The interaction between robots and humans in manufacturing environments is becoming increasingly diverse. However, traditional industrial robots often come with high costs and require extensive technical expertise to operate. They are typically limited to specific tasks and demand complex programming, making them less accessible for smaller businesses or less experienced users.
In contrast, collaborative robots—also known as cobots—are designed to be user-friendly, lightweight, and highly flexible. They can be easily set up, moved between locations, and operated without the need for specialized programming knowledge. These robots are ideal for a wide range of applications, including packaging, sorting, machine loading and unloading, pick-and-place operations, assembly, and quality inspection. In 2008, the Danish company Universal Robots launched the world's first collaborative robot, paving the way for more accessible automation solutions.
Now, by integrating SICK’s advanced vision technology, Universal Robots’ cobots are capable of handling even more complex tasks with greater precision. This combination allows for smarter, more adaptive robotic systems that can respond to real-time changes in their environment.
**Collaborative Robots Lower the Barrier to Automation**
One of the key advantages of cobots is their low cost and ease of integration. They make automation more affordable and accessible to companies of all sizes. For example, the Swedish company Hestra Teknik successfully implemented an automated production line using Universal Robots' cobots, despite having no prior experience in automation. Within just four months, they established a fully functional robotic workstation.
Hestra primarily uses its collaborative robots for loading CNC machines, which reduces the need for constant human supervision. To ensure precise positioning, the company employs SICK’s 2D camera, the Inspector PIM60. This intelligent vision sensor enables the robot to locate and pick up objects from a conveyor belt, then transport them to the machine. The system can store parameters for up to 32 different parts directly within the sensor, improving efficiency and accuracy.
**Expanding Application Areas Through Vision Technology**
If a robot can "see," it can significantly expand its capabilities. As one of the first adopters, Hestra Teknik integrated SICK’s Inspector URCap software (a UR+ plug-in) into the robot controller. This software allows the robot to fully utilize the features of the Inspector PIM60, such as object detection, positioning, and quality checks.
The Inspector PIM60 is a smart 2D vision sensor that performs all necessary calculations independently, without requiring an external computer. This makes it ideal for use in industrial settings where space and computing power may be limited.
In robot guidance applications, 2D vision sensors and robotic systems can work together seamlessly. After a quick calibration process, the URCap software defines the picking position within the robot’s coordinate system. Additionally, the Inspector PIM60 can perform inspection and measurement tasks, determining whether a part passes or fails, or even displaying trends over time.
By using SICK’s software, the integration of the vision system with the cobot becomes straightforward. There is no need for programmable logic controllers or complex communication systems, making the solution both efficient and easy to implement. This approach not only streamlines repetitive manual tasks but also enhances the versatility and performance of collaborative robots in modern manufacturing.
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