PLB-500 VISION SYSTEM

PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING

PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
INTRODUCTION
The PLB-500 is the SICK vision system for high precision localization of parts
that are randomly orientated in bins and boxes.

The vision system consists of a 3D camera, part localization software and

tools
for easy integration.

 The PLB’s camera ensures rugged operation in varying environment and

provides superior image quality

 State-of-the-art localization software enables easy introduction of new

parts into existing work-cells. The 3D shape matching algorithm uses CAD-
models of the parts for localization, which enables short change-over
times, increasing production uptime.

 Field-proven integration tools and functions for calibration,

communication, as well as checking for free gripping position make it
easier to integrate the system into production.

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PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
SYSTEM SCOPE
 Automated bin picking using a robot includes:
▸ Part Localization: Locate the part and provide pick coordinate to the robot. SICK PLB provides the pick coordinates of the parts
randomly oriented in a bin.
▸ Robot Integration: Programming the robot to go to the identified coordinates of the part while avoiding any possible collisions so as to
pick the part in the desired orientations and positions using an appropriate gripper.

Camera
- Data acquisition
PLB
Robot controller
- Robot program
- Path planning

Software
- Part localization
- Communication of results Robot
- Configuration
Gripper
Bin with parts
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PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
KEY INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS
APPLICATION:
 Automated picking of parts from bins
▸ US/EU pallet sized bins
▸ Blanks, casted or forged metal parts stored in bulk
▸ Ideal parts approximately sized 100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm and larger

EXAMPLE PARTS:

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PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
TARGET MARKETS
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY:

 Power-train manufacturing and part suppliers

MACHINE LOADING OPERATIONS:

 Blanks for machine loading operations in automotive component production

FOUNDRY AND FORGING OPERATIONS:

 Component manufacturing for power train and chassis

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PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS
FEATURES:
 Localization of parts in bins and boxes independent of part orientation
 3D camera with superior image quality
 Reliable part localization, even under varying ambient conditions
 Part localization based on matching between CAD model of part and 3D image
 Verification that collision free space is available for the gripper in reported pick positions
 Complete solution: hardware and preconfigured software, tailored for the precise localization of parts in bins
 Integrated tools for coordinate alignment and communication with the robot

INTEGRATION BENEFITS:
 The comprehensive, easy-to-use solution makes it possible to configure new applications quickly and efficiently
 Noticeably reduces the effort of analyzing and designing solutions for new applications
 Enables reliable robot-automated part picking without the need for precise part placement in the bin or on the pallet, thereby maximizing
part handling uptime
 Features tailored for the target applications ensure high part localization accuracy and short part picking cycle time
 No machine vision expertise is needed in order to use and maintain the system
 CAD-based localization makes it easy to introduce new parts in production

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PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS
CUSTOMER BENEFITS:
 Reduced operating cost (existing and/or new production line)
▸ Labor cost
▸ Maintenance and repair (less maintenance compared to mechanical feeding systems like conveyors with separators, vibration feeders,
etc.)
 Improve the work environment
▸ Avoid monotonous work and manual heavy lifting operations
▸ Avoid injuries resulting from dropped parts, pinched fingers, etc.
 Reduced investment cost (new production line)
▸ Less floor space and auxiliary equipment
▸ More flexible when introducing new parts in the production
▸ Reduced need for expensive tailor made fixtures and containers

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PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
SOLUTION COMPARISON
Current customer random part picking processes are as follows in various degrees of automation

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 PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
COMPETITIVE COMPARISON
Company Product Competitor Features
Fanuc Area-Scan-3D • Plug and Play – Camera
Integrated into FANUC robots
• Inexpensive solution
• Localization using structured
light camera technology
• Localization based on
pattern matching
Scape (DK) • Readiness for installation at
end customer
• Path planning program
is included.
Liebherr Flexible • Turn-key solution using SICK
robotersysteme LMS product [Time-of-Flight
technology]
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Advantages for PLB
• Works with any robot brand
using ASCII Based
Ethernet Communication
• Accurate localization due to
laser triangulation 3D
camera technology
• Faster processing due to
industrial PC external to
robot
• Robust localization due to
3D shape matching
algorithms to CAD models of
parts
• Price
• Scope more suitable for SI/OEM
• Not restricted to be part
of Liebherr production
lines
• Accurate localization due to
laser triangulation 3D
camera technology
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 PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
INTEGRATION SCOPE

 For a complete list of Authorized PLB Integrators

Integrator Program Manager

Dan Minnich SystemSupp
ort@sick.com
PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 What customer needs does this new system address?
▸ Convenience, PLB Is very easy to work with compared with previously available concepts
▸ Service, part handling is a production critical task, and customers wish to work with a global company with local presence like SICK
▸ Performance, PLB provides the combination of functions, accuracy and cycle time that meets the target application requirements
▸ Finance, using PLB saves a lot of time and effort compared using a general purpose machine vision solutions

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PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 Are there specific strategic industries this product is focused on?
▸ Part suppliers to commercial automotive, agricultural, and construction vehicle producers
▸ Producers of commercial automotive, agricultural, and construction vehicle
▸ Machine Tool OEMs with integrated automation department, that provide machines to the part suppliers and vehicle manufacturers
▸ Automated machining centers

 Are there specific applications we should be focused on for this launch?

▸ Bin-picking of power train components
▸ Semi structured (parts are to some extent oriented in one way, not fully random) parts like shafts are easier to cope with from a robotics
point of view
▸ Targeting manufacturers of larger components used in buses, trucks and construction vehicles will ensure that PLB can fulfill the needs
to handle the majority of the components produced at the end-customer

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PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 Are there specific competitors we should be focused on for this launch?
▸ Fanuc, they are offering solutions for similar applications, but so far they seem to have less performance and not so easy to use
configuration means.
▸ Liebherr and Scape Technology, providers of more turn key bin-picking solutions for end-customers (they are likely to be competitors to
PLB customers)

 What is new or different in the system compared to competitive offerings?

▸ PLB offers more flexibility than “hard coded” vision applications being applicable for a larger range of parts to be handled
▸ PLB offers functionality tailored for robot integrators
― SICK take care of the part localization
― The robot integrator takes care of the robotics specifics (with support from robotics companies)

 What pain points should I question for users of competitive products/ systems?
▸ What about the time it takes to develop the part localization function for a new project?
▸ How easy is it to reconfigure the system to be used for picking an other type of part?
▸ What is the performance you obtain with the system in terms of accuracy and cycle time?

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PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 What are the key selling points for this system launch?
▸ PLB-500 is an application-specific vision system, including the exact functions necessary to facilitate easy integration in robot systems
for bin-picking
▸ PLB is a part localization system, not a bin picking system
▸ PLB-500 facilitates quick development of the complete robot system
▸ The new sweeping laser 3D technology has higher robustness compared with 2D and alternative 3D technologies
▸ With snapshot-3D, the use of 3D cameras is made easier compared to previous 3D technology
▸ Focus on applications where the parts are somewhat oriented in the bin. PLB precisely locates the parts in the bin independent of the
orientation of the part, but the picking of the parts with the robot might still be difficult if the parts are completely random oriented

 How does this system launch provide an opportunity to consult with my customer?
▸ If you have customers who are interested in robot automated bin picking, there is now a SICK system that facilitates this.

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PLB-500: PART LOCALIZATION FOR BIN PICKING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 What are appropriate questions I should ask my customers in reference to this system?
▸ Please use the PLB Application questionnaire available on the Intranet. By using that, you ensure to reflect many of the important
technical aspects of a new inquiry

 What questions will my customers have regarding this system offering?

▸ Does it work, show me a running reference?
― SICK has a working demo of the PLB system in our Detroit Customer Conference Center
― Due to confidential nature of customer applications, SICK cannot provide specific customer references. However, we offer services
such as feasibility studies to reduce or eliminate the risk.

 What are my support resources for this launch?

▸ For the Americas, email: SystemSupport@sick.com

 How will I get trained on this new product?

 SICK provides a multi-day technical product training to system integrators. Also, an overview and system usage training is available to
end users. For the Americas, email: SystemSupport@sick.com

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MANY THANKS FOR
YOUR ATTENTION.