When do you want to use machine vision exclusively and when should you pair a camera with a robot? Consider these factors:
- Cost. Simply analyze all the areas where machine vision may be desired in an inspection process. Then compare the cost of hardware for multiple cameras verses a single camera and a robot.
- Evaluate Cycle Time. Typically, short cycle times drive dedicated cameras that can work in parallel as opposed to a robot/camera solution that will perform sequential inspections.
- Fixture Changes. How often do fixtures or part families at the inspection station change? Higher numbers typically favor robot integration.
- Required Accuracy. This is usually evaluated on a case by case basis, however high-resolution requirements or measurements often favor dedicated cameras.
- Positional Accuracy over time. Large robots in particular can be impacted by a variety of factors that can impede their use with vision. Large fixtures that are changed regularly require extra and additional controls to maintain the systems accuracy. Environmental factors that impact the robot become increasingly significant as the volume of the inspection area increases.