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Tag: scanners

3D Inspection in a Camera Snapshot

Posted on by David Priestman

Configuring machine vision inspections in 3D is now possible in a “snapshot”, thanks to the combination of SICK’s powerful and compact Visionary-T Mini AP camera with the new easy-to-use SICK Nova 3D Presence Inspection sensorApp.

The SICK Visionary-T Mini AP uses best-in-class time-of-flight snapshot technology to set new standards of data accuracy for detailed environmental perception at rapid production speeds. It captures both the 3D depth and 2D intensity values of every pixel at an exceptional (512 × 424 px) resolution in a single shot of light, at up to 30 3D frames per second.

Common 3D Vision Tasks

Common 3D inspection tasks in warehousing and logistics such as completeness, fill level monitoring, or robot palletising, can be set up rapidly and cost-effectively to run onboard the Visionary-T Mini AP camera using the SICK Nova 3D Presence Inspection sensorApp. Users simply select the 3D machine vision tools they need via an easy graphic user interface and the Visionary-T Mini AP camera is soon delivering reliable inspection results via I/O to the machine controller or over TCP/IP.

No Programming Skills

“Thanks to SICK’s Nova foundation software, you don’t need programming skills to run a ready-made sensorApp directly onboard our smart devices,” explains Nathaniel Hofmann, SICK’s Market Product Manager for Machine Vision and Measurement. “With the SICK Nova Presence Inspection toolset, you can easily configure a 3D machine vision solution that exactly matches your application.

“Just select the tools you need from the App to run directly on board the Visionary-T Mini AP. The graphical user interface is simple to use, from where you also can also access other industry-standard vision tools, or install one of the ready-made, application-specific solutions should you need them.”

As a programmable device, the SICK Visionary-T Mini AP is easy to configure and commission. A multicam mode is available to process image data from more than one Visionary-T Mini. With rapid 3D data transmission, the Visionary-T Mini is suitable for integration into most industrial applications.

3D Vision Toolset

With a toolset of commonly used 3D vision tools, the SICK Nova Presence Inspection App easily masters tasks like emptiness checks in bins, totes and crates, presence detection of objects in 3D scenes, as well as simple measurements and quality tolerance checks. “3D quality checks for completeness often need several, more advanced, machine vision software tools and programming skillset to identify the quality inspection issue, but with SICK Nova Presence Inspection, they are easy to configure,” Hofmann adds. “The camera outputs results, such as confirming all parts are present and at the right locations, or verifying a set of measurements.”

Using the SICK Nova Presence Inspection on Visionary T Mini, the position, height and volume of any package can be determined, for example for a robot to pick it and place it in a container or pallet. The Visionary-T mini-camera’s 3D snapshot technology can also be used for continuous 3D Fill Level monitoring for example to determine if totes are empty, filled, full or overfull, or it can measure the presence of parts in a bin, for example.

With a low-weight and no moving parts, the Visionary-T Mini’s IP65/67 housing measures just 80 mm x 70 mm x 77 mm, ideal for installation in compact robotics and automation solutions. It performs reliably despite the shocks and vibrations of applications such as robot palletising and depalletising. The automatic High Dynamic Range of the Visionary-T Mini ensures even widely-varying contrasts and lighting conditions across a scene are captured in each frame without complex set up, or expert knowledge of time-of-flight settings. The high-density 512 x 424 px resolution is complemented by a 70° x 60° field of view.

The SICK Visionary-T Mini CX provides an alternative option for customers wishing to use the power of the Visionary-T Mini’s snapshot technology to stream 3D data for their own software applications.

Precision 3D Navigation and Collision Avoidance

Posted on by David Priestman

SICK has unveiled a milestone advance in its three-dimensional LiDAR technology with the launch of the multiScan multi-layered LiDAR sensor. The SICK multiScan combines floor-to-ceiling 360° environment perception with high-resolution navigation for reliable real-time localisation, mapping and collision avoidance in automated mobile robots (AMRs) and industrial vehicles, such as forklifts.

Developed on the foundations of SICK’s industry-leading multi-echo LiDAR technology, the SICK multiScan is a compact, lightweight and rugged 3D sensor designed to maximise vehicle availability in both indoor and harsh outdoor environments. With their broad 360° x 65° field of view and 16 scan layers, the LiDAR sensors in the multiScan100 family use on-device pre-processing to output a dense 3D point cloud with 690,000 measuring points, complemented by a high-resolution 0° 2D scan plane for precision navigation.

Each multiScan arrives factory-calibrated and ready for use, whether it is specified as a standard pre-configured product or using the specially-developed Online Configurator. Machine builders and integrators can select the features they need for their application using the time-saving online platform with access to software apps and add-ons for easy customisation.

“Designed with the needs of integrators in mind, the multiScan’s ability to pre-process precision measurement data in real time with no external controller sets it apart,” explains Nathaniel Hofmann, SICK’s Market Product Manager for Measurement Systems.

“The multiScan provides a detailed 3D point cloud of its environment, so the AMR knows exactly where it is, and where any objects are, and it can update its 3D map as it travels around. At any moment in time, it is providing real-world measurements of the production floor or warehouse to make the AMR as efficient and available as possible.”

To enhance the 16-layer 360° horizontal coverage, the multiScan’s vertical aperture angle is configured to optimise the layers between -22.5° to +42.5°. This ensures reliable collision avoidance for objects at ground level, as well detecting cliff edges and ramp inclinations. Objects protruding into the field of view at height, e.g. on warehouse shelving, can also be reliably avoided. The multiScan136, the first sensor to be launched in the product family, has a 360° x 65° field of view and a 60m working range with further variants available from later in 2023.

On-the-Spot Troubleshooting

The multiScan can also be used with SICK’s Augmented Reality Assistant, SARA for troubleshooting and configuration of LiDAR sensors on Automated Mobile Robots. Diagnosis and correction of machine downtime, such as a field infringement, can be done ‘on the spot’ with a mobile phone, without the need to connect a PC.

The multiScan100 family achieves high performance and availability in harsh industrial environments, with a choice of rugged housings available up to IP69K. Using SICK’s unique multi-echo LiDAR technology, the multiScan generates three echoes per beam at 20Hz to achieve higher availability by filtering out the false signals caused by unwanted laser reflections from raindrops, snow, fog or dust particles.

Online Configurator

With SICK’s Online Configurator, engineers are prompted to make selections to customise the multiScan for its working environment, with the opportunity to select hardware options and software add-ons.

In addition to the standard sensor software for data streaming, customers can also select feature add-ons, e.g. for reflector recognition, data reduction and pre-processing, or a filter package where additional robustness is needed e.g. outdoor weather or harsh industrial conditions. Specialised pre-developed SICK sensor apps, such as Safe Break Assist and the SICK LiDAR-LOC are also available to use with the multiScan.

Equipped with 100Mbps Ethernet, eight multifunctional I/Os and matching system plugs, the SICK multiScan is easy to integrate and saves engineers valuable time during commissioning. When ordering, customers can select predefined parameters or choose previously stored configurations. SICK imports them onto the device before delivery.

Machine Vision Solutions for Logistics Automation

Posted on by David Priestman

Cognex will present machine vision-based solutions for automation in inbound, order fulfilment, sortation, and outbound areas at LogiMAT, the international trade fair for intralogistics solutions and process management, in Stuttgart, Germany, April 25-27th, 2023, at booth J11 in Hall 1.

To keep pace with increasing demands in order volume, item variability, delivery times, and order accuracy and tracking, customers are looking for solutions that enable more automation, reduce costs, and are easy to set up. At Cognex, the focus in product development is on standardised, easy-to-integrate solutions that offer flexibility and scalability and ensure that existing processes run smoothly even with high staff turnover.

The applications demonstrated at the Cognex booth cover all areas of logistics facilities. For example, in scanning applications of individual items, which are normally handled laboriously with handheld scanners, overhead mounted barcode scanners can greatly improve ergonomics and productivity. Cognex will also be presenting the new Modular Vision Tunnels at LogiMAT. These scan tunnels support barcode reading on packages at high speed and short gaps, providing a significant advantage to companies looking to increase sortation throughput and reduce processing times.
In addition to barcode reading, other types of inspections that can be solved with machine vision are opening up new applications.

Next Generation Logistics Facility

For order picking and sortation, for example, the 3D-A1000 item detection and dimensioning systems enables optimised use of totes, detection of package damage or open flaps, and proper identification for label application. Vision systems with embedded artificial intelligence-based tools are also becoming more pervasive in logistics. Applications can be trained with just a few sample images to reliably detect contamination on totes and sorting trays or to classify parcels and other objects.

Cognex is also presenting the High Speed Steerable Mirror (HSSM) at LogiMAT, a technology innovation that, in combination with the DataMan 470 barcode reader, allows for barcode scanning on large fields of view with a single compact system. The benefits are particularly evident with pallet scanning, where previously multiple fixed-mount readers were required, resulting in significant extra work for installation and maintenance.

Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of image-based products, all of which use artificial intelligence (AI) techniques that give them the human-like ability to make decisions on what they see. Cognex products include machine vision systems, machine vision sensors, and barcode readers that are used in factories and distribution centres around the world where they eliminate production and shipping errors.

Cognex is the world’s leader in the machine vision industry, having shipped more than 3 million image-based products, representing over $9 billion in cumulative revenue, since the company’s founding in 1981. Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, USA, Cognex has offices and distributors located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

RFID Streamlines Store Inventory Management

Posted on by David Priestman

Manhattan Associates has unveiled its vision for an RFID-powered store. Manhattan Active® Omni suite has expanded its support of RFID tags for automating and streamlining the inventory counting, receiving, picking, checkout, return and exchange processes. With this new solution, retailers can make more accurate promises, increase conversion rates and maximise inventory exposure for selling.

Retailers are increasingly depending on their stores to fulfil both in-store and online orders. However, their ability to do so is often hindered by poor store inventory accuracy, which often falls below 70%. In fact, a recent Manhattan survey found that only 2% of UK retailers believed they had an accurate view of inventory in stores and across their distribution network.

Manhattan has solved this challenge by enabling its point-of-sale and store fulfilment solutions with handheld RFID support for all inventory management and order fulfilment activities. By combining RFID technology with Manhattan Active Omni, retailers can increase store inventory accuracy from 70% to nearly 100%. Manhattan’s solution also reduces inventory-related labour hours, helps associates quickly locate merchandise and expedites transactions at the point of sale.

Manhattan Active Omni’s RFID capabilities streamline and automate inventory counting and receiving processes. Store-wide inventory counts can be performed quickly and accurately by store associates armed with the latest handheld devices, such as Zebra’s RFD series. Associates can also use the mobile RFID scanners to greatly reduce the time required to perform unit level receiving of new inventory items.

In active store environments, it is common for merchandise to be moved by customers or even misplaced by store staff. Manhattan’s new ‘find’ mode works just like a metal detector, using handheld RFID devices to direct store associates to the precise location of tagged items, reducing inventory shortages and time spent hunting for missing items.

Manhattan’s new RFID capabilities can also be used to speed up sales transactions and returns. Readers placed at the point-of-sale capture tag information as soon as merchandise is placed on the counter, immediately populating the customer’s shopping cart.

“Manhattan Active Omni delivers a unified approach to selling, engaging and fulfilling in a single store application. By integrating RFID into its store solutions, Manhattan is able to reduce the time and effort required to implement RFID, while ensuring store associates can continue to leverage the most advanced store solution in the market,” said Amy Tennent, senior director of Product Management for Manhattan.

“Agile omnichannel inventory management and fulfilment is critical to modern store operation,” said Bill Toney, vice president Global RFID Market Development at Avery Dennison. “We believe the combination of Manhattan’s store solutions and Avery Dennison’s innovative RFID and digital identification solutions will enable retailers to transform inventory management and streamline store operations while delivering a first-class consumer experience.”

About Manhattan Associates

Manhattan Associates is a technology leader in supply chain and omnichannel commerce. We unite information across the enterprise, converging front-end sales with back-end supply chain execution. Our software, platform technology and unmatched experience help drive both top-line growth and bottom-line profitability for our customers.

Manhattan Associates designs, builds and delivers leading edge cloud and on-premises solutions so that across the store, through your network or from your fulfilment centre, you are ready to reap the rewards of the omnichannel marketplace.

Touchless Machine Vision Scanners Increase Productivity and Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

XPO Logistics, a leading global provider of transport and logistics solutions, has deployed 370 state-of-the-art barcode  machine vision scanners in warehouses in the UK, Spain, France and the Netherlands. The fixed-mount, computerised scanners speed the reading of inventory data, while replacing shared, handheld scanners with a more hygienic solution.

XPO selected the Cognex Series 370 technology following pilot programs for major retail customers, such as H&M, with additional trials underway. The machine vision scanners are installed in high-volume e-commerce warehouses where workers are managing the holiday surge in order fulfilment.

Richard Cawston, managing director, supply chain – Europe, XPO Logistics, said, “We’re constantly exploring new technologies that can enhance the efficiency and safety of our logistics network. Each time we replace a handheld scanner with a fixed-mount camera, we increase throughput by over 10% on average, and the task transfers from person to person touch-free.”

XPO is the European leader in outsourced e-fulfilment – a fast-growing area of logistics that has been accelerated by the shift to online ordering during COVID-19.

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