Prepare for anything with machine vision

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, 53 per cent of manufacturers expect a change in the way they operate. With an increasing need for flexibility, adaptability — and of course, profitability —do industrial robots offer a solution?

Blind robots, those without a machine vision system, can complete simple, repeatable tasks. However, they cannot compete with robots that are able to react to their surroundings intuitively — robots with machine vision.

Thanks to recent advances, machine vision systems have become an effective, and profitable way for manufacturers to streamline production and improve quality checking.

In addition, robots with machine vision can undertake more complex, varied activities than blind ones. A key requirement as manufacturers adapt to the new normal and flexibility becoming increasingly important. From pick and place tasks where position and orientation are key, such as boxing, unboxing, palletising or even assembly, to quality checking, like component or packaging inspection, or even barcode reading.

For even more benefits, manufacturers should invest in 3D vision. Rather than requiring complex CAD data to recognise objects, multiple cameras are used to make a 3D model of the target object.

Shibaura Machine’s TSVision3D system operates in this way and enables automated bin-picking, even for non-uniform products — like bananas or mangos, for example. It also works for layered bin-picking, able to distinguish between different components in a tray and pick up the ones closest to the top.

To futureproof your business, consider upgrading existing industrial robots with a machine vision system. Or, if contemplating investing in your first robot, look out for models that can easily be integrated with machine vision — like Shibaura Machine’s SCARA and 6-axis ranges — either now or in the future.

As a result of the pandemic, many manufacturers have had to pivot their operations, whether that means producing a new product or compensating for reduced staff on the factory floor. Industrial robots that are easily reprogrammed with machine vision capabilities offer a flexible automation solution, increasing profitability and resilience, even in the face of the unexpected.

For more information on TM Robotics’ TSVision3D system, click here.