ATEX & hazardous areas
(multi-threaded) and its calibration routines to overlay texture on the high-resolution point clouds and then transform these textured point clouds into a world coordinate system,” explains Marturi. “Ensenso SDK is fairly easy to integrate with our C++ software. It offers a variety of straightforward functions and methods to capture and handle point clouds as well as camera images. Moreover, with CUDA support, the SDK routines enable us to register multiple high-resolution point clouds to generate high-quality scene clouds in global frame. This is very much important for us, especially to generate precise grasp hypothesis.”
MAIN ADVANTAGES OF THE SYSTEM
Operators do not need to worry about scene depth or how to reach the object or where to grasp it. The system can figure out everything in the background and helps the operator to move exactly to the place where the robot can best grasp the object.
With haptic feedback, operators can feel the robot in their hand even when the robot is not present in front of them.
By combining haptics and grasp planning, operators can move the objects in a remote scene very easily and very quickly having very low cognitive load.
THE OUTLOOK
Researchers at the Extreme Robotic Lab in Birmingham are currently developing an extension of the method to allow the use of a multi-fingered hand instead of a parallel jaw gripper. This should increase flexibility and reliability when gripping complex objects. In future, the operator will also be able to feel the forces to which the fingers of the remote-controlled robot are exposed when gripping an object. Fully autonomous gripping methods are also being developed, in which the robot arm is controlled by an AI and guided by an automatic vision system. The team is also working on visualisation tools to improve human-robot collaboration to control remote robots via a “shared control” system. This is a promising approach for the safety and health of all of us: the handling of hazardous objects such as nuclear waste is ultimately a matter of concern to us all. By reliably capturing the relevant object information, Ensenso 3D cameras are making an important contribution to this globally prevalent task of increasing urgency.
IDS Imaging Development Systems
en.ids-imaging.com
EX VALVE ISLAND OPTIMISES PERFORMANCE IN HAZARDOUS AREAS
rocess automation in hazardous areas requires specialist equipment, which Bürkert has excelled in for many years. The company’s process of continuous improvement has led to the latest update to the Type 8650 AirLINE valve island, which has expanded the features of this industry-leading equipment. The use of pneumatic process control systems offers many advantages to manufacturers operating in pharmaceutical as well as food and beverage settings, especially in hazardous areas. Bürkert’s AirLINE range of valve islands has been developed and proven in the field for many years; the latest update extends the functionality in the most challenging environment. The new Type 8650 has an integrated pressure sensor as well as a filter in the air supply to ensure optimum performance. It also has an extended temperature range, and IECEx / ATEX approvals have been updated to the latest specifications. In addition, new functions have been directly integrated on the valve island, which controls process equipment while located in zones 1/2. The Type 8650 was originally developed with the cooperation of Siemens and this partnership has enabled complete integration with the SIMATIC ET 200iSP. This partnership makes the Type 8650 the only valve island whose hardware and software are fully integrated with the Siemens IO system. This includes the diagnostics, which ensures any fault signals, such as a wire break or short circuit, are directly integrated with the PCS7 process control system. The external valve shutdown function enables the pneumatic feed to the valve island to be closed off while the communications remain operational with the rest of the network. At the same time, air inside the valve island will be exhausted to atmosphere, preventing any further process valve actuation. This ensures any feedback relating to the shutoff, such as the final position of a valve, is relayed to the central processor.
P
Operators and installers of pneumatic process control equipment have many considerations when they are planning, installing and operating systems that are working in explosive atmospheres. Safety is clearly the top priority, closely followed by ease of installation and operation. One method of achieving these and several other goals is to work with an experienced manufacturer that offers a comprehensive range of products for an easier installation. For installations where safety and reliability are paramount, the Type 8650 valve island, combined with a purpose-build enclosure, is the ideal solution for precision process control in challenging environments.
Bürkert Fluid Control Systems
www.burkert.co.uk
68 February 2023 Instrumentation Monthly
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