World Industrial Reporter

Innovation Delivered Daily

  • Innovation
    • Innovation Article Archive
    • Innovative Companies
    • Innovation Strategies
    • New Equipment Innovations
  • New Products
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Markets
    • Market Trends
    • Tradeshow Reports
    • White Papers
  • Logistics
  • Newsletters
World Industrial Reporter » Innovation » New Machine Vision System Helps Robots Scan Glossy Metallic Objects

New Machine Vision System Helps Robots Scan Glossy Metallic Objects

April 10, 2019

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) scientists have developed a new solution that enables industrial robots to scan and manipulate metallic objects.

The solution – backed by the ROS-Industrial – integrates intelligent part reconstruction using the Robot Operating System (ROS2) framework to improve 3D image perception.

This should enhance robotic machine vision that deals with shiny objects in a better way and help them autonomously send and finish parts. 

“This is a great case study in the benefits and challenges of integrating ROS2 into industrial robotics,” says SwRI manager Matt Robinson.

“It also shows how advanced perception algorithms can enable faster, more reliable scanning of metallic objects.”

The latest ROS-I solution uses ROS2 to integrate cameras affixed to a robotic arm, collecting point cloud data at a high frame-rate to create a 3D output mesh that optimizes path planning.

This has so far proven to be difficult as machine vision cameras and algorithms struggle to render accurate 3D images of metallic objects due to the “visual noise” that scatters off highly reflective surfaces.

This in turn limits automation of welding and surface finishing processes in aerospace and automotive manufacturing.

SwRI and ROS-Industrial have now joined forces to overcome this by integrating truncated sign distance field algorithms that stitch together several images, or point clouds, at a higher rate.

The solution uses Trajectory Optimization for Motion Planning (TrajOpt), within the ROS-Industrial Scan-N-Plan framework, to enable real-time trajectory planning from 3D scan data.

The project also sheds light on the benefits of a ROS-based approach, as it is hardware agnostic.

Image and content: Ian McKinney/Southwest Research Institute 

Share on

Filed Under: Innovation

Autonomous Sheet Pile Driving Robots Help Improve Soil Stability
McGill Scientists Create a Cleaner and Safer Rocket Fuel
Avatar

About Aruna Urs

Aruna is an industrial journalist. He writes on innovations that emanate at the intersection of science and engineering having a profound impact on the manufacturing sector.

Follow me
Suppliers

High Accuracy, Non-Contact, Absolute Linear Sensor

Santest Model GY series are high accuracy, non-contact, absolute type linear sensors employing magnetostrictive, Wiedemann effect. An ultra-sonic wave generated by a moving magnet near a magnetostrictive wave-guide on which the sonic wave propagates to the head of the transducer.
View Supplier Email this Supplier

Super High Response Speed Servo Valve

With “Dual Halbach Magnet Array” configuration, which makes the strongest magnetic field more than twice as much as the conventional model. Santest Direct Acting Servo Valve has achieved world-class highest frequency response speed of 800Hz. DA Series also has excellent contamination resistance. Find out more about how this patented servo valve works.
View Supplier Email this Supplier

Precision Micrometer for Large Measuring Ranges

The optoCONTROL 2520-95 precision micrometer is designed for static and dynamic measurement tasks with a large measuring range. It detects geometrical parameters such as diameter, gap, height and position and combines high linearity with high measurement speed.
View Supplier Email this Supplier

Beckhoff will be there: new highlights at the SPS Connect from November 24!

Beckhoff is accompanying the SPS Connect with new technology highlights, AI-based dialog formats, exciting round tables and inspiring presentations. Prebook now and secure free tickets!
View Supplier Email this Supplier

Automatic Spot Finder IR Camera with 80×80 Pixels

An all-rounder imager for numerous industrial applications: From metal processing to plastics, in fire prevention tasks as well as in the automotive sector. The spot finder function allows accurate temperature measurements of moving objects.
View Supplier Email this Supplier

Subscribe

Get the latest WIR reports straight to your inbox.

Free Newsletter Subscription

Find us on the social web.

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Terms Of Use
  • Privacy Policy
FREE NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION

Get the latest WIR reports straight to your inbox.

  • Innovation Article Archive
  • Innovation Strategies
  • Innovative Companies
  • New Products
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Market Trends
  • Tradeshow Reports
  • White Papers
  • Logistics
  • Newsletters
  • Fun Stuff
  • Industry Links
Follow us

© 2021 Thomas Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site you agree.OkRead more