Bin-Picking Solution’s Two-Phase Vision System Achieves Higher Resolution

Liebherr offers its bin-picking solution with a new vision system for intelligent removal of workpieces from a random arrangement. The vision system works on a triangulation method developed jointly with a collaborative partner specializing in sensors. The system scans bins containing components using a process of laser/camera interaction. This system achieves 10 times the resolution of the previous laser runtime image recognition system, the company says, improving recognition of the mini features required for positional identification and component differentiation purposes. Shadowing and collision risks are also reduced. The system enables eight-axis robot arms to pick components, even from transport bins as deep as 1 m, such as wire mesh or steel bins.

The new image recognition system now features a blue laser instead of the previous system’s red laser. This captures reflective components even more reliably and recognizes organic or semi-transparent materials as well as metal components.

The two-stage triangulation system captures bin content with just one linear movement, without the 3D vison system having to be positioned beforehand. Recognition and analysis takes about 5 sec., according to the company, facilitating shorter cycle times for the entire system. A higher resolution means that data cloud surfaces are smooth and practically noise-free. The resulting high-quality readings are transmitted to the bin picking system’s main software for further processing. The software has also been updated and now features a user-friendly graphical user interface.