Keyence Vision System Elevates Pharmaceutical Automation

Noreside Engineering, based in Kilkenny, Ireland, designs, manufactures, and installs specialist automation and materials handling systems for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturers across Ireland and Europe.

Known for tackling complex automation challenges, the team specialises in systems where accuracy, repeatability, and regulatory compliance are essential.

For a recent pharmaceutical project, Noreside Engineering developed a compact automated inspection and handling cell designed to reliably identify very small components and place them at high speed—all within a controlled, GMP-aligned production environment.

“Our customer wanted confidence in a system that would stand up to real pharmaceutical production,” explains Johan van Eyk, Robotics Division Lead at Noreside Engineering. “That means consistent performance, clear data, and a design approach that supports validation and long-term use—not just something that works on day one.”

Seeing small parts clearly—every time

At the heart of the system is a Keyence CV-X vision platform with a 5-megapixel camera, capable of reliably identifying parts as small as 2 mm × 4 mm. Using advanced pattern recognition, the system can locate components even when they arrive in different orientations or positions—perfect for high-throughput pharmaceutical applications.

Components are presented using an ATC vibrating Flexibowl, which gently singulates parts in random orientation. The CV-X vision system identifies each part, calculates its exact X, Y, and rotation coordinates, and sends this information directly to a Fanuc robot. The robot then performs a fast, accurate pick-and-place operation, positioning each component precisely where it needs to go.

Because the process is fully automated and non-contact, operator involvement is reduced and the risk of contamination is minimised—key advantages in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Why the Keyence CV-X makes the difference

The speed and flexibility of the CV-X system were major reasons for its selection. Even when processing high-resolution images, the system delivers results in real time. This allows the robot to work at full speed without waiting for data.

The CV-X platform also supports multiple cameras from a single controller, making it easy to expand the system in the future.

Fast, flexible, and validation-friendly

By combining high-speed vision processing with coordinated robot motion, the system completes inspection and handling tasks in seconds. This supports batch testing and continuous production without slowing throughput.

Noreside Engineering deliberately avoids closed or restrictive platforms, ensuring customers retain control of their systems long after commissioning. This open approach makes future upgrades, process changes, and validation activities far more straightforward.

“As automation in pharma continues to evolve, flexibility is just as important as accuracy,” Johan adds. “Manufacturers want systems that integrate cleanly with robotics, providing transparent access to data, and can be adapted as processes change. That’s why platforms like Keyence CV-X work so well. They deliver the performance we need today, while keeping options open for tomorrow.”

A reliable solution for pharmaceutical manufacturing

The completed system delivers a robust, repeatable, and easy-to-use automation solution. It supports quality assurance, reduces operator dependency, and offers long-term flexibility.

For Noreside Engineering, the project highlights how Keyence CV-X vision technology can turn complex pharmaceutical automation challenges into future-ready solutions.

To speak to Noreside Engineering about our Keyence products, contact us here