Best Applications for Robotic Vision Systems

Robotic vision systems have been a major breakthrough for robotic automation. Robots integrated with vision are provided with the sense of sight allowing them to automate more complex applications and operate with greater accuracy. Vision systems have taken robots from only being able to automate repetitive processes to highly intelligent machines with the ability to adapt to variables as they arise. Prior to robotic vision, the FANUC M-20ia would need to be reprogrammed for part changes. Integrating the M-20ia with vision allows it to automatically adjust to part changes avoiding reprogramming.

In general, a vision system should be integrated to an industrial robot if the application involves any amount of operational flexibility from the articulated robot. If your robotic application involves any level of variability then in order to have the most successful automation outcome a vision system should be implemented. These variables may include mixes of different part types, varying workstations, complex part geometries, or changing application paths. Vision systems should also be used when regular operator oversight is not available and when robots are working in close proximity to humans as is the case with collaborative robots.

What specific applications are best for robotic vision systems? Below is a list of the ones that tend to benefit the most from automating with a vision guided robot.

• • Assembly - Integrating robots with vision can significantly improve the accuracy of robotic assemblies. The FANUC Lr Mate 200id with vision is able to correctly identify and place parts where they need to be joined. Vision helps guide robots to adjust parts ensuring workpieces are accurately assembled.


• • Pick and Place - When it comes to automated pick and place applications involving mixes of different parts a vision guided robot is best. Vision allows the Yaskawa Motoman MH6 to correctly select specific part types from a bin with a mixture of different workpieces. Without vision this task would not be possible.


• • Part Transfer - Automated part transfer applications involving varying locations are ideal for robots with vision. Vision systems help guide robots to the correct locations and avoid any obstacles along the way, making these processes faster.


• • Inspection - Automating inspection applications will definitely require a vision guided robot. Vision systems allow robots to quickly scan products for defects. Vision provides six axis robots with the ability to detect even the tiniest of flaws, helping to improve quality control measures.


• • Material Removal - Robotic material removal applications such as cutting can benefit from robotic vision especially when robots are working with parts of complex geometries. Vision systems ensure accurate material removal by providing the robot with visual feedback.


• • Palletizing/Depalletizing - Integrating the FANUC M-410ib/160 with vision for a automated palletizing or depalletizing applications gives it the ability to assess the size and location of items on a pallet. This allows the robot to accurately and securely place or remove items from a pallet and determine the best location for them based on their size.


• • Welding - Arc welding robots provide great accuracy which is enhanced when they are integrated with a vision system. Vision guided welding robots can take on more complex welds, adapt to welding path changes on the go, and overcome any path inaccuracies or fixturing problems without reprogramming.