FEATURE MACHINE VISION SYSTEMS AI-based robot cell ‘sees in 3D’
The Neocortex Goods to Robot (G2R) Robot Cells from US software company and integrator, Universal Logic, utilise a modular artificial intelligence software platform (Neocortex) to automate any high- mix picking application. The system is fast, flexible and self- learning and can be used in applications from random bin picking to order fulfillment, machine tending, or line loading. An integral requirement for the system is the generation of 3D images for the location of parts and IDS Imaging Development Systems has worked closely with Universal Logic for the incorporation of Ensenso 3D stereo cameras into systems for bin picking
T
he Neocortex G2R Cell is designed as a drop-in robotic
workcell solution to match existing manual work stations without modification. The compact design includes a six-axis robot with multifunctional gripper, software, 3D cameras, safety barricades, and operating panel. It can be installed within a day. Depending on the requirements, different versions of the cells are available, with two or three cameras per cell delivering the necessary visual information. The robot can pick up a wide
variety of items from containers, transport boxes, conveyor belts or pallets and place them in cartons, bags or mechanical devices. Neocortex G2R cells can read barcodes, identify labels or take measurements. They can be used both for finished products and within production processes. They can reliably handle thousands of different products from machined parts to consumer products, at speeds from 500-900 cycles per hour. They are also extremely cost- efficient, working out at $7 per hour in two-shift operations over five years, whether leased or purchased.
AI PLATFORM MAKES THE DIFFERENCE Neocortex AI enables smart, flexible automated solutions. Neocortex AI extends perception, directs gripping, and guides the robot. Its
artificial intelligence gives the cells a human-like flexibility at speeds far faster and more consistent than is possible with manual labour. Programming or CAD data in advance are not necessary, since the robot learns its tasks and is therefore ready for use without major adaptations. The more objects it encounters, the ‘smarter’ and more reliable it becomes. It will recognize never-before-seen objects that are similar to other objects it has learned. If Neocortex encounters a part it doesn’t recognise, it puts the cell into learning mode, requesting assistance. A worker then trains the system for the new part without any programming. Overall throughput is a function of item weight, retrieval difficulty, distance to move the item, and placement details. The latest version, Neocortex 5.0, even provides enhanced mixed piece picking, multi-configurations of finger gripping, and integration of new sensors and PLCs.
3D VISION The cells are equipped with high- speed, high-resolution Ensenso N- Series stereo 3D Cameras from IDS. These provide both the accuracy and speed needed for the different requirements of the cells. Ensenso 3D cameras utilise the ‘projected texture stereo vision’ principle. Each model has two integrated CMOS sensors and a projector that casts high-contrast textures onto the object to be captured by using a pattern mask, ensuring that high quality images can be acquired even from smooth objects. The cameras are available with USB or GigE interface and are
/AUTOMATION
designed for working distances of up to 3,000mm as well as variable picture fields, meaning that they can be used with a wide range of object and container sizes. They can capture images from both stationary and moving objects. Depending on customer’s requests most of the models meet the IP65/67 protection code requirements and are therefore protected against dirt, dust, water splashes or cleaning agents. The reliability of the Ensenso 3D cameras helps to ensure long- term customer satisfaction in critical operations. To take full advantage of the
industrial robot’s speed, 3D vision guidance needs to be faster than the robot cycle. The Neocortex platform can acquire an image, recognize an object, and provide smart vision guidance to the robot as fast as 500 milliseconds.
A WINNING COMBINATION Tough automation problems require sophisticated solutions. The extreme flexibility and adaptability of the Neocortex G2R robot cells make them suitable for applications from e-commerce order fulfillment to machine tending to bin picking sorting systems.
The G2R cells can accommodate
highly variable and dynamic supply chain needs including high object counts, deformable objects, complex part handling, constantly changing containers or frequent production changeovers. These versatile systems will undoubtedly be important within the smart factories of Industry 4.0.
IDS Imaging Development Systems
www.ids-imaging.com
AUTOMATION | JUNE 2018 35
Barcode Reading Barc code Re e eading
Pick to light Pic ck to light Your Global Automation Partner
Trac
raceabil ty
raceabilityi
More than 20,000 sensors. Factory Automation. Process Automation. Hazardous Areas. Harsh Environments. Measurement & Inspection. LED Lighting. Vision Systems. Machine Safety. Vehicle Detection. Flow, Temperature Pressure & Vibration.
Turck Banner Ltd. Blenheim House, Blenheim Court, Wickford, Essex, SS11 8YT
Tel: 01268 578888
more@turckbanner.co.uk www.turckbanner.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
