What Robotic Applications Benefit from Vision Systems?
Vision systems can be a key component when it comes to expanding manufacturing capabilities with robots. There are numerous benefits of these systems and many types of robotic applications they can be deployed for. Below is a list of some of the applications that can benefit the most from a robotic vision system.
Inspection
Using robots integrated with advanced robotic vision systems significantly improves quality control measures such as inspection tasks. Robots are capable of inspecting all parts thoroughly using the exact same method for each. Inconsistencies caused by human errors such as skipping parts, inaccurate methods, and missed defects are eliminated when automating with robots. A FANUC M-10ia integrated with vision can inspect for surface finish, correct dimensions, damaged parts, defects, or label errors. Robotic vision systems are capable of detecting microscopic flaws for extreme accuracy. Defective products are caught before they’re mistakenly shipped to consumers, greatly improving product quality. Robot guided vision allows for consistent and reliable inspection processes.Assembly
Assembly processes are another type of robotic application that can benefit from the addition of a vision system. Robotic assembly applications have become much more advanced from their early days and part of the reason for this is because of robotic vision. Assembly tasks often involve working with delicate or intricate parts with tight tolerances. Providing a robot with vision gives it extra guidance to be able to make necessary adjustments for the most precise and accurate operation.Part Transfer
Part transfer applications involve moving parts from one location to another. Without robotic vision, parts and locations needed to be pre-programmed and the same for every cycle run. Integrating robot vision with a Yaskawa MH50 for part transfer allows for greater flexibility. The MH50 can make adjustments to part or location changes while operating because it uses vision for guidance. Part transfer processes become faster and eliminate the need to stop operation to reprogram when parts or locations change.Pick and Place
Pick and place applications have also seen significant advancement with the addition of robotic vision. Robots integrated with vision are able to recognize specific parts even when they are mixed with other part types. These robots can pick the correct part type and then place the part on a conveyor for production. Pick and place processes become more dynamic and accurate with the deployment of a vision guided robot.Welding
Vision systems are usually associated with material handling and material removal applications, but arc welding applications can benefit from them too. Integrating a FANUC M-710ic/20L with vision for TIG welding allows it to make adjustments as needed along the welding path for the most accurate and high-quality welds. Robots are better able to detect parts and tooling positions during operation. With more accurate welds, scrapped materials are significantly reduced.Packaging
Packaging applications require precision and accuracy to ensure products reach the correct consumers without damage. Vision systems enhance these processes by guiding robots to correctly position products into packages. Products are placed right-side-up and securely into boxes or containers. Packaging robots with vision can also be used to verify labeling of packages. Robotic vision in packaging helps eliminate errors which ultimately increases productivity.Robots Done Right is the place to start when it comes to used robots. Contact us if you are interested in buying or selling a used robot.