Questions & Answers

2. What advantages does vision-guided robotics offer over conventional robots?

Vision-guided robotics offers numerous advantages over conventional robots. The use of cameras and image processing systems enables robots to identify objects and handle them precisely - even in applications where the component position varies. 
This can be due to component tolerances or changing positions in the feeder. In many cases, vision sensors have replaced complex and expensive-to-maintain mechanical guides. The cameras serve as the eyes of the robots and provide important information to the control unit so that the target position can be approached with pinpoint accuracy.  This results in greater flexibility and responsiveness, which in turn enables higher productivity. In addition, the precise control of the robot can avoid errors and rejects, which leads to an improvement in quality and efficiency in production. Overall, vision-guided robotics enables faster and more effective automation of processes and thus offers great potential for the industry.

3. What technologies are used in vision-guided robotics?

In vision-guided robotics, various technologies are used to enable precise and reliable control of the robot.  

These include vision sensors to precisely control the industrial robots. 
These sensors can capture 2D images of objects and process them using various algorithms. The information gained from this is then used to precisely navigate robots and perform specific tasks. Vision sensors also enable robots to react to changes in their environment and adjust their position, resulting in greater flexibility and adaptability. In addition, vision sensors can help minimise errors in assembly and manufacturing processes, improving product quality.

4. How can I program a robot with machine vision?

Programming a robot with vision is usually done in several steps. First, a vision camera or vision sensor is used to capture images of objects or scenes. These images are then processed by software to identify and extract certain features or characteristics of the objects. Then the robot is programmed to perform actions, such as grasping or positioning objects, based on the results of the machine vision.

Programming can be done either by programming the robot directly or by using special robot software. With direct programming, the desired actions must be entered manually into the robot. When using special software, robot programming is usually simplified and accelerated by a graphical user interface.
SensoPart's VISOR^® Robotic vision sensor completely eliminates the need for manual programming of the communication interface in the robot's control software.
Instead, the robot is set up for a specific task quickly and easily via an intuitive teach-in process carried out using a programming device. In this process, the details of image acquisition and evaluation are set up step by step in the vision sensor's configuration software. 
The application does not require any prior knowledge of robot programming, which results in significant time savings when integrating into existing manufacturing processes and a lower application risk.

5. What are the applications for vision-guided robots?

There are numerous applications for vision-guided robots in different industries. A common application is the automation of assembly and handling processes. By using vision systems, the robot can recognise the workpiece or component and precisely position or grip it. Vision-guided robots are also used in the packaging industry to enable the fast and precise placement of products in packages. In the automotive industry, for example, vision-guided robots are used for the assembly of parts, for material feeding and for removing components from load carriers. Other areas of application include the medical industry, the electronics industry, the aerospace industry and the logistics industry. Overall, vision-guided robots offer a precise, fast and reliable automation solution for a wide range of applications in various industries.

6. Which companies offer machine vision and robotics solutions?

There are a variety of companies that offer machine vision and robotics solutions. These include ABB, FANUC, KUKA, Universal Robots, Stäubli, Yaskawa and many more.

One company that specialises in the development and production of vision sensors is SensoPart. The company offers a wide range of vision sensors suitable for a variety of applications. In addition to the VISOR^® Robotic vision sensor for robotics, the product portfolio also includes code readers (VISOR^® Code Reader) as well as vision sensors for object recognition (VISOR^® Object) and those equipped with integrated artificial intelligence (VISOR^® Object AI).
 SensoPart is known for its innovative solutions and high quality.

7. What are the costs for a machine vision and robotics solution?

The cost of a machine vision and robotics solution can vary greatly depending on the application and the specific requirements. Therefore, it is difficult to make a blanket statement about the costs. The price depends on various factors, such as the type of application, the desired functions and the complexity of the system. If you would like to know the price for a specific application, we recommend that you contact one of our experts. Our specialists can provide you with individual advice and an offer tailored to
your needs.

8. How safe is the use of vision-guided robots in industry?

Human-robot collaboration has evolved significantly in recent years, especially with the introduction of collaborative robots (cobots). These robots are designed to work safely and efficiently with humans in a production environment. Cobots are equipped with sensors that monitor their environment. This allows them to adjust their movements and speeds accordingly. Typically, cobots operate at their highest collaborative speed of about 1 metre per second. At this speed, they are able to reliably detect and stop collisions. In some cases, they even retreat automatically to avoid potential danger.

9. Which sensors are used in machine vision for robot guidance?

Various sensors are used in machine vision for robot guidance, including vision sensors in particular. These enable robots to identify objects and handle them precisely - even in applications where the component position varies.  
With the VISOR^® Robotic, SensoPart offers an excellent vision sensor for robotics. In addition, distance sensors, BlueLight sensors or diffuse sensors are also used. The selection of the suitable sensor depends on the respective application.

10. How can machine vision be used to improve robot control and navigation?

Vision can play a crucial role in improving robot control and navigation. Vision sensors can be used, for example, to detect the position of workpieces or products and measure their distances precisely. This is especially important for robotics applications that require precise handling of objects.

In addition, machine vision systems enable reliable identification and precise handling of objects even in situations where the position of components changes.

Overall, vision offers numerous opportunities to improve the efficiency and precision of robot control and navigation. SensoPart offers the VISOR® Robotic, a sophisticated vision sensor designed specifically for robotic applications that enables user-friendly integration into existing production lines.

11. Which algorithms are used in machine vision for the recognition of objects and the planning of movements?

In machine vision, various algorithms are used to enable the recognition of objects and the planning of movements. 

Object tracking and localisation algorithms are used to track an object and detect its movements.

With the VISOR^® Robotic, SensoPart offers a vision sensor that has a variety of image evaluation algorithms (so-called detectors). Such as the contour detector or BLOB detector, which enable an optimal detection rate depending on the type of part and application.

12. How can the integration of vision systems and robots into existing production processes
be realised?

In order to realise the integration of vision systems and robots into existing production processes, the first step is to find the right robot and the right vision system for the application. Then both components must be matched to each other and integrated accordingly.

An example of a vision system that can work with any industrial robot is the VISOR^® Robotic from SensoPart. The vision sensor enables robots to be integrated quickly and easily into existing production processes.

It is also important that staff are properly trained to deal with the new system. Careful training of staff is essential to ensure smooth and efficient operation.
Ultimately, the new system must be tested to ensure that it meets the requirements and functions properly. Continuous maintenance and monitoring of the system is also important to ensure high operational readiness and safety.

13. How can you measure and evaluate the success and performance of vision and
robotics systems?

Measuring and evaluating the success and performance of vision and robotics systems can be done in several ways. One way is to compare the productivity and efficiency of the production process before and after the implementation of the systems. For example, the number of parts produced per unit of time, the reject rate or the error rate can be measured. The reduction of occupational accidents or injuries can also be considered as a success criterion, especially when implementing collaborative robots.

Other ways of evaluating vision and robotics systems include analysing real-time data and producing reports that include, for example, the effectiveness of the systems, the accuracy of the machine vision and the error rate. Data on system utilisation, maintenance history and availability can also be collected.

It is important to note that the success and performance of vision and robotics systems is highly dependent on the specific application. Therefore, it is important to define and evaluate the success criteria and performance parameters for each application individually.

14. How to ensure the safety and reliability of vision-guided robots in industry?

The safety and reliability of vision-guided robots in industry can be ensured through various measures. One way is to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment that takes into account the potential risks and hazards of human-machine interaction. This should also take into account the robot's software and hardware, as well as the vision systems.

Another important factor for the safety of vision-guided robots in industry is the regular maintenance and inspection of all systems and components. This should also take into account adaptation to changing conditions or requirements.

In addition, education and training should be provided for employees who work with vision-guided robots. This includes not only the operation of the robot itself, but also the handling of the vision systems and the knowledge of safety protocols.

Finally, all vision systems and robots should be certified according to the applicable safety standards and regulations and should be regularly inspected and maintained according to the standards.