The Evolution and Impact of Vision Technology in Robotics: A Transformative Era for Manufacturers

The Future of Robotics: Harnessing Vision Technology for Enhanced Efficiency

Vision technology has long been a cornerstone of robotic solutions, facilitating advancements in efficiency and accuracy across manufacturing applications such as quality checking, measurement, and product location. With recent innovations and decreasing costs, now is an opportune moment for businesses to invest in robotic systems equipped with advanced vision capabilities.

Evolution of Vision in Robotics

Oliver Selby, head of sales at Fanuc UK, highlights the journey of vision technology. “Going back a few decades, PC-based vision was the norm,” he notes. In this model, PCs managed camera operations, centralizing processing power in the computer rather than the camera itself. This landscape has transformed with the advent of robots featuring integrated vision technology, exemplified by solutions such as Fanuc’s IR vision system—a fully-integrated 2-D and 3-D visual detection mechanism allowing robots to "see."

A Shift Towards Smart Cameras and AI

Recently, the industry has experienced a pivot towards smarter cameras and, in more complex scenarios, industrial PCs coupled with artificial intelligence (AI). “For simple applications, smart cameras are proving highly effective for enabling robots to locate parts, complete measurements, or carry out basic quality checks,” Selby explains.

For intricate tasks demanding high-speed or precision vision systems, industrial PCs are increasingly necessary. In these scenarios, the processing demands have escalated, leading many companies to deploy AI technology alongside their robotic systems. A powerful illustration of this trend can be seen in the work of London-based recycling tech company, Recycleye, which utilizes proprietary AI vision technology in tandem with Fanuc’s six-axis LR Mate robots. This sophisticated system automates the detection and sorting of mixed recyclables—a task that was previously predominantly manual. As a result, Recycleye has improved sorting accuracy by up to 12% and increased line output by up to 10%, addressing both operational efficiency and ongoing labor shortages in the waste management sector.

The Advantages of Inbuilt Vision Technology

As showcased by Recycleye, inbuilt vision technology in robotics has become more reliable, enabling effective management of complex tasks. “Vision cameras are making robotic deployment in challenging scenarios more dependable than ever,” Selby emphasizes.

Importantly, significant cost reductions have made industrial vision technology comparable to smart sensors, facilitating its standardization in modern robotic systems rather than relegating it to optional add-ons. Advancements in camera technology have further enhanced the robustness and reliability of these vision systems, which now operate efficiently in both 2-D and 3-D applications as well as environments that typically pose challenges for conventional cameras.

Gone are the days of relying solely on visible light; modern vision systems leverage various wavelengths and methods such as stereo vision to increase reliability, effectively filtering out environmental interferences like sunlight and welding sparks.

The Future: Safe Collaboration with Robotics

Looking ahead, Selby foresees a noteworthy trend: the utilization of industrial camera solutions for safety, replacing traditional methods like light guards to enhance the management of robotic safety in collaborative environments. While this technology has existed for some time, high costs have limited its widespread application. However, affordability is on the rise—industrial camera solutions from pioneers like SICK are set to revolutionize how we approach robot safety.

Furthermore, the integration of smart camera systems is poised to become standard in established robot models. Mech-Mind’s 3-D smart camera technology, for instance, is already being incorporated into Fanuc robots. This innovation not only extends the capacity to perceive objects in challenging conditions but also enhances the accuracy of locating even dark, reflective, and transparent items.

Conclusion

Vision technology is reshaping the landscape of robotics, making it a critical investment for manufacturers aiming to elevate their operational capabilities. As systems become more sophisticated yet affordable, the benefits of integrated vision technology will be accessible to an increasing number of industries. The future of robotics is not just about automation; it’s about intelligent collaboration and enhanced safety, paving the way for more efficient processes and innovative solutions. Now is the time for businesses to embrace this evolution in technology and reap its substantial rewards.