Vision Controlled Motion
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The Challenge:
Traditionally, vision inspection systems and multi-axis servo driven actuators have been expensive and difficult to implement. Now with the growth in technology in both areas, these solutions are now much lower in cost and easier to integrate.
In a factory environment, typical applications call for the integration of both Vision equipment and Multi-Axis Actuators. Multi-axis systems can range from small X-Y servo systems to large robotics. These positioning systems are programmed to move objects or tools to certain locations to perform operations (or for operations to be performed upon them).
Applications like "Pick & Place" or "Dispensing" (to name two of many) have a need for increased flexibility with positioning. Parts can change size or position which may make it difficult for the current process to operate smoothly or at all. At these times, processes may need to be changed. Now and in the past, most positions are programmed or "taught" to the controller via software or a teach pendant. These positions remained fixed, but if there is a need for a positioning change, the program and/or teach points need to be edited. Changes like this can be time consuming and can result in lost production.
The challenge of "on-the-fly" or dynamic positioning can be achieved
by integrating a Vision System with the Motion Controller. The following
will explain in detail how this is achieved and an implementation of these
two technologies will be demonstrated.
