For automated-optical-inspection (AOI) applications, GÖPEL electronics (Jena, Germany; www.goepel.com) has enhanced its existing TOM Line inspection system with TOM 3D to provide additional inspection capabilities. These include checking connectors by inspecting for pin distortion, pin height, the verification of text-embossed or punched fonts-and measuring the solder or tinning volume at joints.
Using a CCD camera module combined with a laser, the TOM 3D assesses surface tomography by using laser scanning to generate a graph of position and height information that is combined with an image of the same location. As a result, both position and height of each pin on a device can be checked in a single operation. Plug connectors and solder joints can also be inspected. The TOM 3D can be configured as an in-line or stand-alone system. As a production-line tool, the equipment can be mounted directly above a conveyor or other indexing system.
System guides auto glass
Land Rover (Solihull, UK; www.landrover.com) has automated the assembly of automobile windows, moonroofs, and seals with vision-guided robots that use the SRS vision-sensor system developed by Oxford Sensor Technology (Abingdon, UK; www.oxfordsensor.com). The sensor system uses specular reflections to locate features on the vehicle body.
Six vision-guided robots from ABB (Milton Keynes, UK; www.abb.com/robotics) fit the glass, high-level brake-light assemblies, and part of the door seal to the Series 3 Discovery and Range Rover Sport vehicles. Four robots are dedicated to fitting the front, rear, and side windows, the other two fit the moonroof assembly and provide backup for the main glazing system. To glaze the windows, the robots position the window near the vehicle, and the SRS vision sensor determines the exact position of the aperture relative to the robot.
