Using Collaborative Robots for Laser Scanning
This device is said to be the first programmable laser scanning system for automated 3D scanning, measurement and gaging using a collaborative robot.
The AutoScan system combines laser scanning technology and collaborative robot automation to enable part measurement routines to be performed alongside people without the safety fencing that’s required for conventional robots.
Collaborative robots vary in design, but they all feature some combination of sensor technologies that enable them to function safely alongside humans in a shared area, unlike conventional industrial robots that operate autonomously inside a safeguarded cell. The common application for these in a shop is loading/unloading parts from machine tools.
However, this device from Perceptron is said to be the first programmable laser scanning system to enable automated 3D scanning, dimensional measurement and dimensional gaging leveraging a collaborative robot platform. Its scanning sensor is mounted to the arm of a six-axis collaborative robot, which uses built-in force-sensing technology that causes it to stop its movement if it makes contact with a person.
Related Content
-
Managing Coolant with Skimmers, Refractometers and More
Bacteria-infected coolant harms machines and sickens machinists. Coolant management technologies like skimmers and automated systems counter this tendency.
-
CNC Machine Shop Honored for Automation, Machine Monitoring
From cobots to machine monitoring, this Top Shop honoree shows that machining technology is about more than the machine tool.
-
Using the Toolchanger to Automate Production
Taking advantage of a feature that’s already on the machine tool, Lang’s Haubex system uses the toolchanger to move and store parts, making it an easy-to-use and cost-effective automation solution.
