APRIL 15, 2008--Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT; Orion, MI, USA), a supplier of factory-automation design, engineering, and process consulting services, has sponsored the development of a vision-based robotic workcell as a senior project at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in Sault Sainte Marie, MI. Designed by the students, with support and guidance from AMT's Jean-Pierre Rasaiah, the cell identifies and robotically packages consumer products from a moving conveyor. The workcell is based on a multiaxis workcell donated by Bosch Rexroth, including a conveyor system and a motion logic controller. To help complete the project, AMT was also able to arrange the use of a Stäubli RX60 robot & controller, a Cognex DVT Legend 520 SmartImage camera, and a Siemens HMI panel.
"We've worked closely with Lake Superior State University for years, and we're excited to support another strong class of graduating seniors," commented Joe Campbell, AMT COO. "LSSU has developed a world-class automation program, and we're proud to be a small part of their success."
The LSSU robotic workcell is built on Rexroth's aluminum extrusion framework, employing a Bosch Rexroth VarioFlow conveyor system, IndraMotion MLC motion logic controller, IndraDrive servos, and IndraDyn motors to circulate the products through the cycle. A Cognex SmartImage camera scans each product as it passes, while the program notifies the Stäubli robot to retrieve a specific selection and drop it off the line to be packaged. Parameters for the project define a successful running cycle to continue for ten hours with no more than one hour of recovery time. Once the workcell is complete, the workcell will be used as a training device for future students and AMT personnel alike.
For more information go to www.appliedmfg.com.
