First in the Netherlands: 3D Vision with Sick ScanningRuler

First in the Netherlands, Z-Tech uses the Sick ScanningRuler. It is a whole new high-end 3D vision system that enables robots to handle parts that are in crates or pallets at random.

Position product not accurate and constant

In the application of Z-tech it is about picking up a pallet rims. Because the rims in the middle hole (diameter 40mm) are picked up, an accurate positioning of the rim to be picked up is necessary. The rims can be of different dimensions and are manually stacked on a pallet. This means that the position of a rim on the pallet is not accurate and constant. After experiments with various 3D vision systems we have come out with the Sick ScanningRuler.

Operation of the Sick ScanningRuler

The ScanningRuler measures the 3D shape and 2D intensity of (non-moving) parts using a laser triangle measurement. The internal rotating mirror moves the laser line (sweep) over the components. The result of each sweep is a calibrated 3D point cloud, according to the area of the components in the scan range. Each point in the cloud has an x, y, z coordinate and an intensity value. This data is sent to a PC, where it is further processed. The data is compared to product information in the form of 3D step files. In combination with robot and gripper information, this results in the robot coordinates for the pickup position. With the Sick ScanningRuler, difficult actions like automatic pickup of parts that are random on a pallet can be automated.