Part inspection in assembly line applications can be difficult.
It’s easy to look at things in Cartesian coordinates with machine vision, camera systems and even conventional human visual inspection, but how do you look around corners and peak inside hidden areas where a critical component may be missing or compromised?
With small, dextrous arms and advanced visual inspection tools, collaborative robots may offer the solution.
“ABB’s YuMi has cameras built into the hands, and so we’re able to place the camera exactly where you need it,” said Nick McDonald, development application manager at ABB. “Because it is a built in vision system, we can send this information automatically off to a PC, where it can be gathered and thrown it into an excel spread sheet.”
A double overhead cam cylinder head has deep recesses inside the part as well as tiny components, which is very difficult for even a machine to discern in a fast-moving application.
“For an application like this, we’re looking at around 152 separate points. We’re looking for missing bolts, to make sure holes have been drilled and we’re locating casting marks,” McDonald said. “We can do that whole inspection in one go.”
With inspection cameras mounted on each hand of the YuMi, numerous images and scans can be taken from varying angles and distances at a fast pace. Windows or open holes in the design are not necessary.
Accessible to more than just major OEMs, the YuMi also offers cost savings from reduced safety requirements.
“You don’t need fencing, you don’t need a safety PLC, no light curtains, scanners and so you’re saving there,” McDonald said.
For more information on ABB’s YuMi, visit new.abb.com.