Feature

Innovative sensor technologies enable more complex robot inspection measurements

Sensor technologies enable robot measurement tasks where there is a growing need for high precision measurements over wide surface areas and where there are requirements for increased flexibility, says Chris Jones, Managing Director of Micro-Epsilon UK.

01/07/2019 11:04:10

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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

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.