The interaction between robots and humans in manufacturing settings is becoming increasingly diverse. However, traditional industrial robots come with high costs and require significant technical expertise to operate. They are typically limited to specific, repetitive tasks, which can be a barrier for smaller businesses or those looking to automate without large investments.
In contrast, collaborative robots—also known as cobots—are designed to be user-friendly, lightweight, and highly flexible. These robots are easy to set up, move around, and operate without the need for complex programming. Their applications span across various industries, including packaging, material handling, pick-and-place operations, assembly, and quality inspection. Universal Robots, a Danish company, launched the world’s first collaborative robot in 2008, marking a turning point in the automation landscape.
By integrating SICK's vision technology, Universal Robots' cobots have become even more versatile, capable of handling new and complex tasks. This advancement has made automation more accessible to companies that previously couldn’t afford or manage traditional robotic systems.
One such example is Hestra Teknik, a Swedish company that successfully implemented an automated manufacturing process using Universal Robots' collaborative robots. Despite having no prior experience in automation, they established a fully functional robotic workstation in under four months. The company uses cobots to load CNC machines, allowing operators to focus on other critical tasks.
To ensure precision, Hestra Teknik employs SICK’s 2D camera, the Inspector PIM60. This device enables the robot to locate and pick up objects from a conveyor belt and transport them to the machine. The system can store parameters for up to 32 different parts directly within the sensor, making it highly adaptable.
The integration of SICK’s software, Inspector URCap (a plug-in for UR robots), further enhances the capabilities of these cobots. This software allows the robot to utilize the full functionality of the Inspector PIM60, which is an intelligent 2D vision sensor. It performs all necessary calculations independently, eliminating the need for an external computer.
In the field of robot guidance, combining 2D vision sensors with robotic systems opens up new possibilities. After a quick calibration, the URCap software defines the picking position within the robot’s coordinate system. Additionally, the Inspector PIM60 can perform inspection and measurement tasks, helping to determine pass/fail criteria or monitor trends over time.
The user-friendly interface of SICK’s Inspector URCap simplifies the integration of the vision sensor with the robot. There’s no need for programmable logic controllers or complex communication systems, making the solution both efficient and cost-effective. This approach not only reduces tedious manual work but also expands the range of applications where collaborative robots can be used.
12V Solar Charge Controller
12V Solar Charge Controller,60 Amp Power Solar Charging Controller,60A Solar Controller,Solar Charge Controller
GuangZhou HanFong New Energy Technology Co. , Ltd. , https://www.gzinverter.com