Inspired by human cognition, Deep Learning technology gives manufacturing equipment the ability to recognize images and perceive environments in new ways. With the flexibility of the human eye and speed and robustness of a computer, deep learning-based vision algorithms can now solve factory floor applications that once took months to develop. These include applications that are too complicated to program, or unwieldy to maintain, like cosmetic inspection on textured patterns that vary in subtle ways; complicated assemblies with confusing backgrounds; and even complex character reading. Cognex is at the vanguard of this machine vision innovation with the first deep learning-based image analysis software designed specifically for factories.