Automated programming robot component transfer system utilizing machine vision as detection interface

RGEMS Research Unit, Department of Electronic Engineering, Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

Abstract

Modern day automation systems rely on fixed programming routines to carry out their operations. If an automated flexible system is introduced onto such a production line, the complete reprogramming process required for new products needs could be automated with limited loss in production time. Therefore, instead of reprogramming each new position for the robot system the system takes over real-time control of the robot and carries out the required steps autonomously. The benefit with such a system would be that the robot would not need to be reprogrammed for every new routines but is controlled in a real-time environment to carry out new procedures based on external vision sensors. Using a real-time system could remove the need for a fixed programming environment and replace it with an automated changing programming setup. This could result in a system automatically adapting to a new product introduction through real-time machine vision processing techniques.