Machine Vision in Our Projects
For these two projects, we integrated machine vision onto the robot's end of arm tooling. For the first project, the vision identifies the location of the fasteners for an automated fastening process. For the second project shown, the vision takes pictures of larger workpieces and identifies holes for rivnut insertion.
Our most common uses of machine vision are robotic guidance, quality control, and operator guidance.
Machine Vision in Robotic Guidance
Machine vision enables robots to handle complex or variable assembly tasks that would otherwise require manual intervention. This system of cameras and software allow robots to identify, locate, and adapt to changing part orientations in real time.
This brings substantial benefits. Operators are freed from repetitive work to focus on higher-value tasks, reducing production costs. At the same time, throughput increases as machine vision enables robots to perform a wider range of operations with speed and precision.
Applications that can typically benefit from machine vision include:
Machine Vision in Quality Control
Machine vision systems use industrial cameras and smart sensors to verify that every product meets specification before it moves down the line. These sensors can detect part presence, color accuracy, label placement, surface defects, and other visual inconsistencies that signal potential quality issues.
Common quality inspection capabilities include:
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Verifying part presence and orientation
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Detecting color or coating inconsistencies
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Checking for missing labels or markings
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Identifying physical defects such as scratches, dents, or contamination
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Recording inspection results for traceability
By automating these inspections, manufacturers can decrease production costs by reducing scrap and rework, preventing defects, and freeing an operator for more complex tasks.
Machine Vision in Operator Guidance
In addition to automation, machine vision can also be used for guiding operators through manual assembly processes, using Desoutter's Nexonar system. Once the system is taught the fastener locations for the workpieces, it is able to guide the operators through the assembly process.
The Nexonar system is comprised of a camera (or multiple cameras), an infrared light attached onto the tool, and software. The camera monitors the position of the infrared light and knows where the tool tip
Desoutter Nexonar One Demo