For the past few decades, consumers have rewarded companies that customize their products and services to individual tastes and needs.

While early adopters found more promise than productivity, Industry 4.0 has finally come of age.

When it comes to building cost-effective 3D vision systems, is it better to use a component-based (i.e., camera, laser, lens, brackets, calibration targets) or all-in-one (i.e., smart) approach? 

In this article we outline the procedure for quantifying device repeatability of a 3D 15μm stereo imaging camera.

Rapidly evolving, high-quality imaging technology is ushering in a new world of vision guided robotics (VGR) for manufacturers in diverse industries. 

Today’s innovative landscape is introducing sophisticated technologies for vision guided robotics (VGR) at a rapid pace, expanding robot functionality for diverse markets. Next-generation imaging systems, combined with the availability of more compact, highly efficient and less expensive robots, sensors and technologies, are allowing the implementation of robotic solutions for a wider range of applications, especially for small- to mid-size manufacturers. 

International manufacturer-supplier relationship spurs innovation in laser gauging and axial vision inspection technology for critical fasteners.

In addition to its own algorithms, SICK will also be using the HALCON image processing library for vision sensors, 3D cameras, and vision systems in the future.

Up to now, cooperation between the two companies has been limited to 3D cameras but it will now be expanded to include various sensors in the vision sector.

Whether an automated machine vision system measures a spark plug’s gap, locates an assembly line item, reads 2D code, counts parts, checks for flaws or performs a host of other tasks, it is running at a greater speed and higher resolution than ever before.