Maker Faire Ruhr Dortmund 2023
Antworten
Archiv des Autors: Sebastian Trella
Free update makes third deep learning method available for IDS NXT
Update for the AI system IDS NXT: cameras can now also detect anomalies
In quality assurance, it is often necessary to reliably detect deviations from the norm. Industrial cameras have a key role in this, capturing images of products and analysing them for defects. If the error cases are not known in advance or are too diverse, however, rule-based image processing reaches its limits. By contrast, this challenge can be reliably solved with the AI method Anomaly Detection. The new, free IDS NXT 3.0 software update from IDS Imaging Development Systems makes the method available to all users of the AI vision system with immediate effect.
The intelligent IDS NXT cameras are now able to detect anomalies independently and thereby optimise quality assurance processes. For this purpose, users train a neural network that is then executed on the programmable cameras. To achieve this, IDS offers the AI Vision Studio IDS NXT lighthouse, which is characterised by easy-to-use workflows and seamless integration into the IDS NXT ecosystem. Customers can even use only „GOOD“ images for training. This means that relatively little training data is required compared to the other AI methods Object Detection and Classification. This simplifies the development of an AI vision application and is well suited for evaluating the potential of AI-based image processing for projects in the company.
Another highlight of the release is the code reading function in the block-based editor. This enables IDS NXT cameras to locate, identify and read out different types of code and the required parameters. Attention maps in IDS NXT lighthouse also provide more transparency in the training process. They illustrate which areas in the image have an impact on classification results. In this way, users can identify and eliminate training errors before a neural network is deployed in the cameras.
IDS NXT is a comprehensive AI-based vision system consisting of intelligent cameras plus software environment that covers the entire process from the creation to the execution of AI vision applications. The software tools make AI-based vision usable for different target groups – even without prior knowledge of artificial intelligence or application programming. In addition, expert tools enable open-platform programming, making IDS NXT cameras highly customisable and suitable for a wide range of applications.
More information: www.ids-nxt.com
MasterMover Partners with BlueBotics for Best-in-Class AGV Navigation
20.03.2023, St-Sulpice, Switzerland: MasterMover, the world’s leading manufacturer of electric tug and tow solutions, has announced a new partnership with vehicle automation leader BlueBotics to provide best-in-class ANT navigation technologies for MasterMover’s range of Automated Guided Vehicles.
Known for its broad portfolio of pedestrian operated electric tugs and electric tows, used across Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics, and Retail, MasterMover also offers a range of advanced solutions, spanning remote control operation, line follow navigation, and fully autonomous solutions.
MasterMover AGV products now include BlueBotics’ ANT natural navigation technology as standard, ensuring customers benefit from the advanced features and functionality available from the vehicle navigation market leader.
“MasterMover has twenty-five -years’ experience in designing, manufacturing, and delivering load moving solutions that are synonymous with reliability, quality, and performance,” commented James Jones, Partner and Director at MasterMover. “We are combining this expertise with world-class technology partners to deliver advanced solutions. These are increasingly being demanded by our customers who are focused on maximising safety and efficiency within their operations.”
BlueBotics is the global reference in natural feature navigation. For over 20 years, the Swiss company has helped companies meet the challenge of vehicle automation, and today there are more than 4,000 ‘ANT driven’ AGVs, automated forklifts, and AMRs in operation around the world.
“At BlueBotics our goal is to work with market-leading vehicle producers who have the expertise and experience needed to fully meet their customers’ AGV needs,” said Dr. Nicola Tomatis, CEO of BlueBotics. “Partnering with MasterMover is a great example of this. We have been continually impressed with the professionalism of both the company’s solutions and its team, and we look forward to enjoying much success together.”
MasterMover AGV solutions offer Industrial Manufacturing organisations an effective way to automate a range of load moving processes, delivering return-on-investment, and driving operational efficiency.
Autonomous solutions are available from MasterMover with the capacity to move up to 30,000kg, meaning the company is equipped to take on a wide range of load movement challenges with advanced solutions.
MasterMover is combining a strong track record of success in building powerful and reliable load moving products, with best-in-class technologies from market leaders such as BlueBotics. The company also works with safety technology specialists SICK for its AGV solutions.
“Partnering with BlueBotics was a natural choice, with their ANT navigation technology leading the way. The advanced capabilities of BlueBotics’ solutions, as well as their focus on innovation, mean they are the ideal navigation partner for MasterMover,” added Jones. “We have worked closely with the BlueBotics team on a number of projects, and the relationship between the two organisations will only go from strength to strength”.
For more information on MasterMover AGV solutions, please visit:
https://www.mastermover.com/automated-guided-vehicles-agv/
About MasterMover
MasterMover is a world-leading manufacturer of electric tug and tow solutions, designed to improve safety and operational efficiency when moving heavy, large or unconventional loads. MasterMover focuses on innovation, research, and development to provide the widest range of electric tug products on the market.
Specialist solutions include pedestrian-operated, remotely controlled, and fully Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) options. In addition, MultiLink technology allows a single remote operator to simultaneously control multiple electric tugs through synchronised movement.
MasterMover operates globally through direct relationships and a network of sales and service partners. The company works with an enviable range of world-leading names across industrial manufacturing, retail, and logistics. With an expert in-house engineering team, MasterMover has a proven track record of delivering bespoke projects for diverse applications around the world.
About BlueBotics
BlueBotics is the reference in natural feature navigation and has the mission to help companies meet the challenge of vehicle automation. With over 20 years of industry experience, the company provides the autonomous navigation technology (ANT) and expert support customers need to bring their AGV, automated forklift, or mobile robot successfully to market. Today, there are more than 4,000 ANT driven vehicles in operation worldwide. Visit www.bluebotics.com to learn more.
RBTX robotics marketplace now available in 18 countries
Powered by igus, RBTX continues to expand international offers, making Low Cost Automation accessible in ten additional countries
16 February 2023 – igus®, the global leader in motion plastics, is expanding its broad range of Low-Cost Automation solutions, reflecting the company’s determination to lower the barriers to entering the automation age.
The robotics marketplace helps interested parties find the right automation solution for their individual application as easily, quickly, and cost-effectively as possible. RBTX.com has been part of this effort since 2019. Previously, RBTX was available in eight countries. Now igus is expanding the range and launching the robotics marketplace in ten additional countries – with three more soon to follow.
To ensure competitiveness, more and more companies are automating their processes. However, investment costs are typically high, and the lack of expertise often represents an obstacle – especially for small and medium-sized companies. This is where RBTX, powered by igus, comes into play. The offer includes an online marketplace for cost-effective robotic components and complete solutions, the RBTXpert remote integration service, and customer testing areas at various locations across the globe, where planned customer applications can be tested live before purchase.
“Our RBTX online marketplace grew significantly in the last year,” says Alexander Mühlens, Head of the Automation Technology and Robotics Business Unit at igus. “We started in Germany in 2019. Since our offer was well-received and demand is constantly growing, we expanded RBTX to Austria, France, Great Britain, the US, Canada, India and Singapore in the last few years. We are still continuously working on becoming active in other countries to make Low Cost Automation more accessible worldwide. That’s why, starting immediately, we are offering RBTX in ten more countries: Poland, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy, Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. Three more will follow soon: Spain, Brazil, and Turkey.”
Rapid robot integration with remote services is booming
At RBTX.com, interested parties have access to more than 300 individual robotics components from 78 manufacturers and more than 150 complete solutions from real-world applications – including guaranteed hardware and software compatibility.
Additionally, the online marketplace offers a place for humans and robots to meet. In the Customer Testing Area, customers can work with an RBTXpert in the remote integrator service to test the feasibility of their planned application. The RBTXpert engages in a video call from this environment with those interested in automation and provides individual advice.
“In Germany alone, we implement up to 30 projects per week. We also have customer testing areas on-site in many other countries so that the RBTXpert can offer support in various languages and time zones,” says Alexander Mühlens. “This gives even more interested parties across the globe direct access to a wide range of cost-effective robotics.”
Elephant Robotics launched ultraArm with various solutions for education
In the past year, Elephant Robotics has launched various products to meet more user needs and help them unlock more potential in research and education. To help users learn more knowledge about machine vision, Elephant Robotics launched the AI Kit, which can work with multiple robotic arms to do AI recognition and grabbing. In June 2022, Elephant Robotics released the mechArm to help individual makers and students get better learning in industrial robotics.
Nowadays, robotic arms are used in an increasingly wide range of applications, such as industry, medicine, commercial exhibitions, etc. At the very end of 2022, ultraArm is launched, and this time, Elephant Robotics doesn’t just release a new robotic arm, but brings 5 sets of solutions to education and R&D.
Small but powerful
As the core product of this launch, ultraArm is a small 4-axis desktop robotic arm. It is designed with a classic metal structure and occupies only an area of A5 paper. It is the first robotic arm equipped with a high-performance stepper motors of Elephant Robotics. It is stable and owns ±0.1mm repeated positioning accuracy. What’s more, ultraArm comes with 5 kits together including slide rail, conveyor belt, and cameras.
Multiple environments supported
As a preferred tool for the education field, ultraArm supports all major programming languages, including Python, Arduino, C++, etc. Also, it can be programmed in Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. For individual makers who are new to robotics, they can learn robotic programming with myBlockly, a visualization software that allows users to drag and drop code blocks.
Moreover, ultraArm supports ROS1 & ROS2. In the ROS environment, users can control ultraArm and verify algorithms in the virtual environment, improving experiment efficiency. With the support of ROS2, users can achieve more functions and objects in the developments.
Five robotic kits with for Robot Vision & DIY
In the past year, Elephant Robotics found that many users have to spend large amount of time creating accessories or kits to work with robotic arms. Therefore, to provide more solutions in different fields, ultraArm comes with five robotic kits, which are devided into two series: vision educational kits and DIY kits. These kits will help users, especially students program easily for a better learning experience on practical exercises about AI robot vision and DIY robotic projects.
Vision educational kits
Combined with vision functions, robotic arms can be used for more applications in industry, medicine, education, etc. In robotics education, collaborative robotic arms with vision capabilities allow students to better learn about artificial intelligence. Elephant Robotics has launched three kits for machine vision education: Vision & Picking Kit, Vision & Conveyor Belt Kit, and Vision & Slide Rail Kit to provide more choices and support to the education industry. With the camera and built-in related AI algorithms (Yolo, SIFT, ORB, etc.), ultraArm can achieve different artificial intelligence recognition applications with different identifying ways. Therefore, users can select the kit based on their needs.
For Vision & Picking Kit, users can learn about color & image recognition, intelligent grasping, robot control principle, etc. For Vision & Conveyor Belt Kit and Vision, the robotic arm can sense the distance of materials for identifying, grabbing, and classifying the objects on the belt. Users can easily create simulated industrial applications in this kit, such as color sorting. Users can have deeper learning in machine vision with the Vision & Slide Rail Kit because the robot can track and grab objects through the dynamic vision algorithm in this kit. With the multiple programming environments supported, the vision educational kits are preferred for school or STEM education production line simulation. Moreover, Elephant Robotics also offers different educational programs for students and teachers, to enable them to better understand the principles and algorithms of robot vision, helping them operate these robot kits more easily.
DIY kits
There are two kits in the DIY series: the Drawing Kit and Laser Engraving Kit. Users will enjoyonline production, nameplate and phone case DIY production, and AI drawing with the multiple accessories in the DIY kits.
To help users quickly achieve DIY production, Elephant Robotics created software called Elephant Luban. It is a platform that generates the G-Code track and provides primary cases for users. Users can select multiple functions such as precise writing and drawing, laser engravingwith, only with a few clicks. For example, users can upload the images they like to the software, Elephant Luban will automatically generate the path of images and transmit to ultraArm, then users can choose drawing or engraving with different accessories.
There is no doubt that ultraArm with different robotics kits certainly provides a great deal of help and support to the education field. These kits offer better operating environments and conditions for students, and help them get better learning in robotic programming. Elephant Robotics will continue to launch more products and projects with the concept of helping more users to enjoy the robot world.
Now ordering ultraArm in Elephant Robotics Shop can enjoy the 20% discount with the code: Ultra20
Digital Robot HORST1000 with a payload of up to 8 kilograms
Constance, February 28th, 2023 – Up to 8 kilograms payload, a reach of 1,018 millimeters, short cycle times: fruitcore robotics is launching HORST1000, a new robot whose performance parameters enable a wide range of additional applications and better meet the growing market for industrial processes such as machine placement and pick & place applications.
HORST1000 is a completely newly developed robot kinematics system that incorporates all the knowledge gained from industrial practice in recent years. Building on existing technology innovations, fruitcore robotics‘ patented robot transmission for HORST1000 has been further optimized using a machine learning algorithm, resulting in a significant increase in performance. In terms of design, fruitcore robotics focuses on a compact footprint and aesthetics, as it has done with its robots that have already won multiple awards in the past, such as the Fokus Open Award and the German Innovation Award. With the introduction of the new model, the predecessor HORST900 will no longer be continued.
Performance improvement based on existing technology innovations
In HORST1000, key performance features such as payload, range and workspace have been significantly improved. The new all-rounder has a payload of up to 8 kilograms and a reach of 1,018 millimeters. The developers placed particular focus on the workspace of HORST1000. The threedimensional workspace has increased by 40 % compared to HORST900, allowing 50 % larger trays to be processed. From the base, HORST1000 can move around 230 millimeters further forward than its predecessor, which corresponds to a 43 % longer linear path. This allows customers to enter machines more easily. Higher acceleration values of the individual axes in the nominal load range also ensure shorter cycle times. In a classic pick & place process, this improves the cycle time by up to 20 %.
„The technological innovations of HORST1000 let us further increase the performance difference compared to current cobots,“ explains Jens Riegger, Managing Director (CEO) and Co-Founder of fruitcore robotics. Patrick Heimburger, Managing Director (Chief Revenue Officer) and Co-Founder of fruitcore robotics, adds: „We now allow an even wider range of applications and help our customers implement industrial processes such as machine placement and pick & place even more easily and efficiently.“
Optimized for Machine Loading and Pick & Place
Thanks to its range and workspace design, HORST1000 is tailor-made for loading and unloading any machine tools; especially for lathes and milling machines, the robot is also ideally suited due to its software and interfaces. The robot can reach deep into the machines, the high axis accelerations enable a short cycle time. In addition, the maximum payload of 8 kilograms also allows the use of heavy tools and complex multiple gripper systems. As an automation solution, Digital RobotHORST1000, like its predecessor HORST900 and its brothers HORST600 and HORST1400, includes not only powerful and cost-effective hardware. It follows a coordinated operating concept, which not only makes the operation of the robot particularly simple, but also the implementation of the entire application. All components involved in the process, such as grippers, CNC systems and safety systems, are operated via the horstFX graphical user interface and centrally networked with the horstCOSMOS IIoT platform.
For example, the machine tool can be integrated as a 3D model in horstFX and component variants can be easily traded via the program management of the operating software. Switching between two tools can be mapped on the software side via the multi-tool feature. In addition to the connection to the IIoT platform, all fruitcore robotics robots come with an IIoT surf stick with SIM card as standard. This offers companies the possibility to go online with the robot system without having to integrate it into their company network. Customers can establish an internet connection as required and use horstCOSMOS to view their robot fleet on dashboards, including the process data of the robot application. This allows processes to be optimized independently or in coordination with fruitcore robotics. In addition, availability is increased because maintenance can be carried out via predictive maintenance and a quick response can be made to service cases via remote maintenance.
Pre-orders now possible
HORST1000 can be pre-ordered from the manufacturer from now on. Delivery will take place from 01.06.2023. The price for the new all-rounder can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
Specifications HORST1000:
| Specification | HORST1000 |
| Max. Payload | 8 kg |
| Nominal Load | 5 kg |
| Max. Range | 1018 mm |
| Mounting Surface | 380 x 380 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 70k g |
| Repeatability | +/- 0,05 mm |
| Protection Class | IP54 |
| Sound Level | < 70 dB (A) |
| Power Supply | 230VAC, 50-60Hz, typ. 350W |
| Surrounding Temperature | 5-40 °C |
| Standard Color | RAL 5021 (Water Blue) |
Digital Robot HORST1000 mit bis zu 8 Kilogramm Traglast
Konstanz, 28.02.2023 – Bis zu 8 Kilogramm Traglast, eine Reichweite von 1018 Millimetern, kurze Taktzeiten: fruitcore robotics bringt mit HORST1000 einen neuen Roboter auf den Markt, der mit seinen Leistungsparametern eine Vielzahl an weiteren Anwendungen ermöglicht und dem wachsenden Markt für Industrieprozesse wie Maschinenbestückung und Pick & PlaceAnwendungen noch besser entspricht.
HORST1000 ist eine vollständig neu entwickelte Roboterkinematik, in die sämtliche Erkenntnisse der letzten Jahre aus der industriellen Praxis eingeflossen sind. An bestehende Technologieinnovationen anknüpfend, konnte das patentierte Robotergetriebe von fruitcore robotics für HORST1000 mit Hilfe eines Machine-Learning-Algorithmus weiter optimiert werden, was zu einer deutlichen Leistungssteigerung führt. Beim Design setzt fruitcore robotics wie bei den bereits in der Vergangenheit mehrfach mit Preisen wie dem Fokus Open Award und dem German Innovation Award ausgezeichneten Robotern auf einen kompakten Footprint und Ästhetik. Mit der Einführung des neuen Modells wird der Vorgänger HORST900 nicht mehr weitergeführt.
Leistungsverbesserung auf Grundlage bestehender Technologieinnovationen
Bei HORST1000 konnten die wesentlichen Leistungsmerkmale wie Traglast, Reichweite und Arbeitsraum deutlich verbessert werden. Der neue Allrounder hat eine Traglast von bis zu 8 Kilogramm und eine Reichweite von 1018 Millimetern. Besonderen Fokus legten die Entwickler:innen auf den Arbeitsraum von HORST1000. Der dreidimensionale Arbeitsraum hat sich im Vergleich zu HORST900 um 40 % vergrößert, sodass 50 % größere Trays bearbeitet werden können. Vom Sockel aus kann HORST1000 rund 230 Millimeter weiter nach vorne fahren als sein Vorgänger, was einer 43 % längeren Linearbahn entspricht. Dadurch können Kund:innen besser in Maschinen einfahren. Höhere Beschleunigungswerte der einzelnen Achsen im Nennlastbereich sorgen außerdem für kürzere Taktzeiten. Bei einem klassischen Pick & Place-Prozess verbessert sich die Taktzeit dadurch um bis zu 20%.
„Die technologischen Innovationen von HORST1000 lassen uns den Leistungsunterschied zu den gängigen Cobots weiter erhöhen“, erklärt Jens Riegger, Geschäftsführer (CEO) und Mitgründer von fruitcore robotics. Patrick Heimburger, Geschäftsführer (Chief Revenue Officer) und Mitgründer von fruitcore robotics, ergänzt: „Wir ermöglichen nun ein noch größeres Spektrum an Anwendungen und helfen unseren Kund:innen dabei, Industrieprozesse wie Maschinenbestückung und Pick & Place noch einfacher und effizienter umzusetzen.“
Optimiert für Maschinenbestückung und Pick & Place
Dank seiner Reichweite und Arbeitsraumgestaltung ist HORST1000 wie geschaffen für die Be- und Entladung jeglicher Werkzeugmaschinen, insbesondere für Dreh- und Fräsmaschinen ist der Roboter auch aufgrund der Software und seiner Schnittstellen optimal geeignet. Der Roboter kann tief in die Maschinen eingreifen, die hohen Achsbeschleunigungen ermöglichen eine kurze Taktzeit. Darüber hinaus erlaubt die maximale Traglast von 8 Kilogramm auch den Einsatz von schweren Tools und komplexen Mehrfachgreifer-Systemen. Als Automatisierungs-Lösung umfasst Digital Robot HORST1000 wie schon sein Vorgänger HORST900 und seine Brüder HORST600 und HORST1400 nicht nur eine leistungsstarke und preisgünstige Hardware. Er folgt einem in sich abgestimmten Bedienkonzept, durch welches nicht nur die Bedienung des Roboters besonders einfach ist, sondern auch die Umsetzung der gesamten Anwendung. Alle am Prozess beteiligten Komponenten, wie Greifer, CNC-Anlagen und Sicherheitssysteme werden über die grafische Bedienoberfläche horstFX bedient und zentral mit der IIoT-Plattform horstCOSMOS vernetzt. So kann zum Beispiel die Werkzeugmaschine als 3D-Modell in horstFX eingebunden werden und Bauteilvarianten ganz einfach über die Programmverwaltung der Bediensoftware gehandelt werden. Der Wechsel zwischen zwei Tools kann softwareseitig über das Multi-Tool-Feature abgebildet werden. Neben der Anbindung an die IIoT-Plattform ist bei allen Robotern von fruitcore robotics ein IIoT-Surfstick mit SIM-Karte standardmäßig im Lieferumfang enthalten. Dieser bietet Unternehmen die Möglichkeit, mit dem Robotersystem online zu gehen, ohne es in ihr Firmennetzwerk einbinden zu müssen. Kund:innen können nach Bedarf eine Internetverbindung aufbauen und via horstCOSMOS auf Dashboards ihre Roboterflotte samt Prozessdaten der Roboteranwendung einsehen. So können Prozesse eigenständig oder in Abstimmung mit fruitcore robotics optimiert werden. Zudem erhöht sich die Verfügbarkeit, weil Wartungen per Predictive Maintenance erfolgen und bei Servicefällen schnell per Fernwartung reagiert werden kann.
Vorbestellungen ab sofort möglich
HORST1000 kann ab sofort beim Hersteller vorbestellt werden. Die Auslieferung erfolgt ab 01.06.2023. Der Preis für den neuen Allrounder kann der Website des Herstellers entnommen werden.
Kenngrößen HORST1000:
| Kenngröße | HORST1000 |
| Max. Traglast | 8 kg |
| Nennlast | 5 kg |
| Max. Reichweite | 1018 mm |
| Aufstellfläche | 380 x 380 mm |
| Gewicht | ca. 70k g |
| Wiederholgenauigkeit | +/- 0,05 mm |
| Schutzart | IP54 |
| Schallpegel | < 70 dB (A) |
| Stromversorgung | 230VAC, 50-60Hz, typ. 350W |
| Umgebungstemperatur | 5-40 °C |
| Standardfarbe | RAL 5021 (Wasserblau) |
Ohne Einweisung: mit dem multiScan1xx navigieren AGCs selbständig
Waldkirch, Februar 2023 – SICK launcht den kompakten und präzisen 3D-LiDar-Sensor multiScan100. Damit unterstützt das Unternehmen die Entwicklung autonomer industrieller Fahrzeuge im Innen- und Außenbereich und verstärkt den Fokus auf digitale Softwarelösungen, um einen zusätzlichen Kundennutzen über die reinen Messdaten hinaus anzubieten.
Auf der letzten SPS in Nürnberg konnten die Besucher schon einen ersten Blick auf die neue multiScan100 Produktfamilie werfen, welche als eine Lösung für die Konturnavigation von industriellen Fahrzeugen ausgestellt wurde. Mit der ersten Variante, dem multiScan136, können mobile Plattformen wie AGVs oder Serviceroboter eigenständig eine neue Umgebung erkunden und davon eine Karte erstellen, die im Produktivbetrieb zur Navigation und Lokalisierung genutzt werden kann. Der LiDAR Sensor liefert 3D-Messdaten in Kombination einer hochauflösenden 0° Scanlage, die für eine präzise Selbstlokalisierung der autonomen Fahrzeuge bei gleichzeitiger Kartierung der Umgebung (SLAM, für Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) verwendet werden können. Darüber hinaus lassen sich durch die 3D-Punktewolke Absturzkanten oder Hindernisse erkennen.
Der 3D-LiDAR-Sensor multiScan136 mit 360° Rundumblick erreicht Dank der bis zu 690.000 Messpunkte eine State-of-the-Art Präzision, der nichts in seinem Umfeld entgeht. Mit seiner kompakten Bauform von circa 10 cm und industrieller Schnittstellen ist eine hohe Integrationsfreundlichkeit gewährleistet. Der Sensor lässt sich durch sein robustes Design und einer IP-Schutzklasse von bis zu 69k in rauen Umgebungen einsetzen. Durch die bewährte Multi-Echo-Technologie und seinem statistischen Messverfahren ist auch unter schlechten Bedingungen im Außenbereich eine präzise Umgebungserfassung sichergestellt. Somit ist der multiScan136 danke einer hohen Messgenauigkeit und einem geringen Messwertrauschen nicht nur für eine präzise Feinpositionierung im Innenbereich einsetzbar, sondern auch mühelos für die Umgebungserfassung im Außenbereich. Mit dem großen vertikalen Öffnungswinkel von 65° entgeht ihm dabei nichts, wodurch sich Kollisionen im Einsatz mobiler Outdoor Automation vermeiden lassen. Neben mobilen Anwendungen lässt sich der Sensor durch sein großes Sichtfeld auch für stationäre Anwendung im Objektschutz für Building Security (Objektsicherheit), Traffic (Verkehr) oder Smart City Applikationen wie Personenstromerfassung einsetzten.
Mit dem multiScan136 macht SICK einen weiteren Schritt in Richtung 3D-LiDAR Technologie und verstärkt den Fokus auf digitale Softwarelösungen, um einen zusätzlichen Kundennutzen über die reinen Messdaten hinaus anzubieten. Somit sind die präzisen Messdaten nur der erste Schritt für weitere Funktionen, die sich ohne weitere Recheneinheit direkt auf dem Sensor auswerten lassen.
AI Robot Kit 2023 All-around Upgrades: Elephant Robotics aims at Robotics Education and Research
In 2021, Elephant Robotics launched the AI Kit. It is a robotic kit that integrates multiple functions including vision, positioning grabbing, and automatic sorting modules. For people who are new in robotics, AI Kit is a preferable tool to learn the knowledge about machine vision and AI knowledge.
With the continuous advancement of technology, Elephant Robotics has upgraded the AI Kit comprehensively, improving the quality of the hardware while optimizing the built-in algorithms and software to make the product more developable and scalable.
Machine vision is a technology that uses machines to replace the human eyes for target object recognition, judgment and measurement. Machine vision simulates human vision function by computer, and the main technology involves target image acquisition technology, image information processing technology, and target object measurement and recognition technology.
A typical machine vision system mainly consists of a vision perception unit, an image information processing and recognition unit, a processing result display unit and a vision system control unit.
Here we introduce what Elephant Robotics achieve in this upgraded AI Kit 2023.
Textbook and tutorials for robotics
To provide comphrehensive support to experimental and practical teaching, Elephant Robotics launches a textbook about machine vision programming and control. The book provides the knowledge about robotic arms, vision sensors, programming languages, etc. It is a perfect solution for K-12 edication, educational institudes, and colleges. With the help of the tutorials and textbooks, students will enjoy robotics through experiential learning with easier operation when using AI Kit 2023. And Elephant Robotics will launch the tutorials about programming the AI Kit 2023 on YouTube and Hackster continuously.
5 built-in mainstream algorithms
AI Kit 2023 uses eye-to-hand mode, it can achieve color localization by OpenCV, and frames out the colored objects, and calculates the spatial coordinate position of the objects relative to the robotic arm by the relevant point position. With the algorithms, the robotic arm on AI Kit 2023 will automatically recognize the color objects and classify to the corresponding bins.
Aruco codes are widely used to increase the amount of information mapped from the two-dimensional world to three-dimensional time. Elephant Robotics has added recognition algorithms to AI Kit 2023 to support the recognition of 4 different codes. It helps users to learn the related recognition algorithms and positioning applications.
Feature point refers to the ability to represent an image or target in an identical or very similar invariant form in other similar images containing the same scene or target. The feature points are determined by examining the differences between the pixel points and the 16 pixel points in the surrounding field, and the detection efficiency is greatly improved by the segmentation test algorithm.
This algorithm of AI Kit 2023 helps users understand the feature points of images, learn image segmentation, and save image features.
You Only Look Once (YOLO) is a very popular model architecture and object detection algorithm. Elephant Robotics builds this algorithm with the latest version in the AI Kit 2023, the YOLOv5. YOLOv5 makes further improvements on the basis of YOLOv4 algorithm, and the detectability including speed and accuracy are further enhanced. With YOLOv5, users can have a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence, such as the concept and function of neural networks and deep learning.
Shape recognition of objects is an important direction of pattern recognition. There are various representations of object shapes in computers. Based on different shapes, various shape recognition methods have been proposed, such as methods based on Fourier descriptors, principal component analysis, and invariance distance. In shape recognition, it is very important to identify the pattern features on which the recognition is based.
Hardware upgrades
In terms of hardware, AI Kit 2023 adds different sizes of parts boxes to assist the robotic arm to better classify objects. Secondly, AI Kit 2023 used the camera with higher accuracy and lightness adjustment to make the robotic arm more efficient in recognition. Elephant Robotics has also upgraded the suction pump installed at the end of the robotic arm, so that it has higher adaptability and stability when working with different robotic arms.
Software updates
Elephant Robotics develops a built-in visualization software and provides customization methods in the AI Kit 2023. In this software, users can directly select the different algorithms to perform different functions and change the coordinates. The visual interface helps users quickly identify, access and manipulate data, and enables interaction and manipulation in a variety of ways. AI Kit 2023 is more user-friendly now, evern beginner who are new in programming or has no knowledge of code can also use it with several clicks.
Also, Elephant Robotics enhances the adaptations of AI Kit 2023 to enable it to be paired with six robotic arms, including the M5Stack and RaspberryPi versions of myCobot 280, myPalletizer 260, and mechArm 270.
Many educational institutions and colleges have already adopted AI Kit 2023 as an educational tool for professional or laboratory use, enabling students to learn to better understand artificial intelligence, robotic programming, and automation. Elephant Robotics is focusing on developing more and better robotics solutions and kits to provide more comprehensive conditions for the technology and education industry and deepen the application of robotics in education and research.
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Play before Pay: igus steigert die Einfachheit der Low Cost Automatisierung durch Apps, Metaverse und neue Cobots
Auf der Hannover Messe 2023 präsentiert der motion plastics Spezialist Next Level Engineering durch digitale Innovation
Hannover/Köln, 15. Februar 2023 – igus beschleunigt das Tempo bei der Low Cost Automation und macht den Einstieg einfacher und erschwinglicher als je zuvor. Mit dem Zusammenspiel aus günstiger Hardware und digitaler Innovation ist die Zukunft der Automatisierung greifbar nahe. Das beweisen der echte Cobot ReBeL mini für 3.999 Euro und die RBTXperience Software für einfache Programmierung handelsüblicher Roboter. Das virtuelle iguversum bietet den perfekten Spielplatz, um Roboteranwendungen und Programmierungen kinderleicht zum Laufen und dann in die Realität zu bringen.
Die Hannover Messe ist immer ein wichtiger Treffpunkt für die neuesten Entwicklungen in der Industrie. Auch dieses Jahr präsentiert igus hier digitale Produkte und Lösungen, die Unternehmen dabei helfen, ihre Anwendungen zu verbessern und Kosten zu sparen. Beispiel Low Cost Automation: Neue Cobots, Software und virtuelle Parallelwelten sorgen dafür, dass selbst Robotik-Laien in kürzester Zeit in die Automatisierung einsteigen können. Die Hardware-Basis bilden die Kunststoff-Roboter von igus wie der neue ReBeL mini, ein echter Plug&Play Cobot zum Preis von nur 3.999 Euro, inklusive Steuerungssoftware und Netzteil. Der Roboter arbeitet mit 5 Achsen, bringt 4 kg auf die Waage, hat eine Reichweite von 310 mm und bewegt bis zu 0,5 kg Last. Er schafft 7 Picks pro Minute bei einer Wiederholgenauigkeit von +/- 1 mm. Der ReBeL mini eignet sich insbesondere für den Einsatz in beengten Bauräumen, beispielweise in der Prüfautomation oder Kamera-Qualitätskontrolle und ist dabei auch über Kopf einsetzbar.
Next Level Engineering durch den Einsatz digitaler Werkzeuge
Mit neu entwickelten digitalen Werkzeugen unterstützt igus Unternehmen dabei, schnell und einfach ihre individuelle Robotik-Hardware zu konfigurieren, zu integrieren und zu steuern. Gemäß der Idee „Play before Pay“ können Anwender mit der neuen RBTXperience Software über ein 3D-Modell Kameras, Greifer, Roboter, aber auch Maschinengestelle und Förderbänder kombinieren und erproben – so simpel wie in einem Computerspiel. Per Drag and Drop Funktion lassen sich die Komponenten und Aufbauten beliebig anpassen, immer mit Kompatibilitätsgarantie und Live-Preis. CAD-Dateien der Lösungen lassen sich in die eigene Planungssoftware mit einem Klick herunterladen. „Zum Start der Hannover Messe werden wir jede im Online-Tool konfigurierte Automationslösung in einer Datenbank speichern und anderen Kunden als Designvorlage zur Verfügung stellen. Daraus entsteht dann eine riesige Design-Community“, sagt Alexander Mühlens, Leiter des Geschäftsbereichs Low Cost Automation bei igus. Als Inspirationsquelle zum sofortigen Nachmachen stehen bereits jetzt auf dem Online-Marktplatz RBTX mehr als 300 Lösungen zur Verfügung, davon 95 Prozent mit einem Investitionsvolumen von unter 12.000 Euro. Doch nicht nur die Konfiguration, sondern auch die Steuerung von Low Cost Automation vereinfacht igus. Deshalb bietet der motion plastics Spezialist eine intuitive Software an, mit der sich die Bewegungsabläufe der ReBeL Roboter anhand von digitalen Zwillingen innerhalb von 30 bis 60 Minuten festlegen lassen – auch ohne Programmierkenntnisse. Neu auf der Hannover Messe 2023 zu sehen ist außerdem die AnyApp Software. Sie ermöglicht genau diese intuitive Programmierung auch für andere Roboter. AnyApp eignet sich besonders für Unternehmen, die Roboter verschiedener Hersteller zu Automationslösungen kombinieren, sich aber nicht in mehrere Steuerungssoftwares einarbeiten wollen.
Das iguversum: In der virtuellen Welt spielerisch Ingenieur-Höchstleistungen erzielen
Eine weiterer Entwicklungsschritt ist das iguversum, welches auf dem neuen Stand „igus digital“ in Halle 17 zu erleben ist. Virtuell können Benutzer aus der ganzen Welt interagieren und an Projekten zusammenarbeiten, ohne dass eine physische Präsenz erforderlich ist. Das spart nicht nur Zeit, sondern ist auch nachhaltiger, da Reisen entfallen. Das iguversum ist eine Kollaborations-Welt und ein digitales Werkzeug, das Unternehmen bei allen technischen Entwicklungen unterstützen kann. Mit Extended Reality (XR)-Technologien wie Virtual Reality (VR) und Augmented Reality (AR) lassen sich beispielsweise Automatisierungslösungen im virtuellen Raum planen, steuern und testen. Dadurch können Mitarbeiter aus der Ferne auf gefährliche oder unangenehme Arbeitsumgebungen zugreifen, ohne vor Ort zu sein.
Unternehmen bietet sich so die Möglichkeit, ihre Arbeitsumgebung sicherer und attraktiver zu gestalten. Das führt zu einer höheren Zufriedenheit und Motivation der Mitarbeiter und ist auch ein Pluspunkt bei der Gewinnung von neuen Fachkräften. „In der Zukunft werden wir sehen, wie die kollaborative Zusammenarbeit von Menschen im Metaverse und zum Beispiel die Steuerung von Robotern aus virtuellen Welten heraus die Art und Weise verändern, wie wir zusammenarbeiten.“ sagt Marco Thull, Senior Marketing Activist, igus GmbH. Mit der Verwendung von digitalen Tools wie Simulationen, Prognosen und Datenanalysen wird igus Unternehmen auch über die Low Cost Automation hinaus dabei unterstützen, ihre Prozesse schneller und günstiger zu machen. „Die Nutzung neuer Technologien ist dabei nie Selbstzweck, sondern folgt immer den Fragen: Was hat der Kunde davon? Ist das Tech oder kann das weg?“, meint Marco Thull. „Das Zusammenspiel aus günstiger Hardware, Software, XR in Verbindung mit künstlicher Intelligenz wird es Kunden ermöglichen, ihre Maschinen und Anlagen permanent zu verbessern und schnell an die Bedürfnisse ihrer Kunden anzupassen – ein enormer Wettbewerbsvorteil.“