Vision-guided robots

Citation

(1998), "Vision-guided robots", Industrial Robot, Vol. 25 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1998.04925faf.007

Vision-guided robots

Vision-guided robots

Keywords Robots, Vision

A computer-controlled robotic vision system, designed to replace a error-prone manual assembly robot, is helping a manufacturer of antilock-braking systems to maximize factory floor return on investment. The system was supplied by Seiko Instruments USA Inc. in Torrance, California, and the vision-guided robot was developed by Interactive Process Controls (IPC) in South Eaton, Massachusetts. Before using the Seiko/IPC system, the manual sensor-assembly operation required six operators: two per shift for three shifts, five or six days a week. Overtime was frequently needed to maintain an average of 60,000 units per week.

In the manual assembly, opreators used tiny hand tools to find and grasp the two variably positioned lead ends of a coiled-wire sensor. They then had to bend and tuck each end properly under a hold-down housing tab so a protective shield could be fitted over the unit. The delicate task often resulted in costly parts damage and customer recalls. To replace the manual assembly, IPC engineered a compact assembly-floor work cell consisting of four Vision Guide robot systems, which perform the task previously done manually by the operators. The entire work cell was designed, built, delivered and installed in eight weeks and set into operation within two days. The automated robot vision system has eliminated the need for any operators, increased production speeds, helped build inventories, reduced costs, and resulted in zero defects and recalls.