SICK GETS AN ‘APP’ FOR VISION AT UKIVA SHOW

SICK will be returning to the UKIVA Machine Vision Conference with news of its pioneering AppSpace programming environment and how the concept is starting to bear fruit for automation and robotics development.

At last year’s event, SICK successfully launched AppSpace, an open software platform that allows free and flexible customisation of applications on SICK programmable sensors and devices. Rather than being restricted to the available pre-developed proprietary software, AppSpace enables system integrators, Original Equipment Manufacturers and end-users to develop their own tailor-made solutions with ‘click-and-drop’ ease.

SICK LabelChecker

Visitors to the UKIVA show will learn about applications being developed in AppSpace that are now available for wider industry use.  The first is the SICK LabelChecker, an off-the-shelf label reading and verification solution based on SICK’s InspectorP vision sensor.

SICK engineers perfected the application working closely with a leading European chocolate manufacturer. The all-in-one solution is based on the SICK InspectorP vision camera for reading and verifying text, numbers, bar codes and 2D codes, as well as inspecting label design and print quality.

SICK engineers worked closely with the manufacturer to perfect the LabelChecker as an integral quality control system without the need for an additional evaluation unit.

Robot Guidance

SICK will also be promoting its Inspector PIM60 URCap, an entry-level vision-guided robot solution for pick and place, inspection and measurement that integrates SICK Inspector PIM60 2D vision sensors with U3, U5 and U10 robots.  The SICK Inspector PIM60 URCap is simple to set up and use, yet is a powerful toolkit for creating a vision-guided robot task with minimum time and effort.

With the Inspector PIM60 URCap, configuration tasks such changing jobs and pick-points, calibration and alignment are done directly from the robot control pendant for speed and ease.  Configuration is achieved in minutes through the UR controller or the SICK Inspector PIM60 without need for an additional PC.

SICK will also introduce its Trispector P Beltpick solution for enhanced picking of products on a conveyor through integrated 3D vision robot guidance.  The solution offers ‘plug-and-play’ support for ABB PickMaster and Universal Robots and provides users with access to SICK AppSpace apps for belt picking applications.

The Trispector P Beltpick vision guidance enables gentle robot handling of products with improved Z-axis control. The system adapts the robot’s picking action to the height of each individual product, reducing the risk of damage.

Says Neil Sandhu, SICK’s UK Product Manager for Imaging, Measurement & Ranging: “The UKIVA Show has quickly become established in the calendar as the go-to event for anyone involved in working with machine vision applications.  Whether you are a machine builder, integrator or end-user, it’s a great way of seeing the latest industry developments in one visit, with a packed programme of expert demonstrations, presentations and case studies.”

For more information please contact Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email [email protected].