Universal Robotics Random Bag Picker Application
Universal Robotics has combined automated intelligence with high-speed control to enable 3D sensor input to update robot behavior in real-time. Universal’s applications integrate the best sensors and equipment with three main components to ensure measurable return on investment.
Sensing (Spatial Vision Robotics). Universal engineers are experts at mixing various sensor technologies to generate accurate 3D vision guidance and inspection.
Control (Sensor Servoing). The company has deep knowledge of industrial machine control required to react and move in real-time.
Intelligence (Neocortex). To ensure quick and efficient completion of the task, Universal applies patented machine learning techniques to control patterned behavior while reacting to sensor data .
Traditional vision approaches can’t automate detecting and identifying reflective bags piled in a bin or on a table. Even with the problem simplified, the result was either overly complex, too slow for normal operations, or had low return on investment.
Universal introduces a breakthrough application – the Universal Robotics Random Bag Picker. This application enables a robot to automatically move a number of randomly placed bags at typical speeds, regardless of their orientation or how many layers are ‘piled’ together.
Universal Robotics Bag Picker Identifies a Wide Range of Bag Types
This cost-effective breakthrough from Universal uses a suite of sensors that integrates off-the-shelf structured light sensors and pairs of cameras for stereoscopic vision.
The standard application moves one bag in any orientation at up to 12 per minute with standard motion control. Whether loosely or tightly packed, on the floor, conveyor or container, the bags can be in any orientation. The application dynamically provides 3D guidance to the robot for bags regardless of labels or material type, with bags stacked in unlimited number of layers up to 60” high. The cost effective approach eliminates expensive fixturing and automated tables, and works well under varying light conditions. Optionally, the Random Bag Picker can handle up to 3 boxes in any orientation with any combined mix of SKUs per layer. Optional high-speed Sensor Servoing can further increase throughput where required
Unlimited number of layers up to 60” high
Bags can be randomly placed in piles, bins, or stacks
Moves up to 12 bags per minute
Identifies bags regardless of label presence or type
Bag material can be black, clear, Mylar, white or burlap
Any orientation of bag is possible
Works well under varying lighting conditions
Eliminates costly fixturing or automated tables
Optional high speed throughput
Optional 3 SKU multi-bag handling
Less than 24 month payback
Many vendors today are adding 3D vision to their capabilities due to customer demand. Universal Robotics is founded on NASA patents that lay the groundwork for robots to be spatially intelligent far beyond just 3D stereoscopic vision.
3D real-time intelligent sensing enables:
• Random orientation of bags
• Variation between bags, such as different labels
• Optional high speed motion control reaction
• World class sensor suites tailored to the situation
• Breakthrough cost effectiveness
Spatial Vision Robotics software can work with any industrial robot, and with a wide variety of sensors. Universal offers three sensor suite resolutions – standard (± 5.0mm accuracy), enhanced (± 2.5mm accuracy), and premium (± 0.5mm accuracy) to fit the requirements of the task. The Random Bag Picker can be integrated with either new or existing robots having payloads from 5kg to over 500kg, and are designed to fit into standard workcell spaces wherever possible.
Depending on the sensing required, touch, acceleration, and proximity sensors may be added. The Random Bag Picker provides the 3D position and pose for deformable bags in arbitrary orientations in a bin, on a conveyor or assembly area.
Universal Robotics Bag Picker Intelligently Moves Bags
After calibration of cameras and sensors, Spatial Vision Robotics software coordinates 3D input to the robot by getting an overall 3D view of the boxes, detecting all boxes possible, selecting a box to be moved, and monitoring the motion of the robot as it places the box. If there are numerous boxes, the Random Bag Picker application automatically selects the highest or closest box and progressively moves through the stack.
The sensor system uses a combination of 3D stereoscopic vision and structured light for identifying SKU position. It generates X, Y, Z position and Rx, Ry, Rz pose values as needed for each box, then interfaces directly to the robot controllers through a PC.
The application adds unique reflective surface matching that enables bag identification of reflective plastics, mylar surfaces, and partially-filled clear bags.
Flexible 3D sensing enables various configurations of the elevations of the bags such as on a table, at floor level, or recessed into the floor.
