July 15, 2026 Blog posts   Kowa updates

We are proud to announce that the Kowa Rotary Wiper has been awarded the Gold Award at the prestigious Vision Systems Design 2026 Innovation Awards, presented during Automate 2026. This award recognizes outstanding innovation in machine vision and imaging technology and highlights Kowa's commitment to developing solutions that solve real-world industrial challenges. Receiving the Gold Award is a testament to the Rotary Wiper's unique approach to maintaining reliable vision in some of the harshest manufacturing environments!

Why the Rotary Wiper Was Recognized

Machine vision systems are becoming increasingly important in modern manufacturing. However, applications inside CNC machines and other harsh production environments present a major challenge: keeping the camera's field of view clean.
Coolant, oil mist, metal chips and other contaminants quickly accumulate on protective windows and lenses, reducing image quality and often forcing production interruptions for cleaning and maintenance.
The Kowa Rotary Wiper was specifically developed to eliminate this problem. Instead of relying on manual cleaning or external protection, the system continuously maintains a clear optical path while the machine remains in operation.

A Complete Vision System for Harsh Environments

The Kowa Rotary Wiper is more than a cleaning device. It is a fully integrated vision solution that combines:

• Industrial camera
• High-performance Kowa lens
• Rugged protective housing
• Air-powered rotary sapphire glass window
• Water-repellent optical coating

The rotating sapphire window actively removes coolant, oil, dust, metal chips and other debris before they can obstruct the camera's view, ensuring uninterrupted image quality throughout the production process.

Designed for Continuous Process Monitoring

By maintaining a consistently clear image, manufacturers can monitor machining processes in real time without stopping production.

This enables a continuous visual inspection, an early detection of machining issues, reduced maintenance requirements, less machine downtime as well as increased production efficiency and improved process reliability.  For manufacturers operating automated CNC equipment, these advantages translate directly into higher productivity and lower operating costs.

Learn More About the Kowa Rotary Wiper

Whether you're looking to improve process monitoring inside CNC machines or searching for a robust vision solution for harsh industrial environments, the Kowa Rotary Wiper is designed to keep your production running. Our team would be happy to discuss your application and demonstrate how the Rotary Wiper can support your project.


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