What is Computer Vision? Comprehensive Guide [2025]

Computer vision is a transformative technology that allows computers to interpret and understand the physical world through visual data, enabling tasks such as object identification, recognition, and tracking. It has matured to the point where extensive technical knowledge is no longer a prerequisite for its application, making it accessible for solving specific problems across various industries. Computer vision encompasses several problem types, including image classification, object detection, and semantic segmentation, each suited to different real-world applications. Machine vision, a subset of computer vision, is commonly used in industrial settings for tasks like defect detection and inventory management. Practical applications of computer vision span from enhancing automation and efficiency in manufacturing and logistics to revolutionizing healthcare and sports by improving patient care and player tracking. To embark on a computer vision project, one must gather and label data, train a model, and deploy it for real-world use, a process that is facilitated by accessible tools and platforms.