Can non-contact sensors guide the tools or devices attached to robot arms? With the latest, advanced sensor technologies, it certainly can. In the automotive industry, these robotic sensing systems are already proving their worth.
For example, a laser sensor can be used for dynamic distance measurements when applying adhesive beads to car roof rails or windscreens. Today, a windshield is much more than a simple glass sheet in the car that protects the driver from headwind. This subsystem has evolved, incorporating key vehicle roles while also having to resist shocks and high variations of temperature.
The scanCONTROL laser profile scanner serves to measure the height and position of the adhesive beading on the screen edges. The process sees a robot position the glass in front of the bodywork and after the position has been determined by light section sensors, the screen is put centrally into the bodywork. This process is performed in real time and integrated in common automotive production cycles of less than one minute. Such laser triangulation sensors are the ideal choice for these tasks. The sensors are very small with integrated electronics. Measuring ranges are from 2mm to 1,000mm with fast measuring cycles of up to 50kHz that widen the scope of applications.
Read the full article in the July issue of DPA