Robofeed: revolutionising automation with the Keyence 3D vision system
Why stop at just one revolution, when you can continue to experiment and innovate? This is what we’re doing here at Assistec with our industrial robotics division, Robofeed. After extending the range with Robofeed Serie C, Robofeed FLEXI and the Custom service, we’re ready to hit another important milestone: the new Bin Picking system combined with the Keyence 3D vision system. The result of the collaboration with Keyence, a world leader in the development and production of products forfor industrial automation and inspection equipment, this recent implementation has optimised the capacity of the robot to detect scattered parts in the bin, and therefore improved its ability to pick and palletise the parts. How? Using exclusive hardware and algorithms that meet the demands of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 for modern smart factories.
The implementation of the Keyence 3D vision systems
The Keyence 3D robot guidance system stands out for its ability to detect objects, and for its unrivalled user-friendliness. This system makes it possible to automate the processes of assembly, depalletising and servicing of numerically controlled machines (CNC). To generate the 3D data, the system acquires 136 images with 4 cameras, while the high-speed projector enables rapid processing of the data, boosting the overall efficacy of the process. The system is configured using a simple procedure that enables the automatic calibration of the cameras. In addition, it is possible to upload the CAD data of the part to be detected. For each object identified, the path planning tool calculates the complete route the robot has to follow to pick and move the part efficiently, avoiding any collision with the bin or the cell. The whole process can be simulated on the user’s PC, thanks to the built-in picking simulator, which can be used to test different grippers or cell designs and simulate picking results without making changes to the hardware.
The future of 3D vision: prospects and developments
Most sectors in industry, including logistics and manufacturing, can today enjoy the benefits of a series of technological upgrades, such as: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data and 3D Vision. The development of the latter in particular has been significantly accelerated by the growing interest in cobots. There is an increasing demand for sensors for robotic systems, to make machines more flexible during production changes. So it comes as no surprise that manufacturers are focusing on improving them, by developing algorithms able to offer a smart interpretation of the data from the various types of sensors.
Advantages of Robofeed: efficiency and safety in industrial processes
It would be virtually impossible to list all the advantages Robofeed can bring to the production line. However, most of them regard productivity, consistency and efficiency:
- Handling of heavy parts or materials directly by the robots, with automated processes that keep human operators safe;
- Monitoring of the production data of the machine;
- Exponential rise in company productivity, thanks to the constant use of robotic automation, which shortens production times.
Have no fear of going over the top: continue to implement the Robofeed revolution on your machines with us, using the Keyence 3D vision system! Contact us or call +390522989436 for more information. One of our operators will reply as soon as possible! We’re located in Reggio Emilia, in the heart of the mechatronics supply chain and the metal engineering industry in Emilia Romagna.
