Cobots, or collaborative robots, are a new step in industrial robot technology. Unlike most robots, which act as replacements for human workers, cobots are designed to collaboratively work side-by-side with their human counterparts.  How can industrial robots gain new abilities that can increase their operational value while remaining safe and secure in a factory collaborating with humans? One way to increase robotic abilities in a safe and efficient manner is to use an innovative new technology: computer vision.

Computer vision technology enables a robot to use a camera or scanner to transform multidimensional inputs into data it can process, “perceiving” its surroundings and mimicking sight. Computer vision coupled with machine learning and/or artificial intelligence gives the robot or cobot increased technical abilities and the opportunity to perform more complex tasks. This data can be communicated rapidly via 5G technology to speed data to enable fast actions to enable safe interactions and reactions to the surroundings and humans working close by.

To learn how computer vision is allowing “cobots” to work securely, safely and innovatively with human workers, read this Wind River use case, “Computer Vision and Robotics Expand Industrial Capabilities”.

The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of RoboticsTomorrow

Featured Product

3D Vision: Ensenso B now also available as a mono version!

This compact 3D camera series combines a very short working distance, a large field of view and a high depth of field - perfect for bin picking applications. With its ability to capture multiple objects over a large area, it can help robots empty containers more efficiently. Now available from IDS Imaging Development Systems. In the color version of the Ensenso B, the stereo system is equipped with two RGB image sensors. This saves additional sensors and reduces installation space and hardware costs. Now, you can also choose your model to be equipped with two 5 MP mono sensors, achieving impressively high spatial precision. With enhanced sharpness and accuracy, you can tackle applications where absolute precision is essential. The great strength of the Ensenso B lies in the very precise detection of objects at close range. It offers a wide field of view and an impressively high depth of field. This means that the area in which an object is in focus is unusually large. At a distance of 30 centimetres between the camera and the object, the Z-accuracy is approx. 0.1 millimetres. The maximum working distance is 2 meters. This 3D camera series complies with protection class IP65/67 and is ideal for use in industrial environments.

More Products

Feature Your Product