Cobots to integrate vision systems

Designed as an autonomous system, the TM cobot will combine sensors and a vision system allowing it to judge pieces on production lines and which to select. Once the cobot is positioned, it will identify which items to select and remove items onto a tray or container and can also connect production processes.

In 2015, Omron bought Adept, manufacturer of intelligent and autonomous robots. The cobot with integrated vision system can operate as a standalone system or combined with Adept’s mobile robots, for it to be mobile around the production area as it can adapt to a new line once a mark has been used as a reference.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another area of interest for the smart factory and the company will also be highlighting its Sysmac AI controller with AI predictive maintenance library to detect abnormalities for preventative maintenance.

AI is also used in the 2D automated x-ray inspection (AXI) system, the VT-X750 which uses AI to inspect the solder joints of PCBs to improve throughput and efficiency.