Recent advances in robotic vision research have set the stage for an explosive expansion of robots used in manufacturing and other industries. The latest vision equipment contains tiny “smart” cameras with built-in embedded processors that are less expensive, simpler, faster, more reliable and easier to maintain than traditional camera/PC vision systems. Implementing this new technology can increase your company’s profits.

Whether you decide to implement robotic vision equipment on a single production process, a full production line or an entire plant, there is an option available that can make the job more efficient and less costly. In general, robotic vision equipment is used in four types of applications:

1. Guidance (to locate or place products/parts)

2. Identification (to recognize physical characteristics or codes)

3. Gauging (to measure thicknesses and tolerances)

4. Inspection (to verify quality with a robotic vision device)

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine where your company can use robotic vision equipment

Do some brainstorming with your management team to discuss where productivity, quality and safety can be improved. Include those closest to these applications such as operations and quality managers. Check the web for helpful tools.

I recommend: Robotics Online is a full-service news and information site for robotic vision equipment that offers a tutorial, a beginner’s guide, tips and tech papers. Machine Vision Online offers tips and strategies for new users as well as an archive of technical papers, a buyers’ guide and a Q&A forum.

Research cost-effective robotics and robotic vision equipment

Take some time to look for the robotic vision equipment that meets your needs. Check online catalogs for available products and prices. Find vision equipment manufacturers that provide online webcasts and videos.

I recommend: Keyence America is a leader in developing and manufacturing innovative and reliable robotic vision products that meet customer requirements. Keyence offers a video library, webcasts, a glossary of terms and an online catalog. Bastian Material Handling, another manufacturer and distributor of standard and custom industrial material handling robots and robotic vision systems, offers an online catalog, webcasts and videos on their robotic vision equipment website.

Contact a robotic vision equipment distributor

Armed with your research, it is time to ask several robotic vision equipment providers to make a site visit to assess your applications and make their recommendations. Ask your top choices to submit formal proposals for equipment as well as costs to support installation and launch. When comparing proposals, look for suppliers who offer both their own in-house developed robotic vision systems as well as already developed packages from outside vision suppliers.

I recommend: Adept Technology, Inc. leads the industry in the development of innovative and powerful products for vision guidance and vision-based inspection including robotic tracking and vision systems. Gage-Line Technology, Inc. is a custom manufacturer and distributor of robotic vision systems that offers a vast array of robotic vision equipment products that are suitable for metrology, imaging, optical, gauging and inspection applications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Choose a robotic vision system that has automated calibration and object identification.
• •  The best robotic systems have software systems based on user-friendly Windows technology.