February 2022 Volume 4

AUTOMATION

The image acquired by the 3D camera.

The Pickit 3Dvision systemcompares a pre-taught cylindrical model with the freshly acquired image and outputs several “matches”. Subsequently, each matching object is examined for collisions. When a collision with either (1) the bin, (2) other objects or (3) the environment is identified, the camera system rejects this candidate for picking. This process works independently to object variations in size and weight and can simply be reconfigured by passing through the diameter and length of the next object.

Flexible Arm - Gripper with Adjustable Tooltip Finding pickable candidates is only half of a successful implementation. The other half deals with reaching consistent pick rates and the ability to empty containers. This is where the integrated end-or-arm-tool comes into play. The Billet Picker builds on the patented concept of having a flexible tooltip. The passively rotating magnet maximizes the number of pickable candidates per image and minimizes the likelihood of missing a pick.

The vision system locates pickable candidates for the robot to pick up.

The patented gripper functionality illustrates how the system copes with challenging scenarios.

FIA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2022 27