Panjab University Secures Design Patent for Cost-Effective Single Camera-Based Optical Vision Machine

Chandigarh, October 2, 2026: Marking a significant step towards developing cost-effective automation solutions for manufacturing and production applications, Panjab University, Chandigarh, has secured a design patent of its “Single Camera Based Optical Vision Machine” from the Patent Office, Government of India.
The technology could be particularly relevant to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) seeking affordable and adaptable automation solutions for manufacturing and production environments.
The design has been registered under Design No. 456985-001 on September 23, 2026. The machine has been developed by an interdisciplinary team from the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), Panjab University, comprising Prof. Rajesh Kumar, Dr Gaurav Sapra, Dr Garima Joshi, Hemant Bhardwaj, Khushboo Panghal, Deepak Bansal, Saksham Shukla and Shivam Jadaun, with Panjab University as the applicant.
Developed with funding support under a Department of Science and Technology (DST) Technology Development Programme project, the machine is designed as a compact and cost-effective solution for automated optical inspection and sorting. Unlike conventional machine-vision systems that may require multiple cameras and associated hardware, the proposed system uses a single-camera configuration integrated into a compact machine layout.
The single-camera configuration has the potential to reduce equipment requirements and space utilisation while offering a cost-conscious approach to machine-vision applications. The system can be used for automated visual inspection, object identification, defect detection, quality control and sorting operations.
The achievement adds to Panjab University’s work in indigenous technology development, intellectual property creation and industry-oriented research. The University is exploring opportunities for technology transfer, industrial collaboration and commercialisation of the technology for relevant manufacturing and automation applications.
Appreciating the achievement, PU Vice Chancellor Prof Meenakshi Goyal said the design registration marks a step towards translating academic research and engineering innovation into practical technological solutions and creating opportunities for collaboration among the University, technology developers and industry.