The interaction between robots and humans in manufacturing environments is becoming increasingly diverse. However, traditional industrial robots come with a high price tag and require significant technical expertise to operate. They are typically limited to specific, repetitive tasks, which makes them less accessible for smaller businesses or flexible production needs.
In contrast, collaborative robots—often referred to as cobots—are designed to be user-friendly and highly adaptable. These lightweight robots can be easily assembled, relocated, and used without the need for complex programming. Their applications range from packaging and stacking to machine loading, pick-and-place operations, assembly, and quality inspection. In 2008, the Danish company Universal Robots introduced the world’s first collaborative robot, setting the stage for a new era of automation. By integrating SICK's vision technology, these cobots have expanded their capabilities, enabling them to perform more complex and precise tasks.
Collaborative robots make automation more accessible by reducing the initial investment and complexity involved. This has allowed even small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt robotic solutions. For example, Hestra Teknik, a Swedish company, successfully implemented an automated workstation using Universal Robots’ cobots within just four months, despite having no prior experience in automation. The company uses cobots to load CNC machines, allowing operators to focus on other tasks instead of being constantly present at the machine.
To ensure accurate positioning, Hestra Teknik employs SICK’s 2D camera, the Inspector PIM60. This intelligent vision sensor helps the robot locate and pick up objects from a conveyor belt, then transport them to the machine. The system can store parameters for up to 32 different parts directly within the sensor, making it highly versatile.
By integrating SICK’s Inspector URCap software into the robot controller, Hestra Teknik was able to leverage the full potential of the Inspector PIM60. This plug-in allows the robot to use the vision sensor’s advanced features without requiring external computers. The software simplifies the integration process, making it easier for companies to implement vision-based automation.
With 2D vision Sensors, robots can "see" and adapt to their environment, significantly expanding their application possibilities. After a quick calibration, the URCap software sets the exact picking position within the robot’s coordinate system. Additionally, the Inspector PIM60 can perform inspections and measurements, helping to determine pass/fail criteria or track trends over time.
The Inspector URCap software provides a simple and intuitive interface for integrating the vision sensor with the robot. It eliminates the need for PLCs or other communication systems, streamlining the automation process. This solution not only reduces repetitive manual tasks but also enhances the flexibility and efficiency of collaborative robots, making them a valuable asset for modern manufacturing.
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