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Technology Allows Robot To “Touch And See” Objects
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Robot Technology
Ford Motor Company has partnered with ABB Robotics to develop robot technology with “real-time tactile feedback.” These robots will be used in machining and delicate assembly units and could enhance or take the place of operations currently performed by humans as the robot will have the sensitivity of a human hand.
The technology in the robot will emulate the motions of a human arm and this will allow it to “feel for” and grasp the correct part and assemble it.
In addition to the tactile technology, a “smart-camera” system has been introduced that can work in conjunction with vision guided robot technology and that will make them easier to deploy in various manufacturing areas. The smart-camera can make it easier for manufacturers to troubleshoot assembly lines and improve processes, track products throughout the assembly process and integrate even more robotic technologies and automation.
Force Control is a software component of the robotic technology that allows the machines to sense and react to process variations in real time the way a human would react and interact when dealing with delicate machine parts that need to be installed with precision. The built in force sensors allow the robots to react to the surroundings and deviate from the pre-programmed path if necessary. This technology differs from most robotic deployed machines because those machines are typically computer programmed and continue to operate on the predefined paths rather than being able to detect subtle differences and react to them.
The force-controlled technology could mean that manufacturers save money on lost or broken parts and slow downs in assembly line processes based on human error or the speed with which humans can work compared to the robot technology.
Universe Optics is a manufacturer of standard and custom lens assemblies for scanners, CCTV, CCD/CMOS, medical imaging, surveillance systems, and machine vision and night vision systems.