ROBOTICS
The HD-1500 from Omron can handle payloads of up to 1,500kg, making it possible to automate tasks that would normally need a forklift truck
through the acquisition of Microscan – a company specialising in industrial barcode readers – in 2017. While safe and efficient navigation remains the primary motivation, Adam said that vision technology is also being developed to enable AMRs to perform simple operations, such as picking up and dropping off work pieces and inventory. Tis often requires more accurate positioning of the robot at the pick- up or drop-off point, particularly if items need to be taken to and from a moving conveyor. ‘We need vision systems for that final accuracy, particularly for applications where a robot arm is installed on top of the mobile platform to perform a specific function,’ commented Adam. But it can be difficult for AMR developers
to choose which vision technology to deploy. Conventional 2D cameras generally offer the cheapest solution, but 3D vision
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‘Optimal performance is achieved by combining 3D information with a lidar system’
provides the depth perception that’s needed for the robot, for example, to work out whether to stop in front of an obstacle or to change its direction. ‘3D vision systems in particular is a very dynamic market in terms of the available technologies,’ said Anatoly Sherman of sensor specialist Sick. ‘Each one has pros and cons, so we always have to start by talking to our customers about their specific requirements.’ Key considerations include the field-of- view, which must be large enough for the robot to see enough of its surroundings in the desired direction, as well as sufficient
small-scale information to enable accurate navigation and allow the robot to perform simple operations. Factors such as the reaction time, frame rate, and size of the robot are also important to consider, as well as whether the application requires an industrial design for 24/7 use. Robots moving around a manufacturing
facility also need to contend with challenging light conditions, including dark areas, highly reflective surfaces, and rapid changes in brightness levels. ‘As an example, 3D time-of-flight systems are very good for resolving details up to five metres away, but any reflectors even 30m away can distort the data and they are not so good for imaging dark objects that are further away,’ continued Sherman. ‘Sometimes the customer would like to have everything in one package, but sometimes that just isn’t possible.’
g DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 IMAGING AND MACHINE VISION EUROPE 13
Omron
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