Fixed automation systems and conventional blind robots have a role in automated assembly, but it’s limited. Fixed systems are preferred in applications where very high volumes of one part or a few similar parts are produced. Conventional blind robots are often used where parts and tools need to be located within close tolerances.
Vision-guided robots, in contrast, enable manufacturers to automate a wide range of applications—including processing small batches of parts or mixed batches of multiple parts; locating parts with a very high level of accuracy; and picking and assembling parts regardless of their location as long as they are within the vision system’s field of view.
State-of-the-art vision systems maximize robotic capabilities by interfacing directly to robot controllers, PLCs, HMIs or PCs. They also incorporate Ethernet ports that enable them to be directly connected to any switch or hub on a factory network and, in turn, communicate with all other devices on the network.
Aware of these benefits, manufacturers from various industries are increasingly using vision-guided robotics to automate their assembly processes. The following case histories showcase four of these manufacturers. For all of them, the key to suc-cess is matching the right camera and vision software to the specific application.
One of the most difficult and time-consuming processes performed by oil tool manufacturers is installing thread protectors onto exposed threaded pipe. Over the years, many manufacturers have tried to automate the process, but failed because the systems were not able to retrieve many different sizes and styles of protectors and pipes.