Industry and automation
How smart sensors and new thinking guide robots and machines
In "Industry 4.0" plants, the strategic use of artificial intelligence, edge computing and embedded vision ensures greater flexibility and productivity. Automated systems reliably perform tasks without loss of concentration, which leads to accelerated work processes and minimised sources of error. As the "eyes" of robots and machines, cameras play an important role in modern industrial applications - for example, for in-line quality inspections or the automated supply (intralogistics) of parts. Whether PC-supported or autonomous thanks to integrated data processing, they can also become the driving force for follow-up processes in connected systems. Sounds like the future? We can show you examples where this is already a reality today.
In modern factories, man and machine are working ever more closely together. Based on image processing, increasingly complex tasks can be realised. It is still one of the greatest challenges in industrial automation to let a robot understand its environment and act situationally - because normally it is a blind receiver of fixed programmed commands. The ability to adapt to new situations is therefore an essential prerequisite for it to become an efficient collaborating colleague. Image data and cameras with integrated data processing provide the necessary flexibility and enable applications with autonomous navigation, obstacle detection or collaborative work.
Carrying out positional gripping and placing without a PC
To enable a robot to act in a situation- and goal-oriented manner, an industrial PC is usually required to process image data. The intelligent, vision app-based IDS NXT cameras are able to carry out the image processing for localising pre-trained objects themselves and convert it into control commands such as "gripping" and "placing". This makes a PC for "pick and place" unnecessary and enables applications such as the correct positioning of tool parts in a toolbox.
Automating the recognition of spare parts in customer service
In the event of a complaint, companies score points with their customers through fast and correct trouble shooting. Image processing with artificial intelligence can support the service team in spare parts management and problem solving, because product catalogues can be easily taught in neural networks with image data and/or construction models (CAD). This lightens the workload of the staff and speeds up the process.
Detecting obstacles in the movement and gripping path
Cameras help autonomous vehicles and robots to identify objects in the path and to avoid them - so that fork arms, for example, do not get stuck and damage other objects. In robot cells, too, it is important that the robot arm is guided precisely to the workpieces in order to grip and place them without colliding. You can read how this works in our article "The perfect complement".
Detecting the smallest defects in quality assurance
How can it be guaranteed that only flawless products leave the production line? To reach this goal, a wide variety of processes are used in quality control. The spectrum of possible applications ranges from surface inspection of metal plates to completeness checks. In our application report "Good stuff" you can learn about the role AI plays in image-based inspection - especially when defects are difficult to detect for the human eye.
Automating depalletising tasks
In intralogistics, palletising is one of the most demanding applications. When stacking cartons, sacks or bottle packs on pallets before dispatch, a high level of efficiency is required. The same applies to depalletising when goods are received at the consignee. Read in our application report "Automatically cleared" how camera-based, automated palletising solutions enable significant increases in productivity and efficiency.
Assisting production workers with inspection processes
Based on camera technology and artificial intelligence, assistance systems can be developed that guide employees step by step with digital assembly instructions. Once assembly is complete, the system provides proof of error-free production. This speeds up processes and ensures increased efficiency and quality. Learn more in our application report "Automatically assisted".
Autonomously driving robotic assistance system for the automated placement of coil creels
To meet the growing demands in scaling and changing production environments towards fully automated and intelligently networked production, the company ONTEC Automation GmbH from Naila in Bavaria has developed an autonomously driving robotic assistance system. The "Smart Robot Assistant" uses the synergies of mobility and automation: it consists of a powerful and efficient intralogistics platform, a flexible robot arm and a robust 3D stereo camera system from the Ensenso N series by IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH.
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Our cameras for your applications
This is just a small excerpt of the many possibilities that image processing offers today. Our versatile 2D uEye industrial cameras with their almost innumerable variants can be integrated into the most diverse applications. With IDS NXT, we also offer you compact, smart embedded vision cameras that can execute artificial intelligence themselves. Thanks to the all-in-one AI solution IDS NXT Experience Kit, users do not need any expertise in deep learning, image processing or programming to set up and use an intelligent camera for their applications. And with the Ensenso camera families, we offer flexible and powerful 3D cameras that help robots see and whose 3D image information is indispensable for many automation tasks. Contact our team - we will be happy to help you with your applications!
