Key Insights
The European machine vision systems market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing automation across various industries and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning. The market, currently valued at approximately €[Estimate based on market size XX and conversion rate; for example, €15 billion in 2025], is projected to maintain a healthy Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2025 to 2033. Key growth drivers include the rising adoption of machine vision in quality control processes within the food and beverage, automotive, and electronics sectors, the increasing demand for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and robotics in logistics and warehousing, and the expansion of AI-powered vision systems for advanced applications like medical imaging and autonomous driving. The PC-based segment currently holds a significant market share due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility, while the smart camera-based segment is witnessing rapid growth fueled by its ease of integration and compact design. Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy are the leading markets in Europe, benefiting from strong industrial bases and advanced technological infrastructure. However, challenges such as high initial investment costs and the need for skilled workforce to implement and maintain these systems could potentially restrain market growth to some extent.
The competitive landscape is characterized by the presence of both established global players and regional specialists. Key players like Keyence, Cognex, and Omron are leveraging their technological expertise and extensive distribution networks to maintain their market leadership. However, smaller, specialized companies are also gaining traction by focusing on niche applications and providing innovative solutions. The future growth of the European machine vision systems market is expected to be significantly influenced by ongoing technological innovations, including the development of 3D vision systems, improved image processing algorithms, and the integration of edge computing capabilities. The increasing demand for robust and reliable systems in safety-critical applications, such as autonomous vehicles and medical devices, will further fuel market expansion. The integration of machine vision with other technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing will lead to the development of more intelligent and connected systems, opening up new opportunities for growth.

Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry: A Comprehensive Market Report (2019-2033)
This insightful report provides a detailed analysis of the European machine vision systems market, offering valuable insights for stakeholders across the value chain. Covering the period 2019-2033, with a focus on 2025, this report meticulously examines market trends, leading players, technological advancements, and future growth prospects. The European machine vision systems market is projected to reach xx Million by 2033, exhibiting significant growth driven by automation demands across diverse industries.
Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Market Composition & Trends
The European machine vision systems market is characterized by a moderately concentrated landscape, with key players like Keyence Corporation, IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH, National Instruments Corporation, Cognex Corporation, Omron Corporation, Uss Vision Inc, Perceptron Inc, Teledyne DALSA, Datalogic SpA, and Basler AG holding significant market share. Market share distribution in 2025 is estimated as follows: Keyence (xx%), Cognex (xx%), Omron (xx%), and others (xx%). Innovation is driven by advancements in AI, deep learning, and 3D vision technologies. The regulatory landscape, while generally supportive of technological advancements, is evolving to address data privacy and cybersecurity concerns. Substitute products, such as traditional manual inspection methods, are gradually being replaced due to the increasing cost-effectiveness and efficiency of machine vision systems. M&A activities have been moderate, with deal values totaling approximately xx Million in the last five years, primarily focusing on consolidating smaller specialized players. End-user profiles are diverse, spanning across multiple sectors, with a notable emphasis on automotive, electronics, and logistics.
- Market Concentration: Moderately concentrated, with a few major players holding significant market share.
- Innovation Catalysts: AI, deep learning, 3D vision technologies.
- Regulatory Landscape: Evolving, addressing data privacy and cybersecurity.
- Substitute Products: Traditional manual inspection methods.
- M&A Activity: Moderate, with total deal values of approximately xx Million in the last five years.
- End-User Profiles: Diverse, including automotive, electronics, and logistics.

Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Industry Evolution
The European machine vision systems market has experienced robust growth over the historical period (2019-2024), with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of xx%. This growth is projected to continue during the forecast period (2025-2033), with an anticipated CAGR of xx%, driven by increasing automation needs across various industries. Technological advancements, particularly the integration of AI and deep learning algorithms, have significantly enhanced the capabilities of machine vision systems, enabling more accurate and efficient inspection and analysis. Shifting consumer demands towards higher quality products and increased productivity are further fueling market growth. The adoption rate of smart camera-based systems is rapidly increasing, surpassing PC-based systems in certain segments due to their compactness and cost-effectiveness. The automotive industry, in particular, is driving adoption with advancements in autonomous driving technologies. Growth in the logistics sector is fueled by the need for efficient automated sorting and handling. The healthcare industry is seeing increased adoption for quality control and precision processes.
Leading Regions, Countries, or Segments in Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry
Germany and the United Kingdom are the leading markets in Europe, accounting for a combined xx% of the total market revenue in 2025. Within the segment breakdown:
- By Product: Smart camera-based systems are experiencing faster growth than PC-based systems due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
- By End-User Industry: The automotive and electronics and semiconductors industries are the largest consumers of machine vision systems, driven by high automation needs and stringent quality control standards. However, the food and beverage, and healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are showing strong growth potential.
- By Country: Germany leads due to its strong automotive and manufacturing base, while the United Kingdom benefits from a large logistics and retail sector.
- By Component: Hardware remains the dominant segment, though software is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing importance of sophisticated algorithms and AI capabilities.
Key Drivers:
- High investment in automation across various industries.
- Government initiatives promoting Industry 4.0 and digitalization.
- Stringent quality control requirements in sectors such as automotive and pharmaceuticals.
Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Product Innovations
Recent innovations focus on integrating AI and deep learning into machine vision systems, resulting in improved accuracy, speed, and adaptability. 3D vision systems are gaining traction, enabling more comprehensive object recognition and analysis. The introduction of compact and cost-effective smart cameras is driving wider adoption across various applications. Unique selling propositions include improved defect detection capabilities, reduced inspection times, and enhanced data analysis functionalities.
Propelling Factors for Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Growth
The European machine vision systems market is propelled by several factors: increasing automation in manufacturing and logistics, growing demand for higher quality products, and advancements in artificial intelligence and deep learning. Government initiatives promoting Industry 4.0 and the digitalization of manufacturing processes further bolster market growth. The rising adoption of smart cameras and 3D vision technologies also contributes to market expansion.
Obstacles in the Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Market
Major obstacles include high initial investment costs, the complexity of integrating machine vision systems into existing production lines, and skilled labor shortages for system implementation and maintenance. Supply chain disruptions due to global events can also impact market growth. Competitive pressures from established players and new entrants may lead to price erosion in certain segments.
Future Opportunities in Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry
Future opportunities lie in the expanding applications of machine vision in emerging industries such as robotics, augmented reality, and smart agriculture. The development of more sophisticated AI algorithms and 3D vision technologies will further expand the capabilities of machine vision systems. The growing demand for automation in smaller and medium-sized enterprises presents significant market potential.
Major Players in the Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Ecosystem
- Keyence Corporation
- IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH
- National Instruments Corporation
- Cognex Corporation
- Omron Corporation
- Uss Vision Inc
- Perceptron Inc
- Teledyne DALSA
- Datalogic SpA
- Basler AG
Key Developments in Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Industry
- September 2020: Omron introduced the FH Series Vision system, featuring the industry's first defect detection AI technology. This AI technology mimics the sensibility of skilled inspectors, reliably detecting complex defects without requiring sample learning. This development significantly enhanced defect detection capabilities and automated visual inspection.
Strategic Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Market Forecast
The European machine vision systems market is poised for continued strong growth, driven by ongoing technological advancements, increasing automation demands across multiple industries, and supportive regulatory landscapes. New applications in emerging sectors and the integration of advanced AI capabilities promise significant market expansion and offer considerable opportunities for both established players and new entrants.
Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Segmentation
-
1. Component
-
1.1. Hardware
- 1.1.1. Vision Systems
- 1.1.2. Cameras
- 1.1.3. Optics and Illumination Systems
- 1.1.4. Frame Grabber
- 1.1.5. Other Types of Hardware
- 1.2. Software
-
1.1. Hardware
-
2. Product
- 2.1. PC-based
- 2.2. Smart Camera-based
-
3. End-User Industry
- 3.1. Food and Beverage
- 3.2. Healthcare and Pharmaceutical
- 3.3. Logistic and Retail
- 3.4. Automotive
- 3.5. Electronics and Semiconductors
- 3.6. Other End-user Industries
Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Segmentation By Geography
-
1. Europe
- 1.1. United Kingdom
- 1.2. Germany
- 1.3. France
- 1.4. Italy
- 1.5. Spain
- 1.6. Netherlands
- 1.7. Belgium
- 1.8. Sweden
- 1.9. Norway
- 1.10. Poland
- 1.11. Denmark

Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 7.50% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Increasing Need for Quality Inspection and Automation; Rising Demand for Accurate Defect Detection
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Scarcity of Flexible Machine Vision Solutions
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Automotive Industry to Witness Significant Growth
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Component
- 5.1.1. Hardware
- 5.1.1.1. Vision Systems
- 5.1.1.2. Cameras
- 5.1.1.3. Optics and Illumination Systems
- 5.1.1.4. Frame Grabber
- 5.1.1.5. Other Types of Hardware
- 5.1.2. Software
- 5.1.1. Hardware
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product
- 5.2.1. PC-based
- 5.2.2. Smart Camera-based
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End-User Industry
- 5.3.1. Food and Beverage
- 5.3.2. Healthcare and Pharmaceutical
- 5.3.3. Logistic and Retail
- 5.3.4. Automotive
- 5.3.5. Electronics and Semiconductors
- 5.3.6. Other End-user Industries
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.4.1. Europe
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Component
- 6. Germany Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7. France Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8. Italy Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9. United Kingdom Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10. Netherlands Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11. Sweden Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. Rest of Europe Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13. Competitive Analysis
- 13.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 13.2. Company Profiles
- 13.2.1 Keyence Corporation
- 13.2.1.1. Overview
- 13.2.1.2. Products
- 13.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.2 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH
- 13.2.2.1. Overview
- 13.2.2.2. Products
- 13.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.3 National Instruments Corporation
- 13.2.3.1. Overview
- 13.2.3.2. Products
- 13.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.4 Cognex Corporation
- 13.2.4.1. Overview
- 13.2.4.2. Products
- 13.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.5 Omron Corporation
- 13.2.5.1. Overview
- 13.2.5.2. Products
- 13.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.6 Uss Vision Inc
- 13.2.6.1. Overview
- 13.2.6.2. Products
- 13.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.7 Perceptron Inc
- 13.2.7.1. Overview
- 13.2.7.2. Products
- 13.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.8 Teledyne DALSA
- 13.2.8.1. Overview
- 13.2.8.2. Products
- 13.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.9 Datalogic SpA
- 13.2.9.1. Overview
- 13.2.9.2. Products
- 13.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.10 Basler AG
- 13.2.10.1. Overview
- 13.2.10.2. Products
- 13.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.1 Keyence Corporation
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume K Unit Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Component 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume K Unit Forecast, by Component 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Product 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume K Unit Forecast, by Product 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by End-User Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume K Unit Forecast, by End-User Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume K Unit Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume K Unit Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Germany Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Germany Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: France Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: France Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Italy Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Italy Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: United Kingdom Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: United Kingdom Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Netherlands Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Netherlands Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Sweden Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Sweden Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Rest of Europe Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Rest of Europe Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Component 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume K Unit Forecast, by Component 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Product 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume K Unit Forecast, by Product 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by End-User Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume K Unit Forecast, by End-User Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume K Unit Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: United Kingdom Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: United Kingdom Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: Germany Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: Germany Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: France Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: France Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: Italy Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 42: Italy Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 43: Spain Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 44: Spain Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 45: Netherlands Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 46: Netherlands Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 47: Belgium Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 48: Belgium Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 49: Sweden Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 50: Sweden Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 51: Norway Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 52: Norway Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 53: Poland Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 54: Poland Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 55: Denmark Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 56: Denmark Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry?
The projected CAGR is approximately 7.50%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry?
Key companies in the market include Keyence Corporation, IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH, National Instruments Corporation, Cognex Corporation, Omron Corporation, Uss Vision Inc, Perceptron Inc, Teledyne DALSA, Datalogic SpA, Basler AG.
3. What are the main segments of the Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry?
The market segments include Component, Product, End-User Industry.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Increasing Need for Quality Inspection and Automation; Rising Demand for Accurate Defect Detection.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Automotive Industry to Witness Significant Growth.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Scarcity of Flexible Machine Vision Solutions.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
September 2020 - Omron introduced a new FH Series Vision system, which includes the industry's first defect detection AI technology, which detects defects without learning samples. The artificial intelligence technology, which attempts to simulate sensibility and skilled inspector techniques, reliably detects previously complex defects, automating human vision-based visual inspection.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 4950, and USD 6800 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million and volume, measured in K Unit.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Europe Machine Vision Systems Industry, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence