A Machine Vision Company.
Founded in 2004 by two machine vision engineers, not a sales team — and we've stayed hands-on with every system we've built since.
- Two in-house software platforms — RoboVis® and GenVis — written and developed by Iain Smith and Bob Fisher, now mature and stable machine vision platforms.
- National and European funding secured in aerospace, transport, healthcare and biochemical sectors, working with organisations such as MAS, MTC, MTA and PERA — part of an ongoing drive towards ISO9001:2015 accreditation.
- Industrial machine vision integrators — a Cognex PSI partner and MVTec Halcon certified integration partner.
- We only partner with suppliers who share our approach to quality and reliability.
Founded in 2004 as FS Systems.
2004
2004
Founded in 2004 as FS Systems, and now Fisher Smith, we have over 50 combined years of experience of machine vision and industrial control systems. The machine vision company was started by Iain Smith and Bob Fisher to solely concentrate on machine vision systems and continue the development of the RoboVis and GenVis products.
2005
2005
By the end of 2005 we had:
- supplied multiple RoboVis systems into the UK and USA
- successfully completed a large (non-vision) software project for a major defence contractor
- begun integrating and distributing Vision & Control's range of high-quality lighting, lenses and smart cameras into the UK
2010
2010
In 2010 we were recognised as MVTec Certified integration partners, having worked with Halcon since its first official release.
2011
2011
By 2011 we had systems running in Singapore, China, Malaysia, USA, Hungary as well as UK & Ireland, including linescan and 3D-based solutions.
2014
2014
In 2014 we began working with Cognex as both supplier — solving some niche logistic problems for them — and integrator working with Vision Pro and Insight. We now have PSI status and competencies in 3D, Deep learning / ViDi, Vision Pro and Insight platforms.
2019
2019
During 2019 we deployed our first deep-learning solution and continue to stay abreast of new developments. During that time we have built solid, long-term relationships with our customers and suppliers.
Founded by an engineer, not a salesperson.
Bob Fisher, Founder
Bob co-founded Fisher Smith in 2004 as a Machine Vision Specialist & Software Engineer, trained through a City & Guilds, an HNC in Electronic & Electrical Engineering, and an MOD apprenticeship, before co-developing RoboVis® and GenVis.
Bob has since retired from day-to-day operations but remains involved as Fisher Smith's founder.
The engineers behind every install.
Iain Smith
Iain has been at Fisher Smith for over 15 years as a Machine Vision Specialist & Software Engineer, educated in engineering mathematics at the University of Bristol, and has led development of RoboVis® and GenVis.
He's a recognised voice in the field — a guest on the Internet of Things and Finding Genius podcasts, discussing machine vision and deep learning in industrial manufacturing.
Radu Cretu, Project Engineer
Radu is a Project Engineer with almost ten years of experience at Fisher Smith and an MSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Renowned for his technical expertise and problem-solving ability, he has built a reputation for finding practical solutions to complex automation and vision applications.
His customer-focused approach and in-depth knowledge make him a trusted resource for customers across a wide range of industries.
Reece Donneky, Project Engineer
Reece is a Project Engineer at Fisher Smith with a BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and over four years of experience in machine vision and automation. Specialising in project delivery and technical problem solving, he enjoys helping customers understand and implement vision solutions that solve real manufacturing challenges.
His background in electronic test development provides a strong attention to detail and a structured approach to troubleshooting complex systems.
Engineering and Software Consultants
Throughout our combined 35 years of experience in business, our expertise has been demanded in a consulting capacity time and time again. Consultation can form a vital first stage in the process of ensuring that the optimum solution is specified for your application.
We offer technical, commercial and practical advice on new and existing projects, including:
- Assessing the viability of a potential machine vision project
- Specification writing
- Improving existing vision systems to achieve greater reliability, increased longevity and decreased scrap
Bespoke Software Design and Development | Deep Learning Software
For years we've been the “problem solvers” coordinating disparate suppliers and technologies — including deep learning — into a single interface or data point, and we've been Halcon integration partners for more than 10 years. We write in C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, Assembler and PLC ladder, across both vision and non-vision projects, real-time and embedded systems.
Accreditations
Cognex PSI
Cognex Partner System Integrator, specialisms include In-Sight, Vision Pro, Designer & ViDi.
MVTec Certified Integration Partner
Having worked with Halcon since its first commercial release, and with many systems deployed to industry, we are recognised as Certified Integration Partners.
Vision & Control
Sales Partner for Vision & Control's range of systems, lighting and optics for machine vision.
Vision Components
Sales Partner for Vision Components' range of freely-programmable smart cameras.
Safecontractor Accredited
Fisher Smith has been awarded accreditation from Safecontractor for its commitment to achieving excellence in health and safety.
PPMA / UKIVA
Members of the UK Industrial Vision Association (now part of PPMA) since 2005.
MTA
Members of the MTA since 2008.
Northants Chamber of Commerce
Members of Northants Chamber of Commerce.
Interested in working together, discussing your application, or simply learning more?
Get in touch for project appraisals, quotations, or more information on how we can provide the right vision solution for your application.