Technical Principles of Intelligent Robot Vision Sensors

Intelligent vision sensors, also called smart cameras, are one of the fastest-developing technologies in machine vision. A smart camera integrates image acquisition, image processing and information transmission into a compact embedded vision system, reducing system complexity and improving reliability while greatly shrinking system size and expanding application areas.

Vision sensors are one of three core elements of modern robots (perception, decision and action). Depending on tasks, robots use different sensor types and specifications. Robot sensors fall into two categories: internal sensors for robot state and external sensors for environment parameters. This article focuses on external vision sensors, the robot"s "eyes".

Vision enables robots to gather richer information about the surrounding world. Typical applications include welding robots using vision for positioning, vision-guided spraying, and handling robots using vision to guide electromagnetic grippers to pick parts.

Robot vision must interpret three-dimensional information. Since vision sensors capture two-dimensional images that vary with viewpoint and lighting, many measures are used to handle these variations and to reduce system burden by improving external conditions and enhancing processing methods. Common components include video cameras, photoelectric conversion devices (CCD, CMOS sensors), PSD sensors, shape-recognition sensors and industrial robot vision systems for part recognition and gripping.

Vision-equipped robots can scan the environment and detect obstacles. When encountering people or obstructions, the robot can slow or stop. As more robots enter factories, safety remains a key concern. Human-robot collaboration requires risk mitigation; without protective measures it is unsafe for robots to operate near people when handling sharp or heavy objects. Low-cost automation enables factories to increase output with the same workforce. Combining robots with AMRs, AR, wearables and other technologies helps build smarter factories. In the future, robots will cooperate with human teams to increase efficiency and productivity.

Author: Motion Control & Servo