Seeing robot makes operators obsolete

Citation

(2002), "Seeing robot makes operators obsolete", Industrial Robot, Vol. 29 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2002.04929daf.002

Seeing robot makes operators obsolete

Seeing robot makes operators obsolete

Keywords: Palletising, Machine vision

A "seeing" robot with a 3D vision system will make it possible to automate picking, loading, and removing components directly from pallets for machine processing. It will also be able to replace space-consuming and expensive portal robots, which require that the operator place the components on pallets and fixtures (Plate 2).

The concept has been developed by Svensk Industriautomation and it will make production more effective and less expensive by reducing adjustment time and eliminating operator time. The robot, called PalletPicker, orients itself using an optic sensor that measures the pallets' surfaces in three dimensions and therefore requires no programming.

Plate 2 PalletPicker, an operator-free robot with a 3D vision system, will make it possible to automate the handling of components for machine processing and enable the replacement of operators or space-consuming and expensive portal robots (#SVIA AB)

"It only takes a minute to teach the robot to handle a new component and it is automatically programmed with the correct positions for collection and delivery", explains Peter Karlsson, Head of Marketing at the company. "When one changes product, it is sufficient to change grip fingers on the robot and tap in the new item number, as no mechanical adjustment is required. The robot, which works steplessly and without mechanical orientation, can also scan the product and pick components for grading, threading, washing, and packing, for example."

PalletPicker can, according to the company, also be used for remote manufacturing, where material handling is controlled remotely via the Internet. If problems arise, the "remote operator" receives information about the situation via the Internet and a pager and operators can remedy the fault from their computer. The robot only ceases production if the fault affects product quality, thereby minimising rejection and optimising machine availability.

"Cost-effectiveness and availability have been the governing factors during development of the robot, which can pay for itself within a year", continues Karlsson.

High precision

The sensor that measures the pallets is located above the machine and measurement accuracy is specified at a few tenths of a millimetre. The measurement data is processed by a powerful PC with a pedagogic user interface. The computer sends the co-ordinates of the topmost components on the pallets to the control system and the robot then picks the components from the pallets and moves them to the processing station. The only limiting factor is said to be the weight and volume of the materials. The actual shapes and material types are not of importance, and the components on the pallets can be sorted or unsorted.

"The robot solution, which is supplied as a CE-certified turnkey system, can be adapted to specific customer requirements and even implemented in existing six-axis robots", says Karlsson. "It can also be complemented with peripheral equipment for weighing, for instance, and be connected to the QS-9000 quality assurance system."

PalletPicker can be used with most processing equipment in the manufacturing industry and is best suited to the continuous processing of medium and large volumes.

The engineering company Svensk Industriautomation market, develop, and manufacture flexible automated equipment for material handling and detection. The company also helps customers with process and disruption analyses and calculations in order to show the advantages of investments in and changes to existing material flows.

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PalletPicker, an operator-free robot with a 3D vision system, will make it possible to automate the handling of components for machine processing and enable the replacement of operators or space-consuming and expensive portal robots.

For further information, contact: Peter Karlsson, Head of Marketing, Svensk Industriautomation AB, Tabergsvagen 8, S-562 50 Mansarp, Sweden. Tel: +46(0)36 316990; Fax: +46(0)36 316999; Mobile: +46(0)706 040 457; E-mail: pe.ka@industriautomation.se; Web: www.industriautomation.se