SICK Automation, a leading producer of sensor automation solutions, has introduced a 3D machine vision camera that facilitates automated management of products or goods in the factory or warehouse environment. The Visionary-S CX is designed to integrate with robotic handling systems (such as depalletisation or picking systems) or quality control solutions to enable the real-time identification, picking, and selection of goods accurately and quickly for optimised warehouse or production operations.
The Visionary-S CX is a rugged camera with the ability to ‘see’ both colour and depth, as well as dimensions, even in environments with low ambient light. This means it recognises items and objects reliably, so it can identify and select individual products in densely packed boxes, for example. It also features a high recording speed, making it effective in high-speed applications. It integrates easily into existing systems using system integration (SI) software, to enable prompt optimisation. The easily configurable input and output functionality make the Visionary-S CX versatile and flexible.
Robotic carton handling or quality control packaging systems have largely been limited by 2D technology. A robot could be programmed to pick or select an item that was positioned at specific coordinates on a pallet, a table, or conveyor belt. If the item was not in that precise location (or not positioned accurately, at the optimal height or depth) the system failed. “The Visionary-S CX in effect gives the robotic system the vision to identify target items and understand where these are,” says Grant Joyce, Managing Director, SICK Automation Southern Africa.
The Visionary-S CX solution was applied recently in the Belgium-based warehouse of a pharmaceutical company, where it optimised the depalletisation and picking of cartons, enabling the system to detect cartons at a rate of 2 000 per hour and depalletise them rapidly. As a result, the company was able to meet high demand for its products across Europe.
“Through collaboration with our SI partners, we are able to build complete application solutions like this for customers in southern Africa,” Joyce adds. Designed to deliver easy installation, programming and commissioning, the Visionary-S CX is also priced competitively for the local market.
For more information visit: www.sickautomation.co.za/
