Omron introduces 3D vision sensors for robot arms

March 5, 2021 10:32 am

The FH-SMD Series 3D Vision Sensor for Robot Arms have human like fast detection and flexibility for automating part picking.

OMRON Corporation has recently released its new FH-SMD Series 3D Vision Sensor. The FH-SMD Series can be mounted on a robot to recognize randomly placed (bulk) automotive parts in three dimensions, enabling space-saving assembly, inspection, and pick & place, which are difficult with conventional robots, and improving productivity. OMRON continues to contribute to bringing innovation to manufacturing sites through total solutions combining robots and automation devices.

Particularly, the automotive industry requires vision sensors as the eyes of robots that are indispensable for automation because it is difficult for machines to recognize positions and postures of various complex shaped parts. However, conventional large 3D vision sensors take a long time to detect status of targets as well as needing large spaces and large mounting equipment. These are barriers to installation into preexisting spaces and automation that provides human-level performance.

The new FH-SMD Series 3D Vision Sensor is small and light enough to be mounted on a robot arm, eliminating the need for special mounting equipment and thus saving space. This sensor can be moved to change the viewpoints and easily recognise parts, reducing blind spots and providing reliable detection. In addition, the newly developed 3D measurement technology enables part detection in approximately 0.4 seconds*1 regardless of the shape and location. Bulk parts assembly can be automated smoothly.

Some of the product features are:

• Fits in preexisting compact spaces
  The small and light 3D vision sensor for robot arms saves installation space. There is no need for big mounting equipment and a major layout change which are required for other 3D vision sensors.
• Faster cycle time thanks to human-like speed and flexibility
  High-speed detection in approximately 0.4 seconds^*1makes picking smooth. High-speed detection is accomplished by 3D measurement technology to create 3D shape images and 3D recognition technology to recognize the position and posture of targets.
• Easy setup without manuals
  The wizards guide you step-by-step through setting up a picking application, from camera setup to calibration.

By providing productive automation solutions combining the FH-SMD Series and robots, OMRON accelerates the creation of “interactive” manufacturing sites—key to the materialisation of “innovative-Automation”—together with its client companies.

For more information, visit: https://www.omron.com