Use Case

Robot arm cameras

The Stereo visard camera for precise, smart image processing in dynamic environments

Cameras allow robots to perceive their surroundings, recognize objects, and perform complex tasks. In order to perform these tasks, robot arm cameras must be able to compensate for vibrations, process image data in real time, and offer seamless integration. This requires special cameras designed to overcome these challenges.

Typical applications for cameras mounted on robot arms

Thanks to its vibration resistance and compact design, the Stereo visard camera is ideal for industrial use on robot arms and in dynamic environments.

The Stereo visard camera on a robot arm ensures reliable quality control

Quality control and inspection

With its high image quality, the Basler Stereo visard camera reliably checks components and products for defects. Thanks to on-board processing, it enables fast and autonomous quality control. The automotive and electronics industries in particular benefit from its real-time fault detection.
The Stereo visard camera on a robot arm solves pick-and-place tasks

Pick-and-place applications

For pick-and-place tasks, stereo image processing captures objects in three dimensions and calculates their positions precisely. The Stereo visard camera helps robots in the logistics and e-commerce sectors efficiently grasp goods and place them correctly.
The Stereo visard camera on a robot arm reliably reaches into boxes and sorts objects

Bin picking and sorting

Bin picking is the process of removing randomly arranged objects from containers. With the help of the Stereo visard's stereo image processing, the robotic arm can detect objects in 3D, locate them in real time, and consequently grasp them. This is particularly advantageous in warehousing and logistics.
The on-arm assembly of industrial cameras enables compact and flexible robot cells. With the robot arm, the camera's shooting position can be freely varied. This allows objects to be viewed precisely from different directions and at close range.
Martin Gramatke
Martin Gramatke
Product Manager 3D Product Systems

Our industrial-grade 3D stereo cameras for robotics applications

The camera for the best results on a robot arm

Although there are huge benefits to having a camera on a robotic arm, there are some challenges that need to be considered. The Stereo visard camera has been specially developed to meet these requirements.

Developed for use on robot arms: The Basler Stereo visard camera
Developed for use on robot arms: The Basler Stereo visard camera

Defies vibrations, shocks, and splashes

Robotic arms generate vibrations that can lead to blurred images. Our Stereo visard camera convinces with sufficient mechanical stability to avoid these issues, and also takes into account the harsh conditions found in production environments:

  • Resistant to vibrations up to 5 g and shocks up to 50 g

  • M12 Connectors ensure secure cable connections

  • Splash-proof, thanks to IP54 Class

Real-time capability for reliable results

For many applications, especially with rapid movements of the robotic arm, it is crucial that image processing takes place in real time.

  • The Stereo visard camera offers Real-time data processing through On-Board Processing: Image data is processed directly on the camera, and the system can react quickly. An external computer is not required.

The Collision Check function prevents the robot gripper from colliding with other objects.
Movement of a robotic arm with a collision at the edge of the crate and the corrected movement without a collision.

Collision avoidance thanks to Collision Check

Robotic arms often have to make do with limited space and perform fast movements in close succession. This can easily lead to collisions and, in the worst case, the camera can be decalibrated. Thanks to Collision Check, the Stereo visard works reliably, even in small spaces.

Compatible with robots

Easy integration into the robotics application

The integration of a camera system into the robot controller is essential, and a crucial factor for the efficiency and reliability of robotics applications.

  • With its Ethernet interface, The Basler Stereo visard camera ensures stable and fast data transmission and enables easy integration into existing systems.

  • Software interfaces available for a wide range of robotics brands, such as: ABB, FANUC, Franka Robotics, and Fruitcore Robotics. We provide KUKA, Techman Robot, Universal Robots, and Yaskawa Motoman Robotics software interfaces for camera control.

  • The integration of special gripping systems, such as Vacuum Gripper from LARD, are also covered by the software interfaces.

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Precise hand-eye calibration of camera and robotic arm via web GUI or via the REST API interface.
Hand-eye calibration of camera and robotic arm via web GUI

Precise calibration of the camera and robot arm

One Hand-eye calibration is required when a robotic system uses a camera to detect objects and then interacts with them using a gripper or tool. After all, the system must know how to translate the camera's coordinates into the robot's coordinates.

Thanks to its low weight and compact dimensions, the Stereo visard camera is well-suited for mounting on robot arms

Lightweight and compact

Robotic arms have limited capacities in terms of the additional weight that can be accommodated.

  • Light: Low weight from 0.68 kg

  • Compact: from 135 mm x 75 mm x 96 mm

Thanks to these product features, the additional load on the robot is minimized and it is easier to integrate imaging.

Advantages of the Stereo visard camera for robotic arms

The Stereo visard camera is the perfect solution for applications where robots need to work with a state-of-the-art camera system. It offers:

  • Autonomous data processing & Real-time capability:

    Thanks to on-board processing, the camera can process image data without external computing resources to interact quickly with the robot arm.

  • Precise 3D capture:

    Ideal for applications such as bin picking, it detects objects in 3D and calculates their exact positions.

  • Robust design:

    Well-suited for industrial use and dynamic applications, such as robotic arms.

  • Simple integration:

    With an Ethernet connection and software interfaces, the camera can be easily integrated into robot systems. Hand-eye calibration is ensured via REST API interface and ensures easy adaptation to the respective robot system.

Software

Basler Application Software for Robotics

Basler Application Software for Robotics

The individual software modules are made for typical robotics applications such as object recognition, picking tasks and navigation. They can be activated for the respective application via plug-and-play and operated intuitively, keeping your overall system costs low.

Application Software for Robotics

How can we support you?

We will be happy to advise you on product selection and find the right solution for your application.

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