Machine vision technologies for Vision Guided Robotics (VGR) have greatly enhanced the flexibility and capability of robots in many industrial applications, expanding the value of robots in markets ranging from automotive to food to pharmaceutical to warehousing/distribution/order fulfillment. In previous articles, we’ve discussed VGR concepts, implementation techniques, and key VGR algorithms. Now we’re going to take a closer look at some of today’s cutting edge components for VGR, and some of the applications that have been enabled by those technologies.
Developments in machine vision technologies have continued at a rapid pace over the past several years. There are exciting advances both in imaging components and processing software. It’s important to note that many of the new vision technologies are not exclusive to or even targeted for robotic guidance. However, the expanded capabilities have in many ways resulted in new or improved VGR applications. Machine vision provides a natural extension to a robot’s function, and as vision technology grows so do the applications in industrial automation that can be served by vision guided robotic arms.