of an underground wastewater pipeline, nearly 1,000 ft long.
- [What is MLOps?](https://clearobject.com/what-is-mlops): MLOps (Machine Learning Operations) applies DevOps practices to building, testing and deploying ML models so they are more reliable and ship faster.

## Glossary

- [Attention Mechanisms](https://clearobject.com/glossary/attention-mechanisms): An attention mechanism is a neural network technique that lets a model weigh how relevant every part of its input is to every other part. Instead of treating all inputs equally, the model learns which words, image regions, or time steps to focus on when producing each part of its output.
- [Closed Loop Manufacturing](https://clearobject.com/glossary/closed-loop-manufacturing): Closed loop manufacturing is a production approach in which data from the process is measured continuously and fed back to automatically adjust machines and settings. AI and analytics monitor each stage of the manufacturing cycle and correct it in near real time to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability.
- [Convolutional Neural Networks](https://clearobject.com/glossary/convolutional-neural-networks): A convolutional neural network (CNN) is a type of neural network designed for grid-like data such as images. It scans small filters across the input to detect local patterns like edges and textures, building on the assumption that pixels near each other are more related than pixels far apart.
- [Deep Learning](https://clearobject.com/glossary/deep-learning): Deep learning is a branch of machine learning that uses neural networks with many stacked layers to learn patterns directly from data. The word deep refers to the number of layers. Each layer transforms the data a little further, letting the model learn complex features from raw images, text, audio, or sensor readings.
- [Digital Twin](https://clearobject.com/glossary/digital-twin): A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical object, system, or process that is kept in sync with its real-world counterpart using live data. It lets teams monitor, analyze, and test changes to performance and behavior virtually, and it is used in manufacturing, healthcare, urban planning, and other industries.
- [Edge Computing](https://clearobject.com/glossary/edge-computing): Edge computing is processing and analyzing data close to where it is generated, at or near the edge of the network, rather than sending everything to centralized cloud servers. Keeping computation local reduces latency and bandwidth use and enables faster decisions for IoT devices, cameras, and real-time systems.
- [Generative AI](https://clearobject.com/glossary/generative-ai): Generative AI is artificial intelligence that creates new content, such as text, images, code, or audio, by learning the patterns in existing data. Built on deep learning models, it learns a statistical representation of its training data and uses that representation to produce original output in response to a prompt.
- [Google Distributed Cloud Edge](https://clearobject.com/glossary/google-distributed-cloud-edge): Google Distributed Cloud Edge (GDCE) is Google Cloud's on-premises offering that runs cloud infrastructure and services at the customer's location, close to the equipment that produces the data. It brings cloud-style computing to a factory, facility, or other site for workloads that need low latency or must keep data local.
- [GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer)](https://clearobject.com/glossary/gpt): GPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer, a type of large language model built on the transformer neural network architecture. It is pre-trained on a broad range of text to predict the next word, which lets it generate coherent, contextually relevant responses in natural language. GPT is the model family behind ChatGPT.
- [Hallucination](https://clearobject.com/glossary/hallucination): An AI hallucination is output from an AI system, especially a generative AI model, that sounds plausible but is made up or not supported by its data or sources. Examples include invented facts, citations, or figures. Hallucinations become a problem when users are not trained to spot and correct them.
- [Human-in-the-Loop](https://clearobject.com/glossary/human-in-the-loop): Human-in-the-loop (HITL) is an approach in which people stay involved in an automated or AI process to oversee, review, and correct its results for relevance and accuracy. Because AI systems lack human judgment and domain expertise, many workflows keep a person in the loop to solve problems, catch hallucinations, and interpret outputs.
- [Large Language Model](https://clearobject.com/glossary/large-language-model): A large language model (LLM) is an AI model trained on very large amounts of text to understand and generate human-like language. Most LLMs use the transformer architecture and learn by predicting the next word, which gives them the ability to answer questions, summarize, translate, and write.
- [Lights-Out Manufacturing](https://clearobject.com/glossary/lights-out-manufacturing): Lights-out manufacturing is a fully automated production approach in which machines and equipment run without people on site, so the lights can literally be turned off. Robotics, sensors, vision systems, and automation software handle production, enabling continuous, unmanned operation and minimizing manual labor.
- [Manufacturing Connection Engine](https://clearobject.com/glossary/manufacturing-connection-engine): The Manufacturing Connection Engine (MCE) is Google Cloud's software for connecting shop-floor equipment, such as sensors and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and collecting their data for use in the cloud. Google's MCE is often referred to as Litmus, the industrial connectivity platform associated with it.
- [Manufacturing Data Engine](https://clearobject.com/glossary/manufacturing-data-engine): The Manufacturing Data Engine (MDE) is Google Cloud's solution for processing, contextualizing, and storing manufacturing data. It takes raw data from machines and sensors and organizes it with context, such as which line, asset, or product it came from, so it can be analyzed and used for AI.
- [MLOps](https://clearobject.com/glossary/mlops): MLOps, short for machine learning operations, is a set of practices for building, deploying, monitoring, and maintaining machine learning models reliably in production. It brings data scientists, developers, and operations teams together to manage the full model lifecycle, from development and testing through deployment and ongoing monitoring.
- [Multi-Sensor Inspection](https://clearobject.com/glossary/multi-sensor-inspection): Multi-sensor inspection (MSI) is an inspection approach that uses several sensors or sensing technologies at once to assess the condition, integrity, or performance of an object, system, or environment. Combining different types of sensor data gives a more accurate and complete picture than any single sensor could provide.
- [Natural Language Processing](https://clearobject.com/glossary/natural-language-processing): Natural language processing (NLP) is a field of artificial intelligence focused on enabling computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language, especially unstructured text and speech. It covers tasks such as classification, extracting information, translation, summarization, and answering questions, and it underpins modern chat assistants.
- [Neural Networks](https://clearobject.com/glossary/neural-networks): A neural network is a machine learning model loosely inspired by the human brain, made of layers of connected nodes. Each node combines its inputs using learned weights and a nonlinear activation function, and the network learns by adjusting those weights to reduce its errors on example data.
- [Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)](https://clearobject.com/glossary/overall-equipment-effectiveness-oee): Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is a manufacturing metric that measures how well equipment performs compared to its ideal. It combines availability (uptime versus downtime), performance (actual speed versus maximum speed), and quality (share of good parts) to show what percentage of planned production time is truly productive.
- [Predictive Analytics](https://clearobject.com/glossary/predictive-analytics): Predictive analytics is the use of statistical algorithms, machine learning, and data analysis to find patterns in historical data and forecast future events or outcomes. It helps organizations make informed decisions, optimize strategies, and reduce risk based on what is likely to happen rather than only what already happened.
- [Programmable Logic Controller](https://clearobject.com/glossary/programmable-logic-controller): A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a rugged industrial computer that controls and automates manufacturing processes. It continuously reads sensors and other input devices, runs programmed logic, and switches output devices such as motors, valves, and conveyors, providing reliable, real-time control on the factory floor.
- [Prompt Engineering](https://clearobject.com/glossary/prompt-engineering): Prompt engineering is the practice of designing and refining the instructions, context, and examples given to a generative AI model so it produces relevant, accurate output. A well-engineered prompt states the task clearly, supplies needed background, sets the format and constraints, and is tested and revised based on results.
- [Recurrent Neural Networks](https://clearobject.com/glossary/recurrent-neural-networks): A recurrent neural network (RNN) is a type of deep learning model built for sequential data. It processes inputs one step at a time and carries a hidden state forward, so each step is interpreted in light of what came before. This makes RNNs useful for time series and natural language.
- [Reinforcement Learning](https://clearobject.com/glossary/reinforcement-learning): Reinforcement learning is a field of machine learning in which an agent learns by interacting with an environment and receiving rewards or penalties for its actions. Rather than learning from labeled examples, the agent experiments, sees the results, and gradually adopts the strategy that maximizes its total reward over time.
- [Retrieval-Augmented Generation](https://clearobject.com/glossary/retrieval-augmented-generation): Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) is a technique that improves a large language model's answers by first retrieving relevant information from a specified knowledge base and then giving it to the model as context. The model generates its response from those documents, which improves relevance and accuracy and helps reduce hallucinations.
- [Soft Sensor](https://clearobject.com/glossary/soft-sensor): A soft sensor, or virtual sensor, is a software model that estimates a process variable in real time from other measurements instead of measuring it directly. Using mathematical or machine learning models, soft sensors replace or complement physical sensors in industrial and manufacturing control and monitoring, offering cost-effective, adaptable virtual measurements.
- [Software with a Service (SwaS)](https://clearobject.com/glossary/swas): Software with a Service (SwaS) is a delivery model that pairs a software product with ongoing expert services, such as implementation, customization, and support, to deliver a complete solution. Instead of buying software and running it alone, the customer gets the software plus a team that helps it deliver results.
- [Transformers](https://clearobject.com/glossary/transformers): A transformer is a neural network architecture built mainly on attention mechanisms, which let the model relate every part of an input to every other part. Because transformers process a whole sequence in parallel rather than step by step, they can be trained efficiently on very large datasets, which made today's large language models possible.
- [Variational Autoencoders](https://clearobject.com/glossary/variational-autoencoders): A variational autoencoder (VAE) is a generative deep learning model that learns to compress data into a compact probabilistic representation, called a latent space, and then reconstruct it. Because it learns a smooth distribution rather than fixed codes, a VAE can generate new, realistic samples by drawing points from that latent space.
- [Vertex AI](https://clearobject.com/glossary/vertex): Vertex AI is Google Cloud's machine learning platform for building, deploying, and managing AI models. It provides tools for data preparation, model training, and deployment in one place, streamlining the end-to-end machine learning workflow, and it also gives access to Google's generative AI models.
- [Vision AI](https://clearobject.com/glossary/vision-ai): Vision AI is the use of artificial intelligence, including computer vision, machine learning, and image processing, to interpret images and video. It lets systems classify images, detect and locate objects, and spot defects or anomalies, supporting tasks such as quality control, safety monitoring, and inspection.