May 2025 Volume 7

AUTOMATION CASE STUDY: AUTOMOTIVE PARTS MANUFACTURER STREAMLINES PRODUCTION WITH 3D ROBOT VISION By Rob Mertens

A Canadian automotive parts manufacturer successfully addressed challenges in their press line tending process by implementing a 3D robot vision solution. The manufacturer faced difficulties with the manual loading of shafts onto a fast-paced press line, which was a tedious, demanding, and time-sensitive job. The solution involved integrating Pickit 3D's robot vision platform with Fanuc robots and utilizing the Pickit 3D Billet Picker to automate the loading process. This transformation led to increased production efficiency, reduced strain on operators, and a more flexible automation system. Tedious and Demanding Manual Loading The automotive parts manufacturer in Canada faced some challenges with their press line tending operations. The primary issue was the manual loading of shafts from bins onto the press line, a process that needed to be completed within a fast cycle time of fewer than 8 seconds per piece. This task was not only very tedious and dull but also extremely demanding, requiring the operator to focus solely on loading the line without attending to other tasks. The fast cycle time made it difficult for operators to maintain the pace, leading to potential delays and inefficiencies in the production process. Pickit 3D Robot Vision and the Billet Picker To overcome these challenges, the manufacturer implemented a solution that combined Pickit 3D's advanced 3D robot vision software platform with two stationary-mounted Pickit L-HD2 cameras guiding a Fanuc robot.

A key component of this solution is the Pickit 3D Billet Picker, an End-Of-Arm Tool (EOAT) designed for efficient billet or shaft handling. The Billet Picker is integrated with the Pickit 3D vision system and billet-specific software to enable precise and flexible robotic handling. Its unique design, featuring an adaptable tooltip with a magnet on a rotational axis, allows it to maximize the likelihood of picking parts, even those that are partially blocked or close to bin walls. This adaptability also simplifies robot motions and reduces the required workspace, contributing to the system's overall efficiency. The 3D vision system allows the robot to "see" and interpret the three-dimensional environment in real-time. By capturing and analyzing visual data, the robot can accurately identify the size, shape, position, and orientation of the shafts within the The Pickit 3D robot vision system with the billet picker achieves a fast cycle time of 8 seconds per piece.

bin. This enables the robot to adapt to variations in the shafts and handle them with precision and consistency, ensuring reliable loading onto the press line. The dual camera system, mounted stationary, further enhances the speed of the picking process, achieving the required fast cycle time of 8 seconds per piece. This setup is faster than having the camera mounted on the robot, as it eliminates the need for the robot to pause for image capture. The Billet Picker also contributes to this speed by simplifying the robot's movements with its pivot point gripper, effectively acting as a 7th axis on the robot. The Pickit 3D software platform, known for its ease of use, plays a crucial role in the system's operation. It guides the Billet Picker, prevents collisions, selects optimal pick points, and determines the most efficient approach angle for the robot. 3D robot vision allows the system to accurately identify the size, shape, position, and orientation of the shafts within the bin

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2025 42