VMT ToolBox 3D - TCP control, correction and measurement “out-of-the-box”
Constant and precise control of the robot tool ensures quality of the application and thus quality of the product. As a direct interaction element with the product, the robot end effector often suffers from soiling and mechanical stress.
Only a fully automated TCP control (tool center point, tool zero point) guarantees that damage or application errors will be prevented. As an integrated vision system, ToolBox 3D makes a reliable and industry-standard solution for fully automated TCP control.
Fouling or geometric deviations can be detected and usually even corrected in the process without affecting cycle time. This ensures optimized availability of the application even in the event of a failure.
It results in a powerful technology package for optimal application quality in robot-supported production processes, especially in combination with the VMT trajectory correction (TC) system, which enables the precise adaptation of robot paths to changes in component geometry and position.
As such, ToolBox3D stands for uncompromising and permanent inline quality monitoring of the robot TCP and thus the application. VMT ToolBox 3D can be flexibly integrated into your specific environment – from complex control cabinet solutions to lean embedded systems.
TCP control and robot tool measurement “out-of-the-box”
In order to guarantee a consistently high application quality in robot-supported production processes, a regular check of the Tool Center Point (TCP) is essential, because even minimal deviations of the TCP from its target position have a direct effect on the application quality.
VMT has developed the ToolBox 3D as a fast and reliable solution for automated TCP control and correction. The system consists of a high-resolution camera with specialized optics and integrated lighting and is built into a compact and robust industrial housing.
To check and/or correct the TCP, the robot moves its tool into the inspection opening of the ToolBox 3D. The high-resolution camera uses a mirror system to generate images of the robot tool from different angles to create a multi-dimensional image. This in turn enables the position of the TCP to be determined. A reorientation of the tool is not necessary for this – it not only saves time, but also enables optimal use of the restricted working area of the robot, especially with large tools.
In addition to checking and correcting the TCP, the ToolBox 3D also allows for a high-precision determination of the TCP in all six degrees of freedom. The robot tool is moved into different positions within the inspection opening of the ToolBox 3D. A multi-dimensional image is recorded in each of these positions, allowing the TCP to be determined in robot coordinates. This allows new robot tools to be integrated into the system quickly and easily.
Highlights
- Continuous monitoring and correction of the TCP
- Design data-free TCP determination
- Flexible integration into existing systems
- Expandable for special tasks, from the detection of contamination to type verification
- Proven and robust industrial solution
