Vision

Vision technology enables AWL to develop even smarter robot solutions for your organization. This technology – also known as image recognition – is used to determine product positions and in some cases to detect product defects. The goal: to enhance the quality, flexibility and speed of your production processes.

What is vision technology?

With vision technology AWL gives your robot eyes, as it were. We install a vision sensor on the robot, such as a 2D camera, a laser profile sensor or a 3D camera. 2D cameras are primarily used for quality inspection and traceability, and laser profile sensors are used for seam tracking. 3D cameras are primarily used for pick & place. Your options here include stereo vision, a laser projector, 3D camera and a Time-of-Flight scanner. The selected sensor creates image data, which is then analyzed by a CPU. This is an intelligent device – generally a PC. Based on the analysis, the PC forwards information to a PLC or directly to the robot. With this information in ‘its pocket’, the robot is able to deal with the new conditions. Specifically: product positions can repeatedly differ, but the vision enables the robot to effectively execute the process each and every time.

A flexible machine concept thanks to vision technology

Vision technology has many benefits, with flexibility as the first and foremost benefit. It is becoming increasingly more difficult for many of our customers to forecast how many products of different product types they need to produce. Vision-guided robotics, smart mathematical models and advanced software are used to create the necessary robot movements. This enables the robot to deal with variation and your machine to handle many different product types. In other words, you have the flexibility needed to produce different products or components on a single production line.

Other benefits of vision technology

Whereas in the past sensors only detected the presence of components, today vision technology determines the specific component involved and where it is positioned. The production process is then adjusted in accordance with the components present and provides for the previously mentioned flexibility. Another advantage of vision technology is that the quality of the components presented is already checked at a very early stage. This helps you prevent production loss. Moreover, the machine’s mechanical complexity is reduced. Finally, vision technology enables you to further automate your production-critical processes – ideal during times where good operators are costly and difficult to find.

Vision technology by AWL

AWL applies vision technology in the logistics sector, and in the general and automotive industries. If you operate in one of these markets, we would be happy to apply our knowledge of machine technologies and smart robotic solutions to optimize your production processes. We are independent and select the best vision system available on the market for you. We can also develop the software ourselves. An existing solution or perhaps preferably customization: we know what you need to be successful.

Vision technology: a demonstration

There are various trial setups in our Experience Center that we are happy to demonstrate for you. We perform feasibility testing here and we also test whether your products are suitable. Curious? If so, complete the form and come visit us!