The complex "bin picking" process using optical sensors is regarded as the supreme discipline in automation. Particularly good results with a new top speed are now being achieved with the enhanced version of a tried-and-tested bin-picking sensor. The focus is not only on high-performance four-camera technology and embedded system architecture, but also on optimized robot path calculation and a reliable multi-pick function. Using "Touch & Automate", the product, which is suitable for all common robots, can be used in production within just a few hours.

The PowerPICK3D sensor developed by Isra Vision, with its high degree of maturity, is the first choice for reliably detecting parts - regardless of geometry or material. Equipped with an embedded PC, the smart sensor design eliminates the need for extensive cabling between the camera and PC. This accelerates data transmission and processing, resulting in extremely short scanning times of less than 0.5 seconds.

For complete component detection, the sensor uses quad-camera technology, in which four cameras scan the container contents from multiple perspectives. The sensor's multi-view images enable reliable object detection for the precise generation of a point cloud - even in the event of shadows and reflections on a component. In comparison with the previously uploaded or scanned CAD model, the system detects the components to be gripped and automatically creates an optimum gripping sequence and path planning. By calculating collision-free robot paths, fast and safe operation with the shortest possible cycle times is achieved.

With the enhanced PowerPICK3D bin picking sensor, the manufacturer has focused on process stability and speed. Continuous 3D container detection means that the entire width of the bin is detected after each scan. A multi-pick function is also integrated into the sensor. Several parts can be reliably picked after just one scan, as areas in which parts were previously moved are blocked. Dealing with faulty parts is also a practical solution: If an unknown part is detected during scanning, the operator is informed by an alarm and production continues without cost-intensive downtime.

Downtimes are also avoided during material supply: Thanks to a modular, expandable multi-sensor layout, two sensors continuously scan two crates. This means that one robot is sufficient to empty two bins. If one bin is already empty, the second bin is emptied so that production does not have to be interrupted unnecessarily. The bin-picking performance is enhanced by the support of complex gripping positions. An optimal removal strategy and the support of a seventh axis directly on the gripper increase the accessibility of parts in corner positions and thus maximize the degree of emptying. The bottom line is that the combination of new and enhanced features - with 60 picks per minute - results in a new record for bin picking. pb