Software, sensors upgrade cobots for bin picking

By Ron Shinn

With the ActiNav Autonomous Bin Picking system, cobots can locate, orient, pick and place small components.

Bin picking has always been a vexing problem for plastics processors, who have mostly been forced to use human hands because robots were too costly to buy and program for such complex tasks.

Universal Robots has developed a system called ActiNav Autonomous Bin Picking, which some processors may find to be a game-changer. The ActiNav kit contains an Autonomous Motion Module (AMM), ActiNav URCap user-interface software and a choice of 3-D sensors.

The system works on Universal Robots’ UR5e and UR10e series collaborative robots, which are designed for lighter payloads. ActiNav handles parts with dimensions that range from 0.5 inch to 5 inches.

ActiNav was developed as a simple solution for machine tending-applications in which plastic or metal parts need to be picked out of a deep bin and inserted into a molding machine or CNC machine. The AMM, with input from the high-resolution 3-D sensor and CAD matching, determines the best way to pick up the part, then controls the robot to pick it up, orient it and place it in a fixture.

Universal Robots said the autonomous motion control enables ActiNav to reach deep inside a bin that holds more parts, a task that stand-alone bin picking vision systems have trouble doing.

Deploying the system does not require costly and time-consuming vision or robotic programming. It is based on a teach-by-demonstration technique using a six-step, wizard-guided set-up process integrated into the cobot’s teach pendant.

“With ActiNav, manufacturers have the possibility to automate a machining application that was not really open to them before,” said Eric Anderson, Universal Robots product manager, during a recent virtual press conference. “For around $100,000, you can quickly and easily deploy bin picking with a return on investment of less than 18 months for a two-shift operation.”

He said ActiNav

Cobots equipped with Universal Robots' ActiNav Autonomous Bin Picking can be 'taught' to perform bin-packing tasks. — Cobots equipped with Universal Robots' ActiNav Autonomous Bin Picking can be "taught" to perform bin-packing tasks.

can be easily deployed by a processor’s staff or with help from a Universal Robots distributor or integrator.

“We are addressing all the complex issues of motion planning, vision, various bin sizes and different-shaped parts with an easy to use solution,” said Jim Lawton, VP of product and applications management.

By picking parts directly out of a bin, processors can usually eliminate implementing trays, bowl feeders and conveyors, the company said.

Ron Shinn, editor

[email protected]

For more information

Universal Robots USA Inc., Boston, 844-462-6268, www.universal-robots.com