Machine Vision Guided Robots as Efficient Welding Workers at Modern Shipyards The RTS Group has utilised machine vision technology to enhance robot guidance for the purpose of serving several different industries. The first application was completed as early as in 1993. Within different logistical centres such as shipyards, for example, the utilisation RTS machine vision guided welding applications has made it possible to achieve higher standards of quality, process productivity and flexibility. Together with its partner, Pemamek Oy, Finnish company specializing in welding mechanization and automation, they have this year supplied two installations to shipbuilding yard in Helsinki for this purpose.
The machine vision system provides robots with eyes. The intelligent sensing system can be used to detect locations, identify items and even to measure the dimensions of processable targets. The need for standard robot programming in robot welding applications is reduced and accurate 3D CAD information is no longer required. “High standard
cost and performance efficiency can be combined with improved quality by
introducing combinations of robotic and vision technology to conventional
process applications”, Mr. Mika Laitinen, Managing Director of RTS Robotics
Oy says.
The machine vision guided welding system is based on highly sophisticated macros, which receive dimension and shape information from the machine vision system and do not require CAD information. The achievable arc time ratio is determined by offline programmed systems.
A spirit class cruise liner holds within over 40 km of welded T-beams and the number of the corresponding T-beam-bulb-deck plate joints exceeds 100 000 pieces per ship. The dimensions of the joints differ slightly but features such as shapes and demandings remain equal in comparison to one another. Machine guided robots are ideally suited for the construction of such entities. The scaling macro based system eliminates the need for further programming during production. The overall operating system is based on the full utilisation of modern robot vision technology. The work envelope of the robot can be increased by equipping the robot with an external linear axis or mounting it to the gantry system. All operations such as tacking, programming, set-up and quality control are carried out on the shop floor by the operator who manages the robots simultaneously. Contact information: RTS Robotics
Oy
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