Camera & Software System Provide 3D Machine Vision for Robot Applications

A new rc_visard smart 3D camera family from Matrix Vision, a brand of
Balluff, offers low system costs, quick implementation, and a high degree of
flexibility. The camera, combined with its onboard and/or add-on software
suite, delivers 3D machine vision for stationary and mobile robot
applications, such as bin picking or navigation for driverless transport
systems.

With an on-board processor, the rc_visard processes the camera data and
forwards relevant information like grasp points directly to the robot
application, without the need for an external computer. This reduces system
costs as well as the failure risk of the application.

The on-board software package makes it easy to use the rc_visard as a 3D
stereo sensor for efficient and reliable object detection, indoor
navigation, or grasp planning. For specific tasks the optional rc_reason
software suite offers intelligent tools so pick-and-drop applications can be
realized without training individual objects. Pick-and-place applications
grasp points can also be determined based on CAD data.

A user-friendly web-based interface enables easy operation and configuration
without the need for special training or previous knowledge. The smart 3D
cameras are available in two different sizes, 65 mm and 160 mm, each
available with color or monochrome image recording. They are available with
two different focal lengths with a measurement range depth of 0.2 to 3.0
meters and can measure up to 1.2 million 3D data points.

The new 3D camera family was created by Matrix Vision, a brand of Balluff,
in cooperation with Roboception.

For more information on 3D machine vision, visit
https://www.matrix-vision.com/en/products/areas/MA06

About Balluff Inc.: Balluff Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Balluff GmbH,
Neuhausen, Germany, is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of inductive,
photoelectric, vision, capacitive and magnetic sensors as well as linear
position transducers, RFID systems, and networking products. Balluff
products for OEM and factory floor solutions are used to control, regulate,
automate, assemble, position, and monitor manufacturing, assembly, and
packaging sequences for industries including metalworking, automotive,
plastics, material handling, wood processing, aerospace, alternative energy,
medical, electrical, and electronics