Vision-guided robotic systems

A typical industrial robot performs tasks involving the movement and manipulation of various objects. In a manufacturing environment, a robot's arm is often equipped with a gripper that allows it to pick up, move and put down objects. In some advanced cases, the robot can use a vision system to identify particular objects.

A vision-guided robotic (VGR) system features all the technology required to recognise, process and handle objects based on visual data. This includes the cameras, lighting and necessary software to provide reference points for the industrial robot in both the 2D and 3D space.

The benefits of VGR systems

In the world of automation, there are various options available to businesses, but the question is, do you need all of it? The answer depends on an analysis of your operational requirements and automation processes. Fortunately, this is a service that Yaskawa offers its clients, so please get in touch if you require further assistance.

If the need for a VGR system is identified, these are some of the benefits your organisation will find:

• Identifying various objects. Unlike traditional fixed position applications, vision systems allow flexibility for adaptive learning in the case of inconsistent parts or varying part locations.
• Minimised operator intervention. Unlike a traditional system where an operator is needed to accomplish flexible tasks, vision-enabled robots can perform significant flexible work automatically.

What does the future look like?

According to the Robotic Industry Association, it's the demands from the end users that'll determine the future of VGR technology. At the moment, these are three of the biggest requests from the end users:

• Random picking. To simplify the assembly line and to reduce the need for dedicated operators, there's a demand for random bin-picking capabilities.
• More flexibility. The ability to handle multiple parts on the same assembly line without the need for intervention.
• High integration. An increased convergence of robot and vision technology to push the limits of what's possible even more.

Get in touch with Yaskawa

Thanks to decades of technical progress and experience, Yaskawa has transformed itself into a world-class leader and innovator in the field of industrial robotics and automation technologies. This enables us to design flexible robotic solutions that can be customised to align with your specific business needs. Furthermore, we provide the necessary upskilling, training and support for the robot's life cycle, empowering you with the information and skills to get maximum value out of your solution.

If you’d like to discuss how we can add real value to your business through the use of robotics, please contact us for more info.