Cameras - What's new this year | Robo News, features, updates | MVPRO 14 | ROBOPRO 06

CAMERAS - WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR EXCLUSIVE - FIRST WORD FROM STEMMER’S NEW BOSS

NEW TOP TEAM AT UKIVA

EXECUTIVE SPOTLIGHT - DR KONSTANTIN SCHAUWECKER

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MACHINE VISION PROFESSIONAL

ISSUE 14 - APRIL 2019

COMBINED ISSUE - MVPRO AND ROBOPRO

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CONTENTS

MVPRO TEAM

ED’S WELCOME - Awesome Twosome

NEWS - Update

UKIVA - Allan Anderson takes top chair at UK industrial vision association

MAIN FEATURE - A round-up of top camera news

STEMMER - First word from the new boss

Sales Manager sean.welch@mvpromedia.eu

A3 BUSINESS - Gathering of top professionals

Rachel Bray

EXECUTIVE SPOTLIGHT - Dr Konstantin Schauwecker, Nerian Vision

MV BUSINESS - The yearly event for the industry’s professionals

EURESYS - New camera and frame grabber combination streams data at twice the rate of existing technology

MATRIX VISION - Digital image processing

PHOTONEO - Bin Picking Studio helps the spread of automation

Neil Martin Editor-in-Chief neil.martin@mvpromedia.eu

Alex Sullivan Publishing Director alex.sullivan@mvpromedia.eu

Cally Bennett Group Business Manager cally.bennett@mvpromedia.eu

Sean Welch

Head of Design rachel.bray@cliftonmedialab.com

Georgie Davey Junior Designer georgie.davey@cliftonmedialab.com

Visit our website for daily updates

www.mvpromedia.eu

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MVPro Media is published by IFA Magazine Publications Ltd, Arcade Chambers, 8 Kings Road, Bristol BS8 4AB Tel: +44 (0)117 3258328 © 2019. All rights reserved ‘MVPro Media’ is a trademark of IFA Magazine Publications Limited. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in any printed or electronic retrieval system without prior permission. All material has been carefully checked for accuracy, but no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies.

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AWESOME TWOSOME We’ve decided to run two of our flagship science and technical titles together and in this issue, you not only get the outstanding MVPro Magazine, but also the ground breaking RoboPro Magazine. So you get an action packed magazine which covers the merging machine vision and automation sectors. We made this decision because of feedback from our readers which highlighted the convergence of the two sectors; machine vision is blending with robotics. The synergy is there for all to see and we wanted to reflect the way the industry is heading. And of course we are all aware of of the common trend Industry 4.0 (commonly referred to as the fourth industrial revolution), which presents us with an entirely new way of operating. Processes and machines now have the ability to adapt in real time, with robotics connected remotely to computer systems. These are being equipped with machine learning algorithms that can learn and control the robotics with very little input from human operators. So, we’ve done the logical thing and divided our latest issue into two seperate sections, machine vision and automation, providing you with what we hope is great insight into this wonderful industry. And as industries go, it is one of the most exciting out there, fast-paced and full of innovation. I hope you enjoy our new approach. Our machine vision focus in this issue is cameras. Every Spring there is a glut of camera news as marketing teams get their new products ready for a parade in front of the potential buyers. As with previous years, the new cameras being made available to the industry are plentiful and impressive. We also highlight some of the latest sensor news, plus key industry business news (including a major change at the top of STEMMER IMAGING) and our usual round-up of general news. We also look at the change of Chairman at UKIVA and a report back from the A3 Business Forum in Florida. Our executive spotlight this time features Dr Konstantin Schauwecker of Nerian Vision. Moving onto automation and as well as a roundup of general and business news, we bring you articles which range from robot bearings, to upskilling and the maintenance cobots. Quite a spread. And with Automate just around the corner, we look at what two companies are showing. We’d welcome your feedback on our new look and anything else you’d like to share with us. Neil

Neil Martin Editor neil.martin@mvpromedia.eu Arcade Chambers, 8 Kings Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4AB MVPro B2B digital platform and print magazine for the global machine vision industry RoboPro B2B digital platform and print magazine for the global robotics industry www.mvpromedia.eu | www.robopromedia.com

Editor

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NEWS

EMBEDDED VISION EUROPE 2019 – CALL FOR PRESENTATION PROPOSALS presentation proposals for this conference. All presentations will be held in English and will be 25 minutes long with an additional five minutes for Q&A. The submitted presentation proposals should fit to one of the Embedded Vision topics planned for the Embedded VISION Europe 2019: • Novel processor concepts for edge devices • Deep Learning training data best practice • Deep Learning use cases for manufacturing • Novel image acquisition concepts The European Machine Vision Association (EMVA) needs to see your presentation proposals for the second edition of the European conference on embedded vision, Embedded VISION Europe 2019, which takes place from 24-25 October 2019 at the ICS International Congress Centre Stuttgart. Embedded VISION Europe 2019 is the only conference in Europe having the focus exclusively on this disruptive technology. It will show the capability of hardware and software platforms, will present applications and markets for embedded vision and will create a platform for the exchange of information.

THE EVENT PARTNER IS MESSE STUTTGART. In a statement sent to MVPro Magazine, EMVA said: “We hereby cordially invite all interested parties to send

• Extending the visible: 3D, hyperspectral, IR • Cloud concepts for automation • Applications in autonomous navigation • Applications in factory automation • Applications in logistics, warehousing • Applications in agriculture “Proposals for a presentation at Embedded Vision Europe 2019 shall be submitted via the following link: https://emva. org/EVE2019 will be reviewed by the eVe 2019 program committee immediately after receipt. As only a limited number of speakers can be considered, we ask to submit presentation proposals as soon as possible.”

XENICS AT VISION CHINA 2019 Xenics, one of Europe’s leading developers and manufacturers of advanced infrared sensors, cameras and customised imaging solutions from the SWIR to the LWIR realm, will be participating in Vision China, as part of the Laser World of Photonics China event.

Xenics will showcase its portfolio of ready-to-use infrared cameras, with emphasis placed on the short-wave infrared, where the company produces its own sensors. The booth will be joined by sInfraRed, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xenics in Singapore.

This is the company’s first direct involvement in a major trade event in China.

“The industrial machine vision and automation market continue to show a positive outlook around the world, especially so for China. We have innovative products coming this year that will be very relevant for these industries, and we want to start discussions with the right stakeholders.” says Dr Raf Vandersmissen, Product Manager at Xenics.

Products on display will include the brand-new Manx series, a family of high performance linear InGaAs cameras. Having an already established presence in China through its distributors, Xenics believes that direct participation in the event will further strengthen its commitment Xenics has in the Chinese imaging market.

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NEWS

CHII ACADEMY An academy for Hyperspectral Imaging in Industry has been created. It builds on the success from the three previous chii Conferences and is being introduced as an extension to the established chii Conference series this year. The chii Academy is the first event and platform of its kind, dedicated to knowledge transfer to engineers, apprentices and application users. The event is focused on technical aspects from an interdisciplinary viewpoint. Hyperspectral passionates benefit from a well balanced mix of knowledge from various disciplines. The organisers told MVPro Magazine that hyperspectral veterans are welcome to present themselves as experts in a specific field. It all takes place in Graz, Austria, on May 23rd â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 24th, 2019, and will include lectures, workshops and a consultation networking dinner.

NEWS

PLEORA DELIVERS MARKET’S FIRST GIGE VISION INTERFACE FOR NEW SONY BLOCK CAMERA

THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON OPTICS™

Pleora (Ottawa, Canada) has introduced the imaging market’s first external frame grabber that helps, it said, manufacturers and system integrators reduce costs, simplify cabling and speed time-to-market, by converting Sony FCB-EV7520A block cameras into GigE Vision 2.0 cameras. Pleora is a leading supplier of high-performance video interfaces.

NEw CA Series Fixed Focal Length Lenses TECHSPEC® CA Series Fixed Focal Length Lenses – are designed for high resolution large format sensors. Covering the APS-C format sensors with a 28 mm diagonal image circle, these lenses feature a TFL Mount. TFL Mounts feature a M35 x 0,75 thread with a 17,5 mm flange distance, and offers the same flange distance, robustness, and ease of use as a C-Mount. Find out more:

www.edmundoptics.eu/CAseries

“The iPORT SB-GigE-EV7520A builds on our extensive expertise in developing video interfaces for Sony block cameras,” said Harry Page, President, Pleora Technologies. “Our new external frame grabber gives manufacturers and integrators a low-risk way to leverage the design, cost, and performance benefits of Ethernet when deploying Sony’s high-sensitivity, high-quality block camera in high-performance imaging applications.” Pleora’s external frame grabbers for block cameras have been designed into a wide range of imaging applications, including medical telepresence, perimeter security, transportation, robotics, sports analysis, and drone systems. The iPORT SB-GigE-EV7520A transmits video with low, consistent latency at high frame rates between the Sony block camera and computing platforms or displays. Video, power, and control data is transmitted over low-cost Ethernet cabling to existing ports on the computer, or display. Designers can choose from a broad selection of small form factor and low-power computing platforms, including laptops and embedded systems.

UK: +44 (0) 1904 788600 GERMANY: +49 (0) 6131 5700-0 FRANCE: +33 (0) 820 207 555 sales@edmundoptics.eu

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NEWS

MATROX IMAGING ADDS NEW DISTRIBUTOR IN MAINLAND CHINA Matrox Imaging (Montreal, Quebec) has a new Chinese addition to its global network of representatives.

Matrox Imaging told MVPro Magazines that the distributor’s sales representatives and engineers, including product managers, possess deep knowledge of the Chinese market as well as great familiarity with the Matrox product portfolio.

Beijing Microview Science and Technology is a new distributor in the mainland China region. Headquartered in Beijing and with nine other offices across China, Beijing Microview has been in business for more than 20 years.

Beijing Microview Science and Technology will exhibit Matrox Imaging products at Vision Shanghai, booth 5442, taking place March 20 to 22, 2019. “The addition of Beijing Microview is a great boon to the Matrox Imaging global network,” says Chen Xu, Asian sales manager, Matrox Imaging. “Their experience in the region, and familiarity with not only Matrox Imaging products, but also our technical support team and system integrators, offers great advantages for our customers. We look forward to working closely with them in the coming years.” Started in 1994, Beijing Microview is a high-tech image application integration and solution provider, specializing in image processing, medical imaging, industrial inspection, traffic, security, aerospace, and other fields.

Usability EVOLUTIONized for every application The right camera for every application. With more than 90 models, up to 20 megapixels and 891 fps, latest global or rolling shutter sensors, 4 power outputs and optional IP 65/67/69K housing accessories, the CX series provides the perfect range of cameras to solve your every application. Learn more at: www.baumer.com/cameras/CX

NEWS

FRAMOS CMOS TRAINING COMES TO LONDON his knowledge of image sensors with technical imaging engineers involved in solid-state sensor measurements.

The FRAMOS training “Characterization of a CMOS camera” course will be held in London for the first time. The practical, two-day course, will take place in March and features Professor Dr Albert Theuwissen who will share

The CMOS Hands-on training focuses on the extraction of all performance data of a solid-state camera without knowing how it was designed and built. The techniques learned in this course are ideally suited to benchmark the performance of camera models with other products in the market.

ACTIVE SILICON INTERFACE BOARDS SUPPORT NEW SONY BLOCK CAMERA C

The FCB EV7520A, the new block camera from Sony which replaced the discontinued EV7520 model, is fully compatible with the Active Silicon interface boards, the Active FCB-EV-HD-SDI and the Harrier 3G-SDI. Active Silicon told MVPro Magazine that the combination of Sony’s latest block camera and their trusted hardware offers superior high-definition video and image capture in a compact solution.

Harrier 3G-SDI Camera Interface Board and Active FCB-EV-HD-SDI Digital Interface Board

It added that it was ideal for robotics, surveillance and traffic applications. The 50x60x89.7mm camera offers 30x optical and 12x digital zoom using a 1/2.8-type CMOS image sensor. Key features include the VISCA command protocol, Advanced Noise Reduction, Auto ICR, Spherical Privacy Zone Masking and Wide Dynamic Range.

CORRECTION” INTO SELECTED CAMERAS Basler (Ahrensburg, Germany) has introduced the feature of “Vignetting Correction” into selected of its ace U and ace L camera models.

manifest strongly and affect the image quality. Details at the edge of the sensor can then only be inspected poorly, or not at all.

“Vignetting Correction” allows the correction of edge shadowing in the case of an image circle that is too small in relation to the sensor size. It allows users to take advantage of smaller, less expensive lenses without sacrificing image quality.

Vignetting Correction is a patent-pending feature from Basler that, it said, corrects the described unwanted effect in a unique way, thereby enabling cost savings when combining cameras and lenses. After a one-time calibration of the camera, there are no negative effects on frame rate or image quality as the correction values are stored in the camera and automatically taken into account in the image output.

Vignetting is a well-known phenomenon in image processing and describes the decrease in image brightness towards the edge. If the image circle of the lens used is too small in relation to the camera sensor, this effect can

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CMY

& EXHIBITION 6 June 2019 Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes, UK

60 technical seminars for specialists, engineers, or those new to industrial machine vision

• DEEP LEARNING & EMBEDDED VISION • VISION IN ROBOTICS • 3D VISION • CAMERA TECHNOLOGY • OPTICS & ILLUMINATION

An exhibition of the latest technology from world leading industrial vision companies

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ALLAN ANDERSON TAKES TOP CHAIR AT UK INDUSTRIAL VISION ASSOCIATION Chairman and Vice-Chairman in place for two years Allan Anderson, managing director of ClearView Imaging, has been confirmed as the new chairman of the UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA) at the recent Annual Members’ Meeting. Anderson (pictured right, above) previously held the position of vice-chairman of UKIVA and now takes the chair for the next two years. At the same meeting, Neil Sandhu from Sick (UK), was elected to the position of vice-chairman. During his time as vice-chairman, Anderson has been extremely pro-active in the creation of the UKIVA Machine Vision Conference and Exhibition. He told MVPro Magazine: “UKIVA recognised the need for an independent machine vision event in the UK, and with the hard work of many people, we have made it a reality. “We were able to call on the resource and experience of the show team at the PPMA (Processing & Packaging Machinery Association) to create a truly educational event. It features a comprehensive technical seminar program that offers content for everyone, from newcomers to experienced vision practitioners, alongside an exhibition

that allows delegates to see some of the latest vision technology in action.” Anderson also paid tribute to outgoing chair, Paul Wilson, who has just completed his four-year cycle as vice-chair and chair. He said: “Paul has overseen a significant period of growth for the Association. Member numbers have gone up during his tenure and MVC has become established in the vision industry calendar, with the 2019 event promising to be the biggest ever. Wilson has taken a keen interest in instituting an accredited pathway for young people wanting to enter the vision industry. He has investigated the framework needed to establish an apprenticeship standard for the industry, which will be considered for further action by the Association. New UKIVA vice-chair, Neil Sandhu, is national product manager – imaging, measurement, ranging & Systems at Sick (UK). Sandhu is a well-established member of the UKIVA committee and brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He is keen to continue UKIVA’s efforts to bring vision to even more users. He said: “Even though the vision industry continues to grow both in the UK and globally, there are still significant opportunities for further growth by engaging with all sectors about the benefits that vision can bring them. “We have already seen from the attendances at our Conference that there is still a huge appetite for knowledge and in recent years we have seen a number of new market opportunities emerge.” MV

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SPRING IS HERE AND THAT MEANS LOTS OF

CAMERA NEWS This time of year usually means a crop of camera news and the team at MVPro asked some of the leading sector companies to send in their latest news and updates.

FRAMOS Industrial Cameras – Trends and the Market We kick off our feature with a study from FRAMOS entitled Industrial Cameras – Trends and the Market. It’s the 11th such study and answers come from 61 camera manufacturers and vision users from 22 countries, and provides insights into the vision camera market. Claudia Unterhuber, Head of Marketing at FRAMOS told us: “With greater competition from Asia and the trend toward embedded vision; some manufacturers see the risk that traditional camera solutions will become obsolete. A few also look skeptical at machines and devices that see in almost all industrial sectors and the consumer market, may resulting in a market fragmentation.” The report said: “Traditional machine vision and modular embedded vision will support the vision industry’s further grow. Users and manufacturers of industrial cameras rely on outstanding sensor performance; simple connectivity and integration; and, mass-market-ready technologies like 3D, polarization, and artificial intelligence. Where possible, this technology can be mounted on sensor board modules to allow smart devices, machines in industry and the consumer market to be visual. Automation can allow for 100% control, while embedded imaging technology in everyday devices can improve the quality of life. “In contrast, most manufacturers see embedded vision as one of the greatest opportunities to integrate image processing in all areas of life and work. 3D imaging and vision devices with artificial intelligence are factors boosting the industry. “Manufactures and users still predict falling camera prices. The significant shift from high to lower priced cameras can likely be explained with the increased competition, the

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technical development that allows greater performance for lower cost, and modularization through embedded vision. Consequently, the strongest growth is predicted for OEM camera modules and 3D cameras. This growth will continue to drive embedded vision and ensure greater accuracy of predictions based on 3D data. Autonomous devices like robots in industry; logistics and smart homes; along with drones, AR/VR/MR, autonomous cars; and, other intelligent machines in all areas of life will benefit. “For the image sensor as heart of every vision camera, there is a clear difference between traditional machine vision and advanced embedded vision in the industrial and consumer sectors. Embedded applications require mostly high resolution, sensitivity and analysis quality, to achieve the greatest possible level of reliability and accuracy. This level of reliability and accuracy is ideally true in 3D, for precise processing and control in real time. In contrast, measurement and testing tasks can be performed at lower resolutions and speeds.” Sensor Modules are the New Embedded Vision Cameras “Embedded vision requires high-performance sensor modules. NVIDIA Tegra, Intel’s Movidius and Qualcomm Snapdragon are the platforms of choice. Manufacturers value the uniqueness and differentiation of their own developed solutions, while users prefer off-the-shelf solutions to concentrate on their core activities. “The results of this year’s FRAMOS Market Study mirror the industry’s change towards embedded vision cameras. As vision technology enters the industrial and consumer mass-markets, camera systems which can be easily developed are needed - preferably on a modular approach, both powerful and highly standardized for scalability. Technological progress and miniaturization have given a decisive boost to the progressive modularization of embedded vision cameras and its growth.”

PRODUCT NEWS FRAMOS is also making available the Intel RealSense T265 Tracking Camera, with Fusing Vision and IMU Data.

The Intel Corporation recently launched its Intel® RealSense T265 Tracking Camera, introducing a new class of stand-alone simultaneous localization and mapping device. The compact camera’s tracking is based on visual and inertial sensor fusion and brings SLAM visual mapping to autonomous devices. The T265 plug-and-play device outputs 6 DoF data for precise mapping for the exact orientation and navigation of robots, drones and an immersive experience in Augmented and Virtual Reality. The Intel RealSense T265 Tracking Camera uses inputs from dual fisheye cameras and a Bosch IMU along with its own processor on board. The Movidius MA215x ASIC provides edge processing capabilities to provide the host system with 6 DoF poses. These real-time six degrees of freedom measurements enhance translation and rotation data which is crucial for pose estimation for autonomous devices, and for detecting the environment

NERIAN Karmin2 color For a long time, Nerian has been providing fast stereo camera systems that are based on monochrome image sensors. Monochrome sensors work well for stereo vision due to their high light sensitivity and low noise. These characteristics are particularly important for high speed applications, such as the 100 fps depth imaging that can be done with Nerian’s SceneScan Pro. While color information is of limited benefit for depth perception, it might be very relevant for onward-processing of the obtained depth maps or 3D point clouds. One example application is the detection of fruits for picking automation. Segmenting a fruit from the surrounding vegetation can be easily done using a color 2D image. For actual picking, however, the fruit’s 3D location and size is needed, which can be obtained from the 3D data. Up until now, customers who wanted to realize one such application required two cameras: one monochrome

to move without collisions or other errors. The camera’s SLAM system helps machines and devices to navigate in warehouses, at logistic centers and other places without GPS. Darren Bessette, Category Manager Devices at FRAMOS, said: “Until now, developers were heavily challenged to use a single IMU or vision sensor to measure both orientation and translation in space. Intel’s T265 hybrid approach improves the precision of pose estimation for drones, robots and the immersive experience in AR/VR applications based on the paired strengths of both measuring methods. Saving development time and resources, this precise 6 DoF poses output is a huge improvement in a ready-to-embed camera device having such a small form factor. Intel’s T265 tracking camera makes precise 3D pose estimation available off-the-shelf for building autonomous devices on the edge.” The Intel® RealSense T265 Tracking Camera has one main board which includes all components on a single board. Middleware processing is provided directly on the Movidius Myriad 2MA215x ASIC chip, which enables a higher CPU performance in order to provide the host system with 6 DoF poses with low latency. The Bosch BMI055 IMU provides an accelerometer and gyroscope with high sample rates in a single package while the OV9282 fisheye camera contains a monochrome Global Shutter image sensor with more than 160-degree view, complemented by an IR cut filter. The T265 camera comes with USB 3.0 support, though USB 2.0 video streaming is sufficient for running the system.

stereo camera for depth perception and one color camera for fruit detection. Both cameras would have to be precisely calibrated in order to allow a correlation of the color and depth data. With the release of Nerian’s new color stereo camera model – Karmin2 color – realizing such applications has become much simpler. The camera acquires a full color stereo frame, which can now be processed with the new firmware released for SceneScan Pro. The user receives a 3D point cloud, with color information available for every single 3D point, or a color image that exactly matches with the computed depth map. Using a color stereo camera rather than a combination of monochrome and color cameras reduces system complexity and costs. The substantially larger size of color images means that a color stereo system does not quite provide the same performance as a monochrome system. But with up to 50 fps and image resolutions up to 0.75 megapixels, the performance is still more than sufficient for most applications.

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SONY Sony XCG-CP510 polarised machine vision camera now available in mass-production quantities The Sony XCG-CP510 polarised machine vision camera and SDK are now available in mass-production quantities The SDK simplifies application development and speeds time to market for developers when using 5.1 MP, 4-way polarised light module. It also simplifies stress inspection, contrast improvement, glare removal, scratch detection, object detection/ removal/ enhancement Sony Europe’s Image Sensing Solutions’ XCG-CP510, the first in a new category of polarised machine vision cameras, is now available in mass-production quantities. The module is the industry’s first polarised camera to feature an SDK, which includes a range of reference applications. This will significantly cut development time and cost for system integrators creating applications using polarised modules. The XCG-CP510, and the new category, is based on Sony’s newly developed IMX250MZR global shutter CMOS sensor, which uses monochrome quad polarised filters to capture polarised light in four planes. To extract the best-possible image from the Sony sensor, the design of the XCG-CP510 module has been optimised

BAUMER Baumer CX.I cameras can now be used to cover applications in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries With the specially developed IP 65, IP 67 and IP 69K housing accessories, Baumer CX.I cameras can now be used to cover applications in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, which set high standards regarding cleaning media or surface roughness in the splash or product contact zone. In thermal terms, the accessories are ideal matches for the cameras and turn them into IP 65, IP 67 or IP 69K cameras in no time at all. This flexibility means that the right version is available for every field of application, with an optimum price-performance ratio. The IP 65/67 housing was developed in accordance with EHEDG guidelines. Thanks to its round shape, liquids flow

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by Sony’s industrial camera engineers and outputs 5.1 MP polarised B/W images at 23 fps, transmitted over a GigE interface. Usage scenarios that would benefit the new camera category include stress inspection, contrast improvement, scratch detection and object detection /removal / enhancement from a single image capture. Sony is targeting a wide range of manufacturing applications - from glass inspection to electronics - as well as the ITS and security sectors. Arnaud Destruels, Marketing Manager, Sony ISS said: “This continues Sony’s history of innovation and precision, with the sensor and camera engineers working closely to enable the best possible image to be created, while building in several beneficial features within a small footprint.” The small footprint of this cubic camera also includes multiple trigger modes: edge detection, pulse width detection, bulk trigger, sequential trigger, free set sequence and a burst-trigger function. Additionally, the module can be fired via hardware or software triggers or via the IEEE1588 precision timing protocol, with the unit capable of acting as either a slave or dynamically assigned master device. The IMX250MZR, Sony’s newest image sensor, is a 2/3type PregiusⓇ GS CMOS sensor and uses four different angled polarisers, with each pixel polarised for either 90o, 45o, 135o or 0o. A four-pixel (2 x 2) calculation unit is then created to capture light in four planes. The camera also achieves a greater sensitivity with improved extinction ratio through Sony’s Wire Grid Polariser technology, which places the on-chip polariser beneath an on-chip lens.

off quickly without forming dirt pockets. The hard anodized surface also resists intensive cleaning processes. The washdown design of the EHEDG-compliant, IP 69K, stainless steel housing, eliminates the possibility of product residue adhesion, facilitates residue-free cleaning and prevents the formation of bacteria. With a surface roughness of less than 0.8 µm and food-grade, hardwearing seals, it is also suitable for splash and food zones in which oils and greases or chemically aggressive cleaning media are used. The housing kits are supplemented by an extensive range of tubes to meet the various application requirements. Tubes are available with different cover glass materials such as acrylic glass or chemically strengthened alumino-silicate glass with high scratch, impact and fracture resistance as laminated safety glass for a long service life. The CX.I cameras with resolutions of up to 12 megapixels and up to 148 fps can withstand shocks of up to 100 g, vibrations of up to 10g, and have 4 power outputs with pulse width modulation and a power output of up to 120 W (max. 48 V / 2.5 A) to control lighting directly without an external controller. Models with an extended operating temperature range from -40 °C to 70 °C also allow for use in extremely demanding ambient conditions.

ALLIED VISION Extends range feature set of Mako G cameras equipped with Sony Pregius CMOS

Also out is Allied Vision’s Mako camera with Polarization Sensor Technology. The company has released new Mako GigE Vision CMOS camera model equipped with polarization filter technology from Sony. The new Mako G-508B POL camera is equipped with a PolarsensTM 5.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor from Sony (IMX250MZR). With the new polarizer camera Allied Vision offers a cost-effective tool to unveil features not visible with conventional imaging solutions. Improving visibility with polarization image data.

Allied Vision has extended the feature set of the Mako G cameras equipped with the Sony Pregius CMOS sensor following a firmware update. The Mako G-040, Mako G-158, Mako G-234, Mako G-319 as well as Mako G-507 now support IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) support and action commands for triggering the camera via the Ethernet connection (ToE). These cameras, said Allied Vision, now offers a more comprehensive feature set, the latest Sony CMOS sensors, and support for popular C- and CS-Mount lenses in an ultra-compact housing (29 mm × 29mm). With the new features, the Mako G cameras are particularly suitable for use in multi-camera applications.

EMERGENT Adds four camera models with polarization image sensors

The IMX250MZR CMOS sensor incorporates the latest four-directional polarization filter technology from Sony. The on-chip nanowire polarizing layer supports four orientations (0°, 45°, 90°, and 135°) so that each pixel of the sensor captures polarized light in relation to its specific wire-grid axis. Four pixels together build a calculation unit to determine for each pixel the intensity and angle of polarization. By using polarized image data, reflections that make the inspection of surfaces difficult can be reduced, contrast can be enhanced in low-light conditions to detect shapes, and various material properties can be detected, like stress, composition, or surface structure. The Mako G-508B POL enables an eased usability to gather polarization imaging data, as replacement or manual rotation of polarization filters is not necessary anymore. It also reduces costs due to a minimized system setup, compared to traditional polarization imaging methods.

cannot be detected by normal image sensor in applications such as glass inspection, tablet filling inspection, distortion inspection, and reflection removal. The IMX250MZR/MYR and IMX253MYR/MZR feature an analog memory inside each pixel. This enables high frame rate, excellent picture quality imaging, and helps prevent focal plane distortion for fast moving objects.

Emergent Vision Technologies has added four camera models with polarization image sensors featuring Sony’s Polarsens technology to its HR and HT series of cameras with a 10 GigE interface: The 5 Megapixel HR-5000-Sand HT-5000-S series (Sony IMX250MYR / MZR), and the 12 Megapixel HR-12000-S and HT-12000-S series (Sony IMX253MYR / MZR). Sony’s Polarsens technology is based on polarization image sensors with four-directional on-chip polarizer and is aimed at the industrial market. The polarizer is formed on chip under the on-chip lens layer and is covered with an anti-reflection layer to avoid poor flare and ghost characteristics. Polarized image sensors offer improved brightness and color, and can also capture details, which

Emergent Vision Technologies’ HR and HT Series were the very first 10 GigE cameras to be introduced on to the market. Both series offer camera models between 2 and 50 megapixels. HR Series models are equipped with a high-speed 10 GigE SFP+ interface. SFP+ offers users with several options to cover cable length requirements for all applications at competitive prices. HT Series cameras feature a high-speed 10GBaseT RJ45 Interface, which offers 10x the speed of GigE and cable lengths up to 100 meters. Both HR and HT series are GigE Vision and Gen<i>cam compliant. Emergent Vision Technologies leverages technologies such as Mellanox’s VMA, Rivermax, and Cspi’s MVA to offload all packet processing to the Network Interface Controllers (NICs). This results in less than 1% CPU utilization and approximately only 100us added latency. These cameras are ideal for a wide-range of applications including solar and display panel inspection, electronic assemblies, large aerial surveillance of sport stadiums, production lines and robotics. They will be available Q2-2019.

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XENICS Manx series The company’s brand-new Manx series, is a family of high performance linear InGaAs cameras. This short-wave infrared (SWIR) camera provides high quality line-scan imaging at unprecedented speeds of up to 390 kHz line rate. These speeds are currently the highest out of all commercially available SWIR linear cameras. Achieving new grounds in SWIR imaging speeds enhances inspection processes, increasing daily production capabilities for such applications. Silicon wafer inspections, TFT screen inspections, food and agricultural produce sorting are some industrial applications that would benefit from this new line of ultra-fast linear InGaAs cameras.

MERKUR LINE SCAN CAMERA FROM EVT EVT told us that the Merkur series is a smart line scan camera from AIC. The smart camera has a FPGA and IP Core for the programming of the FPGA. The Merkur line scan camera is an efficient solution for the inspection of endless materials such as steel bands, paper webs and glass sheets, etc.

The Manx is offered in three different resolutions of 512, 1024 or 2048 pixels. A 2048-pixel resolution Manx camera will be demonstrated on the booth for the event. Gobi+ series – high performance thermal imaging Xenics introduces an addition to the Gobi longwave infrared (LWIR) series: the Gobi+ (plus) series. This new series of Gobi cameras provide high resolution imaging at full 640 x 480 pixels. In order to fulfill ever higher requirements of demanding applications, the Gobi+ camera series comes with increased performance capabilities. The Gobi+ brings enhanced image quality thanks to improved pixel operability as well as low detector noise of less than 50 mK NETD. High speed imaging is also provided with frame rates up to 60 Hz that can be further increased in windowing mode.

Therefore Merkur can be used for applications and industries such as: • The printing industry • For the production of paper, • When producing steel sheets, as well as • In textile production, to detect and classify flaws in the material. For example steel sheets are used differently according to their quality. The image processing makes it possible that the flawless parts of steel sheet is used for the bonnet and the doors and the sheet with small flaws is used for the underbody.

BASLER First models of MED ace camera series

Sony’s Pregius sensors or the PYTHON sensors from ON Semiconductor, the Basler MED ace achieves up to 164 frames per second and a resolution of up to 20 MP. The excellent performance is underscored by pixel sizes up to 5.86 µm, a low temporary dark noise of a minimum of 2e- and sensor sizes up to 1.1 inches.

The first models of the Basler MED ace camera series, produced in accordance with DIN EN ISO 13485:2016, have now entered series production (2 MP and 5 MP resolution).

With certification in accordance with DIN EN ISO 13485:2016, Basler now provides additional quality standards for the production, distribution and service of digital cameras as well as for placing them on the market. International manufacturers of medical devices benefit from an effective quality management system with clearly defined standards. Reliable product quality due to validated and monitored production, traceability and comprehensive change management reduces effort required for audits, product documentation and support in complying with European standards.

The camera series includes Basler’s first cameras specifically designed for Medical & Life Sciences. They are also the perfect answer to Sony’s discontinuation of CCD sensors. All models are equipped with the best CMOS sensor technology, which scores in terms of image quality and lower costs compared to classic CCD cameras. Featuring

The Basler MED ace cameras also have unique Basler MED Feature Sets: Easy Compliance, Brilliant Image, Perfect Color, Low Light Imaging, High Speed and Industrial Excellence. The Feature Sets combine market-leading hardware, firmware and software features. Basler developed them addressing the high imaging demands in Medical &

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Life Sciences to reduce customers’ development efforts. Basler’s 6 Axis Operator and the Color Calibrator provide full control of the image’s color appearance, which is highly relevant for applications in ophthalmology or microscopy. Basler’s PGI and the other new, automatic image functions deliver supreme image quality in minimal time on color and monochrome cameras.

New ace U models

Vignetting Correction

Four new, high-resolution Basler ace U models have now entered series production. The new cameras are equipped with the IMX183 Sony sensor and feature a 20 MP resolution with frame rates of up to 17 frames per second. Basler told MVPro Magazine that they are particularly suitable for applications that require a highly detailed inspection of the finest structures. Basler has introduced the feature of “Vignetting Correction” into selected of its ace U and ace L camera models. “Vignetting Correction” allows the correction of edge shadowing in the case of an image circle that is too small in relation to the sensor size. It allows users to take advantage of smaller, less expensive lenses without sacrificing image quality. Vignetting is a well-known phenomenon in image processing and describes the decrease in image brightness towards the edge. If the image circle of the lens used is too small in relation to the camera sensor, this effect can manifest strongly and affect the image quality. Details at the edge of the sensor can then only be inspected poorly, or not at all. Vignetting Correction is a patent-pending feature from Basler that, it said, corrects the described unwanted effect in a unique way, thereby enabling cost savings when combining cameras and lenses. After a one-time calibration of the camera, there are no negative effects on frame rate or image quality as the correction values are stored in the camera and automatically taken into account in the image output.

ADIMEC Adimec launched the 65 megapixel Sapphire S-65A35 as well the DIAMOND D-12A09 at the recent Vision China, part of Laser World of Photonics China Shanghai 2019. The SAPPHIRE S-65A35 renders phenomenal performance in a rectangular 9344×7000-pixel resolution running over 35 fps. The camera has a low read noise, with a good thermal design for passive cooling, and high dynamic range of 66dB, using Gpixel GMAX3265 global shutter sensor technology with a pixel size of 3.2 microns. These resolution and performance parameters make this camera an exceptional next step in tools used in, for example semiconductors and display inspection and metrology.

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The four new high-resolution ace U models have Basler’s PGI feature set for colour and monochrome cameras, which corrects unwanted artefacts. This, said Basler, provides users with a particularly good evaluation on a pixel level. As a result, Basler said, it enables a detailed inspection of high-resolution displays with excellent image quality at a very attractive price. The back-illuminated sensor technology of the Sony IMX183 provides outstanding sensitivity and low noise at a small pixel size of 2.4 µm. With this particularly light-sensitive sensors, the four new ace cameras offer excellent image quality even in low light conditions. All four new ace U models are available with a GigE and USB 3.0 interface and include the PGI feature set, the unique combination of 5×5 Debayering, Color-Anti-Aliasing, Denoising and Improved Sharpness. The GigE models also excel with high-performance GigE Vision 2.0 features such as PTP.

The DIAMOND D-12A09 GigE Vision camera delivers 4096x3008-pixel resolution at 9 fps with 3.45-micron square pixels. Adimec’s DIAMOND 12-megapixel camera features optimized solution for applications like display or wafer inspection, requiring a high dynamic range and an excellent performance in measurements in dark. Special features in the camera enable Mura dark and Mura bright inspection without mechanical adaptation.

JAI

New 3-CMOS prism based color line scan camera with 10 GigE interface JAI has introduced a new industrial colour line scan camera in the Sweep+ Series. The Sweep+ SW-4000T-10GE is a prism-based colour line scan camera equipped with three CMOS sensors and a 10 GigE interface including backwards compatibility to 5, 2.5 and 1 Gbps Ethernet standards. The 3-CMOS prism design features three separate imagers that simultaneously capture red, green, and blue spectral wavebands for very high color imaging accuracy. The SW-4000T-10GE camera offers a maximum resolution of 4096 pixels (4k) per channel/line, and in combination with the 10GBASE-T interface, the camera provides RGB output at a maximum line rate as high as 97 kHz (97,000 scan lines/second). YUV color data can be output at up to 145 kHz. Using sensor region-of-interest (ROI) the camera can output data at even faster line rates. For example, by setting the ROI at 2112 pixels, the scan rate can be increased to as much as 183,400 lines/s. Via integrated auto-negotiation technology the camera offers automatic backwards compatibility to NBASE-T (5 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps) and the traditional 1000BASE-T (1 Gbps output) for customers running vision applications on these lower-speed Ethernet standards. Therefore, the new SW-4000T-10GE color line scan camera covers multiple Ethernet configurations making it suitable for the slowest to the fastest running colour line scan set-ups including applications in food sorting, plastic sorting, bottle/bottle cap inspection and high speed colour print/label inspection. The SW-4000T-10GE camera offers two user-selectable pixel sizes – a 7.5 x 7.5 µm mode (Mode A) with fast responsivity for applications that need it, and a 7.5 x 10.5 µm mode (Mode B) to provide a deeper well with better dynamic range and SNR characteristics when more light is available or when running at lower speeds. In addition, each of the three CMOS sensors has two adjacent lines. This arrangement makes it possible for the SW-4000T-10GE to provide not only horizontal pixel binning but also vertical pixel binning, or both. Also included is the built-in colour conversion capability that allows the SW-4000T-10GE to provide native HSI or CIEXYZ colour output, in addition to offering conversions from standard RGB to the sRGB or Adobe RGB colour spaces, or even to a user-defined custom RGB conversion matrix.

The camera also supports the precision time protocol and direct connection to encoders. Additional standard features include gain and black level adjustment, manual or automatic white balancing, shading correction, PRNU and DSNU correction, region-of-interest settings, and chromatic aberration compensation. The camera can be ordered with two different lens mount options – a Nikon F-mount or an M52 mount.

New series of camera models and software integrations JAI has also launched a series of new camera models and software integrations which provide advanced colour

imaging capabilities to builders and users of microscopybased imaging systems. The series include six new models in JAI’s Apex Series of high performance 3-CMOS prism colour cameras, as well as full integration with two of the most popular microscopy software solutions – Image-Pro from Media Cybernetics and the µManager open source software package. Three of the new JAI camera models are variations of the AP-3200T-USB, a 3.2-megapixel, 38.3 fps 3-CMOS prism colour camera. The other three models are variations on the AP-1600T-USB, a 1.6-megapixel 3-CMOS camera offering higher frame rates at lower resolution. All models have USB3 Vision interfaces, whose combination of bandwidth and easy plug-and-play compatibility have made it a widely-used choice for microscopy systems. The new camera variations include both standard JAI green housings, as well as special white housings for systems intended for hospitals, or clinical/laboratory environments where white housings are often preferred.

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SICK Pocket-sized camera

The Ranger3 is the first to be powered by SICK’s innovative Imager with ROCC (Rapid On-Chip Calculation technology). Faster than any comparable device on the market said SICK, its next-generation technology is capable of capturing 7000 profiles per second at full sensor acquisition. The Ranger3 extracts the true 3D shape of an object, regardless of its contrast, or colour, and as a result achieves 3D measurement with unprecedented accuracy, enabling operators to achieve reliable quality inspection at more rapid throughputs. “The SICK Ranger3 is built around our new M30 CMOS sensor, which is seven times as sensitive as anything SICK has used before in its vision cameras,” says Neil Sandhu SICK (UK) vision specialist. “This means that lighting is never going to be an issue, even with low contrast dark objects at high speeds.

SICK has launched the Ranger3 camera, a high-definition streaming camera. It will, said the company, push forward the boundaries of 3D vision inspection in a wide range of industrial applications thanks to a breakthrough CMOS sensor that powers unprecedented high-speed image processing in a compact device.

STEMMER IMAGING Smart IR thermal imaging cameras ready for Industry 4.0 The new range of IRSX industrial IR cameras from Automation Technology is designed to facilitate the use of thermal imaging in Industry 4.0 applications. Completely self-contained with embedded data processing, these compact, rugged cameras feature a multitude of interface protocols for direct communication with automation and control equipment. These include OPC-UA, a platformindependent, open standard for machine-to-machine communication which is ideally suited for Industry 4.0.

“The SICK Ranger3’s sensor acquires 3D profiles over 2560 coordinates at 1/16 subpixel resolution, for very high definition, even on very dark or reflective surfaces, for an outstanding imaging dynamic range.”

embedded AT Vision World platform. These support the integration and use of the cameras and include sensor communication libraries and standard APIs such as REST, GigE Vision, MQTT and OPC-UA as well as a constantly growing number of application-specific apps. Solutions for thermal imaging applications can therefore be created easily and efficiently without the need for a PC or additional specialized thermal imaging software. This reduces system complexity, installation time and cost. The IRSX series offers versatile integration and control capabilities. The cameras can be easily integrated into software projects using cxCamSDK. This provides a C-based API and language wrappers for C++, Python, MATLAB and Octave as well as a generic interface based on the GEV/GenICam transport layer standard. The cxRestAPI defines an architecture approach based on WWW standards for communication between different systems in networks. This facilitates integration based on standardized methods such as HTTP/-S, JSON or XML.

With a choice of sensors (336 x 256 or 640 x 512 pixels), fields of view, frame rates and physical configurations, these new cameras can be used for autonomous thermal monitoring wherever temperature is a critical factor in the manufacture and processing of industrial products. Other applications include preventive early fire detection and plant condition monitoring.

The cameras feature a number of communication protocols for interfacing to external automation and control equipment, from the well-established Profinet or Modbus TCP to the newer OPC-UA and MQTT. They also have digital I/Os for control and alarming as well as an encoder interface, e.g. for part tracking on variable speed lines. The OPC-UA and MQTT protocols will play an important role in the Internet of Things and machine-to-machine communication for Industry 4.0. Using OPC-UA, the sender and receiver communicate directly, however MQTT uses an intermediary known as an MQTT broker. Both protocols provide standardization and high scalability.

A powerful, user-friendly web interface provides access to a comprehensive range of software tools on the versatile

The cameras are available in three model types to meet a wide variety of applications and installations. The ‘compact’

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and ‘universal’ versions are supplied in rugged IP67 full-metal housings and can be installed on the factory floor even in very small spaces without any need for an additional protective enclosure. The compact version is designed for use with wide field of view lenses, while the universal version is compatible with most lenses. An ‘open’ version without housing is also available. This can be fitted with a housing for a specific application by the customer. A housing integration kit can also be supplied. A wide range of lenses is available for a host of thermographic applications. All lenses feature a large aperture for high radiation throughput and maximum utilization of sensor sensitivity for high- quality thermal images. Customer-specific focal lengths, e.g. large ones for monitoring distant objects, are available on request.

Human assistance camera STEMMER IMAGING also told us that it was making available a human assistance camera in Europe. The Ricoh SC-10 camera inspection system, is designed to both provide assembly instructions to operators and verify each step has been completed correctly. It is promoted as a simple, self-contained camera system and one which is having a major impact in many different manufacturing environments in Japan.

IDS New industrial cameras from IDS: IMX226 sensor offers excellent image quality IDS has integrated the high-resolution 12 MP IMX226 rolling shutter sensor into the uEye CP camera family, giving increased resolution, speed and sensitivity. The new models are available with the established GigE or USB3 interfaces and will be available from May 2019. Thanks to the BSI (“back-sideillumination”) technology of the SONY STARVIS series of sensors, the IMX226 is perfect for tasks that require optimal results even in low light conditions. It delivers extremely low-noise images and is therefore ideally suited for applications in areas such as microscopy, medicine, logistics and traffic monitoring. With a sensor size of 1/1.7”, the uEye CP cameras, which are only 29 x 29 x 29 mm in size, also allow for a very large selection of cost-effective lenses. The sensor will be available in either colour or monochrome. Thanks to the unique IDS software suite, users can also experience practical “plug & play” with these cameras: the models are automatically recognised in the system and are immediately ready for use.

It works by loading a set of work instructions into the camera and displaying on a monitor while the camera scans the work-piece. The human operator follows the on-screen assembly instructions and after every action, the system compares the result to the correct stored image before the next step can be taken. This reduces errors, helps operators learn new tasks and provides a digital audit trail of all operations. The RICOH SC – 10 series automatically checks the assembly status and identifies incorrect, or missing items by using either pattern matching, colour verification, or identifying the presence of textures. In addition, when used in conjunction with a Barcode scanner, it can record the part number and select the job instruction set, record the serial number and user ID. Each step completed is recorded in a CSV file including the time spent and an optional image of the inspection can be saved. This means that it can be used for assembly work analysis and traceability. The camera features in-built software, which can be set up with a directly attached mouse and keyboard via USB. An HDMI monitor can be connected to display the assembly instructions and inspection state. No PC is required. Job configuration and instruction along with the inspection audit report can be stored either on the inbuilt SD card, or on a network storage location via the inbuilt Ethernet port.

Ensenso XR camera creates 3D data twice as fast thanks to on-board processing IDS said that its Ensenso XR stereo camera can calculate 3D point clouds itself. It then transmits the data via Gigabit Ethernet, or WiFi to a host PC for further analysis.

The advantages of the new camera series include, for example, significantly faster 3D data generation and reduced load on bandwidth and connected PCs. Models of the Ensenso N and X series make use of an industrial computer to calculate 3D point clouds. As the cameras can handle the calculations themselves and transmit only the results, 3D data can be generated twice as fast, depending on the parameterization. What’s more, if data is transmitted via WiFi, only one cable (for power supply) needs to be connected to the camera. This is important, for example, if the camera is installed on a robot arm. “Ensenso XR inherits the modular concept and precise detail capture of the X series and provides new scope through the fast capture of 3D point clouds, from which many applications will benefit,” explains Dr. Martin Hennemann, Product Manager Ensenso at IDS. The camera series was officially presented for the first time at VISION 2018 based on a prototype.

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PHASE ONE Introduces high resolution medium format cameras for machine vision

high-quality lenses, Phase One Industrial is introducing ground-breaking imaging technology for the most demanding Machine Vision and Industrial Inspection applications. The Phase One Industrial iXM-MV150F camera system delivers a pixel matrix of 14204x 10652 (pixel size of 3.76 micrometers). An M72mm standard lens mount is included for wide format lenses. All iXM-MV cameras are optionally supplied with wide format Linos Inspec.x lenses, known for their high quality at large magnifications. In-camera image corrections and lossless compression are enabled for high-speed transfer via SuperSpeed USB 3 & 10G Ethernet. Phase One’s renowned image processing engine (featuring sophisticated noise reduction and image sharpening) is optimized for iXM-MV cameras, enabling optimum detail, sharpness and color management.

Phase One Industrial has launched their first machine vision medium format camera systems. The new Phase One Industrial iXM-MV cameras, available in resolutions of 150and 100-megapixels, in both RGB and Achromatic models, are suited to a range of machine vision applications -- from industrial inspection and process control to motion film digitization, medical imaging, science and research. Leveraging technology innovations such as back-side illuminated large-area sensor, incredibly high dynamic range, state-of-the-art image processing software and

“We are launching premium imaging products that will satisfy new opportunities in flat panel display production lines, motion film digitization machines, infrastructure inspection and medical imaging markets,” said Dov Kalinski, General Manager, Phase One Industrial. “The cameras’ combination of high resolution and high dynamic range (83 dB) at pixel depths of 12, 14 or 16 bits brings an unprecedented degree of sharpness and detail across the entire image area. They demonstrate our commitment to delivering unmatched performance for the most demanding machine vision industry requirements.”

LUCID Adds Four New Models to its Triton Industrial Camera Series

Sony Pregius IMX267 running at 13.7 fps and the 12.3 MP Sony IMX304 CMOS sensors running at 10 fps. The Triton camera sets a new price performance standard in the industrial camera market. Active Sensor Alignment for superior optical performance, a lightweight, compact 29 x 29 mm size, and IP67 protection make the Triton camera suitable for any industrial environment. The M12 Ethernet and M8 I/O connectors provide a robust connection resistant to shock and vibration and are protected from dirt, dust, and water. The Triton camera has a wide operating temperature ranging from -20°C to 55°C ambient, ensuring a reliable operation in challenging conditions.

LUCID has added four new Triton GigE Vision camera models featuring Sony Pregius global shutter CMOS image sensors.

“We’re pleased to further expand our Triton camera series and offer a broad selection of image sensors, resolutions and frame rates,” says Rod Barman, Founder and President at LUCID Vision Labs. “Featuring a rugged design for long-term reliability and a very attractive price point, the Triton camera is ideal for a wide range of demanding applications and harsh environments.”

The new Triton cameras, recently moved into series production, range from 0.4 to 12.3 Megapixel resolution. The lower resolution Triton models include the monochrome and color versions of the 0.4 MP Sony Pregius IMX287 CMOS sensor running at 291 fps and the 1.6 MP Sony IMX273 running at 77 fps. The higher resolution models feature the monochrome and color versions of the 8.9 MP

All LUCID cameras conform to the GigE Vision 2.0 and GenICam3 standards and are supported by LUCID’s own Arena software development kit. The Arena SDK provides customers with easy access to the latest industry standards and software technology. The SDK supports Windows, Linux 64bit and Linux ARM operating systems, and C, C++, C# and Python programming languages.

ADIMEC

exceptional next step in tools used in, for example semiconductors and display inspection and metrology.

Adimec launched the 65 megapixel Sapphire S-65A35 as well the DIAMOND D-12A09 at the recent Vision China, part of Laser World of Photonics China Shanghai 2019. The SAPPHIRE S-65A35 renders phenomenal performance in a rectangular 9344×7000-pixel resolution running over 35 fps. The camera has a low read noise, with a good thermal design for passive cooling, and high dynamic range of 66dB, using Gpixel GMAX3265 global shutter sensor technology with a pixel size of 3.2 microns. These resolution and performance parameters make this camera an

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MVPRO MAGAZINE EXCLUSIVE:

NEW BOSS AT STEMMER IMAGING GIVES HIS FIRST INTERVIEW On 1 March 2019 Arne Dehn took over from Christof Zollitsch as chairman of the board of STE M M E R I M MAGI NG AG. In this interview he outlines his goals and visions for the future.

service for our customers. The task of further developing the company to enhance the service we offer to our customers by making machine vision easy and accessible to our customers excites me very much. Do you already have experience in the field of machine vision that you can utilise in your new position?

On 1 March 2019 Arne Dehn took over from Christof Zollitsch as chairman of the board of STEMMER IMAGING. In this interview he outlines his goals and visions for the future. STEMMER IMAGING is one of the best-known names worldwide in the machine vision industry. What particularly excites you about your new task? Arne Dehn: STEMMER IMAGING is indeed one of the biggest names in the industry. The company has played a decisive role in shaping machine vision as we know it today. As a technology supplier, STEMMER IMAGING bundles innovative technical product with high levels of service and knowledge enabling us to provide a competent consulting

Arne Dehn: Yes, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been involved for many years with machine vision and I regard it as one of the most exciting fields of technology. At the same time, I have clearly recognised that machine vision components always are only just part of an overall solution â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and that needs to be precisely tailored to the application that the customer needs. I also have been involved in other fields of technology such as safety and communication technology, where I have experience in exciting technologies such as embedded and artificial intelligence which are now starting to make an impact in the machine vision market place. What goals have you and STEMMER IMAGING set for the short, mid and long term? Arne Dehn: With machine vision being an important component in Industrial IoT (IIOT), which is making an impact across many fields of business we are moving in one of the most exciting industries that exists right now.

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At the same time the variety of applications is exploding. Because of our setup in terms of regions covered and the industries served, STEMMER IMAGING is in an outstanding position to be able to use these business opportunities in the short, mid and long term. With our stock market launch we have given ourselves the opportunity to grow at an above-average rate both organically and with the aid of acquisitions. Moreover, we will take that opportunity! STEMMER IMAGING has developed above the market average in the past years. Where do you see big optimisation potential? Arne Dehn: Yes, STEMMER IMAGING has set a great precedent with an average growth of 12% p.a. over the last 20 years. We want to develop further so that our customers get precisely the service from us that they need. Apart from providing a leading technology portfolio and the most competent consulting service, we are focussed on offering the optimum customer experience at all times. In addition to technology and service, changing customer expectations will demand us to develop new ways for our customer to access our capability for example how people interact with us. If we manage all three areas well, then above-average growth and increased added value are the logical consequences.

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In Wilhelm Stemmer und Christof Zollitsch, two longstanding and successful leaders have left the company within a relatively short time. What challenges arise out of this for STEMMER IMAGING and for you personally? Arne Dehn: At this point I should like to congratulate Mr Stemmer and Mr Zollitsch on their life’s work. They managed to build up a team of employees and thus a business that enjoys great international recognition. Apart from business success, the culture and collaborative ethos that exists inside the company is impressive. That needs to be retained and continually developed. I wouldn’t call that a challenge, but rather a valuable commodity that we want to keep. What effects will the change at the top mean for customers, suppliers and partners of STEMMER IMAGING? Arne Dehn: In future we will continue to concentrate on our strengths and thus, together with all our employees, to live out our claim to be the best partner for machine vision technology. That’s exactly what our motto “Vision Right Now” expresses. MV

A3 BUSINESS FORUM 2019 The yearly event for the industry’s professionals

The great and the good of the vision and imaging, robotics, motion control and motor industries gathered in Florida in mid-January to attend the annual A3 Business Forum. Over 650 international attendees from suppliers, distributors, integrators, educators, end-users and others in the automation related ecosystem swarmed the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Hotel on January 14-16. These professionals, representing the robotics, vision, motion control and motor industries were attending the A3 Business Forum, an annual event presented by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) a trade association governing four daughter associations, RIA, AIA, MCMA and A3 Mexico each focused on progressing the usage and education of automation.

VALUABLE INSIGHT The event is strictly available to members of any of the four associations and provides valuable insight of the robotics and automation industry through presentations covering forecasts and predictions for upcoming trends as well as important trade data. Highlights included keynote presentations on The Human Exploration of Mars from Dr Anita Sengupta, University of Southern California and Aerospace Experience Technologies; a Global 2019 Economic Outlook & Forecast presented by Alan Beaulieu, ITR Economics; an entertaining talk by Dr Dennis Hong from RoMeLa (Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory) of the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department of UCLA entitled Do Robots Need to Look Human. There was also a panel on the future of Artificial Intelligence among many other interesting talks. Alex Shikany, Vice President of AIA,

provided an update on the automation market. For traditional machine vision technologies, areas like life sciences, consumer electronics manufacturing, and agriculture are expanding. Imaging technology as a whole is being incorporated into a variety of new products, from autonomous vehicles and drones to smart phones and VR headsets.

SOFTENING That said, some economic indicators like industrial production, semiconductor market forecasts, and manufacturing PMI are softening, which will likely bring low single-digit growth numbers for the machine vision market in 2019. Longer term, the industry will continue to grow rapidly. The overall trend is toward “smart systems,” either in the factory or in our homes. Smart systems need good data inputs to operate, and imaging technology is one of the primary ways they can get it.

“ It ’s great to see both industries merging and inter viewing together so closely.” MVPro Magazine’s publisher Alex Sullivan was one of 650 industry figures who attended: “It was great event and good to meet so many industry leaders and decision makers from around the world of vision, robotics and automation “As always, it was good mix of business and social networking. “And as publishers of both MVPro and RoboPro Magazines, it’s great to see both industries merging and intertwining together so closely.” The next A3 Business Form takes place between Monday, January 13-15, 2020, once again at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Orlando, Florida, US. MV

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DR KONSTANTIN SCHAUWECKER, NERIAN VISION We ask senior executives within the industry ten key questions. Our second Q&A is Dr Konstantin Schauwecker

I don’t travel as much as one might think. Of course I travel to the most important industry events and to meet important potential or existing customers and partners, but other than that I try to minimize my business trips. As I always feel like my time is short, I try to reduce the time that I spend traveling.

3. Describe your management style? 1. Describe your role and responsibilities? I am the founder and CEO of Nerian Vision GmbH. Nerian develops very fast 3D camera systems that are based on stereo vision and hardware-based image processing. We are still a very young company that only incorporated in mid 2015, but we have since experienced an astounding growth. As I was a solo founder, I had to develop the first product generation all by myself. This has been a great opportunity to learn about all the different technologies and processes that must be mastered to actually make a combined hardware and software product. I am still involved in the product development today, but the majority of my time is spent on other responsibilities. Just making sure that the company keeps functioning can consume a tremendous amount of time.

2. Where are you based and how much do you travel as part of your job? We are based in Stuttgart, Germany. This is also the home of the VISION and Control trade shows, which has been very convenient for us.

I am very much a hands-on person. I try to contribute a little bit to everything that happens at Nerian. For example, I am still actively involved in the product development but I also try to contribute to non-technical tasks. Of course I’m not an expert in all fields, but often it’s enough to understand the general concept in order to join the discussion. I strongly feel that I should know a little bit about what every person is doing, because in the end I will be me who needs to make the critical decisions.

4. What is your background - have you always been in the machine vision industry? For my master’s thesis at the University of Auckland in New Zealand I was working in the field of 3D computer vision. I fell in love with this field and joined a robotics research group at the University of Tübingen afterwards, where I completed my PhD. For my PhD I equipped a small quadrotor with two stereo cameras and programmed it to fly autonomously. This was the start of the development that eventually resulted in the founding of Nerian. But I didn’t start Nerian immediately after completing my PhD. First I worked for some time as a software engineer in the industry, which I also did before my master’s degree

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and in part-time throughout my PhD. During my industry career I developed software for air traffic surveillance, driver assistance cameras and autonomous vehicles. I kept working on the ideas from my PhD thesis as a side project and eventually I realized that this had a great potential for commercialization.

5. If you were not working within this industry, what do you think you would be doing? I am very fascinated by machine learning and the great progress that this field has made in recent years. We do see a lot of applications of machine learning in machine vision these days, so there is a big overlap. If I had to work in a different industry, I would probably pick a machine learning problem that is not related to vision. For example, natural language processing and speech synthesis are some very interesting areas, and the rise of virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa have shown that these technologies are ready for integration into real products.

6. How has your company positioned itself to be a major player in the machine vision industry and what does it have to do to stay there? We have found a niche that hasn’t been covered by existing 3D sensors. This is outdoor 3D sensing during bright daylight or with long measurement distances. Existing active 3D cameras are not able to function under such conditions, hence we have had an easy sales pitch for customers that are facing such conditions. Of course, our camera systems can also be used for more classical machine vision applications, but here we are facing competition with many more established companies. In order to keep our current market position we need to keep innovating. In essence, we need to ensure that our cameras provide the most accurate and fastest 3d measurements on the market. We have a few developments on our way that will make our cameras even better and keep us ahead of our competitors.

7. There is a recognised skills shortage within the industry - what are you doing to recruit the right people you need?

and I rather leave a position vacant for months than hiring someone that I’m not fully convinced of. In the end, I believe that your product plays the most important role to attract talented people. If your product is exciting or based on an exciting technology, then it’s much easier to find somebody who would be excited to work on it. So you don’t just have to sell your product to potential customers, but also to potential employees.

8. Will there be further consolidation within machine vision industry this year, as the larger players acquire the specialist smaller companies? I believe that this trend will continue. There has been a frightening number of purchases and merges in the industry. The ongoing consolidation means that we have to compete with larger and larger firms. Nevertheless we have decided that we want to remain independent for as long as possible.

9. Short-term, what are the main difficulties the industry might face over the coming year? Does a slowing of the global economy worry you? Should the economy slide into a global recession then I believe it will hit all industries, including the machine vision industry. I have seen the economy wide investment stop in 2008 and I hope that we will not face a situation like this again soon. We have a cushion of long-term contracts that would save us even during a sudden economic crisis, but still we wouldn’t be unharmed.

10. How do you see machine vision industry developing over the next decade? The industry is still rapidly growing, and to our delight 3D machine vision is one of the fastest growing fields. I believe that we will see a lot more things done in 3D that were previously done with 2D cameras. Also, I believe that the current trend of smart cameras will continue, moving ever more complex processing inside the camera. Maybe this MV will even result into a smart 3D camera.

We have just hired one new developer who seems to be a perfect fit for us. Finding this candidate has indeed taken quite some time. I don’t have a solution for the skill shortage. I try to find the right person for the right job,

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MV BUSINESS

CHRISTOF ZOLLITSCH STEPS DOWN AS STEMMER IMAGING CEO The STEMMER IMAGING executive board of Martin Kersting (CTO) and Lars Böhrnsen (CFO) remains in place. In a statement from the company, it said: “Christof Zollitsch will resign from the Executive Board at his own request… Christof Zollitsch will contribute his experience and expertise as a strategic consultant and will remain closely associated with the company.”

Current STEMMER IMAGING CEO Christof Zollitsch (above right) has been replaced by Arne Dehn on 1 March, 2019. Dehn was a member of the Executive Board of the TKH Group NV technology group – its activities include developing and distributing machine vision systems and solutions.

Dehn told MVPro Magazine: “STEMMER IMAGING has experienced considerable growth in recent years. Christof Zollitsch and his team have built a company with a solid foundation, an outstanding culture and the resources for continuous growth. Managing the next chapter in the company’s history is a great pleasure and motivation for me.” Zollitsch added: “I know that the company is in good hands with Arne Dehn. I wish him and all employees all the best, continued success, and that our more than 4,000 customers in Europe place the same trust in Arne Dehn that I personally enjoyed during my tenure as managing director or CEO.”

GERMAN MACHINE VISION MARKET PERFORMANCE UPDATE In 2018, the German machine vision market was “…able to maintain the record level of 2.6 billion euros set in the previous year.” The figure was released as part of an update from the VDMA Robotics and Automation Association. The update highlighted that last year the German robotics and automation sector achieved record sales of €15bn, an increase of 4%. Wilfried Eberhardt, Chairman of the VDMA Robotics and Automation Association, said: “The new record shows that worldwide demand for robotics and automation technologies from Germany remains high. However, the general political uncertainty and cooling of the global economy led to a more moderate growth than originally expected.

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MV BUSINESS

The VDMA statement added: “According to a preliminary analysis of the 2018 data, the development in the sub-sectors varied: with an increase in sector sales of 9% to a total of 8.3 billion euros, Integrated Assembly Solutions was able to continue its dynamic growth course of the previous year. This was due, in particular, to a very high order backlog and strong domestic business.

“Continuing global economic uncertainties do not permit a precise forecast for 2019. We are currently expecting growth of between 2% and 5% in the current year.”

“In 2018, Machine Vision was able to maintain the record level of 2.6 billion euros set in the previous year. Robotics, on the other hand, only slightly missed the previous year’s sales record of 4.2 billion euros and closed 2018 with industry sales of 4.1 billion euros. This is mainly attributed to the weakness in automobile sales – especially in the main market China.”

IDS REPORTS SALES INCREASE ABOVE INDUSTRY STANDARD “The investments in new branches are paying off,” explained Jürgen Hartmann, company founder and owner. “We now generate more than 50% of our sales abroad. IDS cameras with USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 interfaces are among the bestsellers. The strong increase in incoming orders (24%) as well as the great interest in our announced product innovations continue to cause optimism. Particularly notable are innovations around artificial intelligence as an app for industrial cameras and novelties for 3D applications and robot vision.” The company’s Obersulm site plans to invest in a system for automatic storage and order picking and around 60 new jobs will be created in 2019. The building will have an area of 4500 square metres and 200 additional office work stations. IDS Imaging Development Systems (Obersulm, Germany) has reported a sales growth of around 20% for 2018. The company told MVPro Magazine that sales rose particularly strongly in Asia, around 50%, and that it has also recorded growth of some 20% in the USA and Europe. The company added that it is planning numerous investments for 2019, including at its headquarters.

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“In addition to classic development, we would like to shift focus more towards new innovative technology topics,” added Hartmann. Since its foundation in 1997 as a two-man company, IDS has developed into an independent, ISO-certified family business with more than 280 employees. The headquarters in Obersulm, Baden-Württemberg, is both a development and production site. It also has branches in the USA, Japan, South Korea and UK, as well as offices in mainland.

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NEW CAMERA AND FRAME GRABBER COMBINATION STREAMS DATA AT TWICE THE RATE OF EXISTING TECHNOLOGY Euresys explains how its new generation of cameras and frame grabbers are a game changer

A new generation of cameras and frame grabbers that deliver higher than ever before levels of streaming data throughput provide major improvements in medical diagnosis and manufacturing inspection, among many other applications. As a case in point, image flow cytometry, a microfluidics based diagnostic technology, is being developed to diagnose cells by visualizing a very high throughput of single cells of a patient’s blood. This approach makes it possible to detect cancerous tumor and other cells that occur at such low concentrations that they are unlikely to be detected by small samples or less convenient laboratory methods. Higher data throughput rates and higher resolution in machine vision makes it possible to detect tinier defects in electronic products at higher speeds than existing technology. Camera manufacturers have made great strides in increasing sensor image quality and direct data transfer speeds to provide the ability for images to be streamed at unprecedented resolutions and data rates. For example, Vision Research’s Phantom S990 streams 9 Megapixel (4K) images at up to 938 frames per second (fps), resulting in a data rate of almost 9 Gigapixels per second. This level of throughput has previously been available for storage on the camera for download and analysis after the fact. But today’s researchers and engineers need the ability to capture, display and analyze data in real time so that it can immediately be applied to solve real world problems. The best approach to capture data at these high rates of speed up to now has been to utilize four CoaXPress 6.25 Gigabit (CXP-6) frame grabbers to stream the data on 16 standard CXP-6 channels which each offer 6.25 Gigabits per second over single 75 Ohm coaxial cables. CXP is the dominant high-speed interface for machine vision cameras

and frame grabbers supported by over 50 vendors. It is scalable so multiple cables can be used to increase bandwidth in increments of 6.25 Gbps per channel. The challenge is that the most powerful frame grabbers available up to now have supported no more than four CXP-6 channels while 16 CXP-6 channels are required to support the full 9 Gigapixel per second speed of the Phantom S990. Few computers have the four Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) slots needed to accommodate these cards, especially considering that a graphics card is often required for this class of application. Furthermore, the need to four frame grabbers increases the cost of the application. Euresys has addressed this challenge by introducing the Coaxlink Octo which provides eight CXP-6 connections for a total of 5,000 MB/s of camera bandwidth. This frame grabber provides the highest data acquisition rate in the industry, twice as high as the previously fastest frame grabbers. Only two of the new Coaxlink Octo frame grabbers are required to support the highest speed digital cameras, a number of PCIe slots that can be easily accommodated by most computers. The new eightchannel frame grabbers typically cost 35% less than two of the four-channel frame grabbers they replace.

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The Phantom S990 camera outputs data in four banks each consisting of four ports. Each bank streams the data for two rows of the image and the banks move successively down the image sensor to stream the complete image. The Coaxlink Octo frame grabber gathers the outputs and rebuilds the full images. The image reconstruction is done completely in hardware through direct memory access (DMA) so it does not consume any CPU time. Euresys provides sample programs for specific cameras such as the Phantom S990 that users can use as a starting point to support any high-speed camera. The Coaxlink Octo frame grabber also includes the Memento debugging tool which records an accurate log of events related to the camera, frame grabber, driver and application. It provides a precise log of time-stamped events across all streaming data with context information and a logic analyzer view. The tool delivers close to 1 microsecond precision, making it ideal for troubleshooting timing issues such as identifying cable, triggering and buffering problems.

tumor cells because there is approximately 1 CTC to every 109 blood cells present in the sample. In some cases the cancer metastasizes to the point that it is untreatable before it is detected. Flow cytometry can more quickly detect CTCs at much lower concentrations by analyzing images of the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual blood cells. In this way, flow cytometry can detect rare leukemia, squamous carcinoma, melanoma and breast cancer CTCs, increasing the likelihood that cancer can be detected while it is still treatable.

The combination of the Phantom S990 and the Coaxlink Octo frame grabber delivers unparalleled performance in flow cytometry and many other applications. Tests can potentially be performed in half the time required by currently available cameras and frame grabbers, greatly reducing the discomfort to the patient and the cost of the test. All in all, the ability of the new camera/frame grabber combination to stream vision data at twice the level of throughput as current technology provides enormous benefits to a wide range of vision applications. MV

The Coaxlink driver is 100% compatible with the GeniCam standard so it will run with any frame grabber that complies with the standard.

CONTACT DETAILS

As an example of applications for the new camera/frame grabber combination, the low sensitivity of conventional laboratory tests for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood samples often causes them to fail to detect circulating

E: virginie.andre@euresys.com

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A: Virginie AndrĂŠ, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager

W: https://www.euresys.com

THE MATRIX OF VISION See more of your world with our products and services for digital image processing

Since 1986 MATRIX VISION is an innovative and trustworthy partner in the image processing market for customers throughout the world. Based on many years of experience as a vision pioneer, we are shaping the industrial image processing future as an active member of the GigE Vision, the USB3 Vision, and the GenICam standard committees. Our customers not only benefit from this know-how, but also from the involvement in an early stage of development which makes it possible to incorporate the customer’s future demands into new products. MATRIX VISION GmbH develops components and customized solutions for industrial image processing and is one of the leading companies in this field. Our focus is on the distribution of digital and intelligent cameras for sectors of manufacturing and non-manufacturing industries. Our cameras are used, inter alia, for quality control in manufacturing processes with high speed and high information density, as is required by enterprises in the mechanical engineering, electronics, food, pharmacy and printing industries. In the non-manufacturing industry, they are used, e.g., in the areas of traffic surveillance, microscopy and medicine.

“ Based on many years of experience as a vision pioneer, we are shaping the industrial image processing future as an active member of the GigE Vision, the USB3 Vision, and the GenICam standard committees.”

mvBlueGEMINI & mvIMPACT-CS With the twin concept consisting of smart camera and intuitive software mvIMPACT Configuration Studio, the development of image processing solutions becomes faster and more productive. IMAGE PROCESSING SOLUTIONS FROM ONE SINGLE SOURCE – THE MATRIX VISION PRODUCT RANGE. Recognition, acquisition and processing –our digital cameras mvBlueFOX, mvBlue-COUGAR, and mvBlueGEMINI are very compact and meet current industrial standards.

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The software solutions for applications such as measurements, OCR/OCV, as well as pattern, barcode, data matrix, object, and color recognition optimally supports our hardware components. Made in Germany. With a current staff of more than 100 employees, we develop, support, and distribute our extensive range of products worldwide. BENEFIT FROM OUR SERVICES AND SUPPORT:

PRODUCT PORTFOLIO: • USB 3.0 & USB 2.0 cameras • GigE & Dual-GigE cameras (PoE) • Easy configurable smart cameras • Frame grabbers • Image Processing Software • Customized solutions

• Professional consulting with a high degree of expertise and personal commitment • Support of the customers from the first product contact up to solution optimizations

MATRIX VISION GmbH Talstrasse 16 · DE-71570 Oppenweiler

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Phone: +49-7191- 94 32-0 | Fax: +49-7191- 94 32-288 info@matrix-vision.de | www.matrix-vision.com

• Know-how transfer through individual and interactive workshops • Demo hardware and software systems free of charge • Excellent cost-benefit ratio

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Smart industrial cameras for perfect images plus real added value for your applications. Get inspired at: www.mv-highflyers.com MATRIX VISION GmbH Talstr. 16 · 71570 Oppenweiler Germany · Phone: +49 -71 91- 94 32- 0

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PHOTONEO’S BIN PICKING STUDIO HELPS THE SPREAD OF AUTOMATION One of the highlights of Vision 2018 was Slovak company Photoneo and it was no surprise that the company, which was only established in 2013, walked off with the event’s premier award for its MotionCam-3D. But, that’s just one product from this innovative company and we hear from Branislav Pulis, VP of Sales & Marketing, about its smart robothandling software solution for bin picking applications.

“because customers get the fine-tuned, complete yet simple bin picking system from one supplier. Every client has access to comprehensive manuals and webinars, or in-person free training” Pulis again: “We’ve strived to develop versatile bin picking system able to pick parts as small as needles but also big metal parts like A pillars installed in cars. We’ve achieved this by the combination of the Bin Picking Studio software and PhoXi 3D Scanners family. Moreover, we help customers during feasibility phase for free, which enables us to collect a lot of useful information that is then transferred to upgrades of Bin Picking Studio for their benefit.” It was early last year that Photoneo launched its Bin Picking Studio and since then it has had a great impact on the business of companies who use bin picking systems. Branislav Pulis explained: “What’s so worthwhile about it is that it is so easy-to-use and allows users with no 3D vision knowledge and advanced programming skills to use our 3D scanning devices and software, and make their own applications such as bin picking based on CAD models or AI-driven AnyPick without us. In the end, this leads to a higher degree and spread of automation.” The Bin Picking Studio includes all components needed for a bin picking application like automated robot-scanner calibration, CAD or AI-based object localization, path planner for robots, collision avoidance system and 3D sensor, of course. There are a lot of features such as multiple gripping points, or tool point, that can be set up easily in a well-arranged web-based interface. “The package is unique,” said Pulis,

“The release of the Bin Picking Studio 1.2 in mid-March is an example of the synthesis of our own continuous development efforts and inputs received from users. This cycle allows us to proclaim that our 3D vision-guided software is the most extensive one in the world.” The product is aimed at two main sectors. Firstly, its products find applications in the manufacturing industry, including automotive business, especially TIER 1 suppliers, white-goods production and electronics. Secondly, it is used by logistics, fulfillment and e-commerce companies. The main applications are all robot-handling applications where 3D vision is needed. Pulis: “The aim is to automate all monotonous or hazardous work by employing visionguided robots.” As for where the company sells its products, and whether it sells direct to the market, or via a distributor, Pulis replied: “Our products sell worldwide. Our headquarters is in Europe, but we’ve built branches in the U.S. and China in order to help our customers grow with us, and a solid

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global network of distributors and certified integrators. We have different business models in different countries.” Pulis is confident the product will make its impact on the market and believes its introduction reflects how important research and development is: “R&D is a cornerstone of our company as we’ve always been very innovation-oriented, and Photoneo as such was established by modern inventors. We are continuously working on upgrades of the existing products and are also preparing to launch a couple of new breakthrough products based on our core 3D sensing know-how.” As for the company’s camera/sensor range, how has it changed since 2018? Pulis: “We started to sell our PhoXi 3D Scanner in 2016. However, it was mainly used for applications that have worked with static scenes. Now we have added our new 3D camera MotionCam-3D to our portfolio which is based on our patented technology called Parallel Structured Light, implemented by a custom CMOS image sensor. It’s the highest accuracy and highest resolution 3D camera for sensing in rapid motion yet. We’ve been selling engineering samples since its launch to the market in late 2018 and are working on finishing touches to be able to offer the final product in Q3 2019.” And has the camera/sensor market changed over the last 12 months? “I think the market grows very fast and we see a lot of traction there. More and more customers express interest in our products and they come up with new applications which is great. We believe we’ve contributed to revolutionizing and benefiting the machine vision industry and automation stakeholders with our products - awardwinning high resolution/low noise/large scanning volume 3D hardware, complemented with our own versatile and easy-to-use software options, that is, however, compatible also with other high quality SW products like Halcon, LabVIEW, Matrox Imaging or Adaptive Vision.” In terms of technical developments, what will create the camera/sensor excitement for Photoneo in 2019? “We would like to finalize the MotionCam-3D as a standard product. We are also preparing new products based on this technology. At the moment we sell engineering samples of the Camera which allows companies to develop their own, custom and innovative solutions using 3D vision in motion, that will also be interesting to watch. We expect that these will be implemented in quality control, robot handling and other applications in Q4 2019.”

achieve great results. The 3D sensor market grows and certain products become more sophisticated, new features are added, and so on and so forth, and that paves the way for the next generation of automation. “We develop eyes and brain for robots whose usage is also on the rise. We believe that what we strive to achieve - to provide robots with the ability to comprehend their environment - can be considered the next significant step in the industrial revolution we’re going to witness.” So, it’s likely the Vision 2018 award will be one of many as this progressive company sets about building its future in both the machine vision and automation sectors. MV

Photoneo is a well established developer and provider of sophisticated 3D machine vision systems. The company concentrates on its 3D vision products to be versatile and easy to use, allowing to push boundaries of automation forward. PhoXi 3D Scanner family is known for its high resolution and speed, large depth of field and ambient light suppression. PhoXi 3D Scanners integrated in various kinds of automation applications worldwide allow customers to achieve unbeatable performance in terms of noise and overall efficiency. The MotionCam-3D - winner of the VISION Award 2018 and ranked among the inVISION Top Innovations 2019 - is the highest resolution and highest accuracy area-based 3D Camera for scanning in rapid motion in the world. Besides bin picking applications in manufacturing and logistics for e-commerce; the reliability and precision of the camera allows robots to handle smaller and sensitive objects in palletizing, de-palletizing, machine tending applications, quality control and metrology. The MotionCam-3D is able to inspect objects moving as fast as 40 meters per second. Extensive experience in deploying bin picking applications is reflected in the Bin Picking Studio, a web-based SW for setting up entire automated bin picking, end-to-end, in one day. Other packages for bin picking offered by Photoneo include Locator and 3D Localization C++ SDK. Photoneo’s expertise goes beyond CAD-based picking, with its AI-driven application AnyPick for picking almost any type of objects from 1x1 cm, targeting e-commerce, logistics, food processing and metallurgy. In 2018, the company has introduced its autonomous mobile robot for transport, delivery and handling of material in hotels, warehouses and factories: Phollower 100.

Finally, Pulis talked about the future of Photoneo: “We are a very dynamic and fast-growing company, bringing unique, state-of-the-art products to the market. There is a big traction on the market and we can see that our customers appreciate our pro-customer and honest approach and our top-notch solutions that help them

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CONTACT DETAILS A: Branislav Pulis E: sales@photoneo.com T: +421 948 766 479

YOUR LEADING EXPERT FOR

MACHINE VISION SOFTWARE

■ comprehensive software library

■ all-in-one software

■ flexible architecture for rapid development

■ image-centered user interface for highest usability

■ outstanding solution for any application

■ application builder without the need for programming

Meet MVTec Innovation Day

Technology Day

May 14, 2019 Munich, Germany

May 8, 2019 May 23, 2019 Munich, Germany

(German-speaking)

MVTec Software GmbH | info@mvtec.com | www.mvtec.com

COBOTS, THE FUTURE OF MAINTENANCE

ROBOT R&D, BEARINGS

AUTOMATE IS HERE

ISSUE 06 - APRIL 2019

ROBO NEWS, FEATURES, UPDATES

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ROBOTICS PROFESSIONAL

ROBOPRO TEAM

CONTENTS 4

ED’S WELCOME - Fast moving

NEWS - Catch-up on the industry

Publishing Director alex.sullivan@mvpromedia.eu

AUTOMATE - Chicago, Chicago…

Cally Bennett

LMI - The benefits of multi-sensor alignment

FANUC UPRISING - Upskilling,the key for UK manufacturing

ROBOT R&D BEARING - How quality bearings are integral for improving accuracy in the robotics industry.

COBOTS AND TIME FUTURE - Unplanned downtime is one of the biggest problems in manufacturing.

B-LOONEY - Puts universal robotsgold edition cobot to work

ROBO BUSINESS - Round up of news

Neil Martin Editor-in-Chief neil.martin@mvpromedia.eu

Alex Sullivan

Group Business Manager cally.bennett@mvpromedia.eu

Sean Welch Sales Manager sean.welch@mvpromedia.eu

Rachel Bray Head of Design rachel.bray@cliftonmedialab.com

Georgie Davey Junior Designer georgie.davey@cliftonmedialab.com

Visit our website for daily updates

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FAST MOVING Spend anytime around the robotics industry and you’ll realise two things: it’s vast and fast moving. It spans every sub-sector of industry and is increasingly forcing its way into general society. The robots are not coming, they are here. Things are happening at an incredible speed, so much so, that innovations appear common place and every day there is a new development. I feel a tad sorry for those executives who are in charge of automation and are currently being bombarded with robot manufacturers, and all the infrastructure companies, setting out their stalls and making their pitches. It’s no secret that whilst the robots may have arrived, many companies are resistant to their introduction, and industry marketing teams far and wide are developing strategies to make robots more palatable to companies. It’s a struggle, but once the dam bursts, there should be holding back.

is the human cost. Founders and major shareholders are wiped out, investors get to nurse losses and employees are suddenly without jobs, worried about making ends meet and trying to find new employment. A company failure is never a pretty site and the collateral damage is huge. However, Our Robo Business section makes a nice contrast to the Rethink problems. The market news is good and positive. Generally, as they like to say, the future looks bright. Let’s help it continue that way. All the best, Neil Martin Editor

Which leads me to some sad news. Since our last issue of the RoboPro Magazine, the US company Rethink has exited stage left. For many in the know it was not a shock, but for any fledgling industrial sector trying to prove its credibility, Rethink will be an awkward historical footnote. If the cobot is the future for the next decade, then why was the company allowed to fail? It has been widely reported that the company had a large order go sour and although a white knight had been on the horizon, ready to save the day, it had dropped out of negotiations at the last moment. This can happen in any industry, and even to the best managed companies, but it will be a timely reminder to everyone that everything robo will not turn to gold. There is a happy ending to the story, with the HAHN Group picking up many of the pieces and giving new life to the chipper Sawyer cobot. HAHN is an international technology leader for automatisation and robotics, and as part of the deal, it acquired all patents and trademarks of Rethink Robotics as well as its software platform “INTERA5.” It must have been a dream opportunity for HAHN and they have cleverly positioned themselves as a leading contender in the cobot market. It is good news for some of the people involved as well, especially as what is usually forgotten in these situations

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International trade fair for quality assurance D 07. – 10. MAY 2019

a STUTTGART

Quality Makes the Difference As the world’s leading trade fair for quality assurance, the 33rd

Measuring technology

Control will bring users from all over the world together with inter-

Material testing

national market leaders and innovative suppliers of all QA relevant

Analytical apparatus

hardware and software technologies, products, subsystems and

Optoelectronics

complete solutions.

QA systems / service

@ www.control-messe.com

Organizer:

P. E. SCHALL GmbH & Co. KG

+49 (0) 7025 9206-0

B äg

control@schall-messen.de

N EWS

AI KEY IS THE KEY TO TALENT STRATEGIES AI key is the key to talent strategies says a new survey from human resource executives. Nearly one in three (29%) HR managers believe that the rise of Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Process Automation will be the greatest opportunity for their business from a talent management perspective in the next six months. Over 2,000 senior HR professionals were pooled by Alexander Mann Solutions.

The survey also found that half of those questioned (50%) are now using talent analytics to plan and manage workforces, with 14% indicating that they were using this technology ‘extensively’. A further 27% said that while they were not already harnessing people data, they are planning to in the near future. Andrew Wayland, Chief Technology Officer, Alexander Mann Solutions, comments;

This latest data from the global talent acquisition and management specialist shows that 68% of businesses are currently witnessing skills shortages which have the potential to impact their profitability.

“With recent research from PwC finding that global GDP will rise by 14% by 2030 as a direct result of AI, it is little surprise that the HR community are increasingly exploring the potential emerging technologies.

When quizzed on their biggest talent headaches, building an employer brand which appeals to a diverse talent pool was top of the list, with 23% of those surveyed citing this as a key challenge. Retaining high performers without large financial incentives was the greatest hurdle for 11% of respondents, representing a notable fall since 2017, when almost a quarter of HR managers (22%) indicated that this was their primary concern.

“Practitioners clearly see the positive impact that AI and automation can have on the workplaces of tomorrow, and are exploring ways to harness technology to make operations more efficient. However, while RPA and intelligent systems can boost accuracy and productivity within talent management functions – and throughout the wider business landscape – the HR leaders we work with understand and value the limitations of machines.”

CONSULTANCY LAUNCHES ONLINE PROCESS COST CALCULATOR A business transformation consultancy has launched an online Process Cost Calculator.

be measured and analysed for process improvements. A BPA solution could include one or several RPAs.

The calculator, developed by ONQU, is designed to help an organisation evaluate the true cost, particularly the personnel cost, of running a repeating internal process, as a precursor to assessing the value of automating that process.

ONQU director Steve Priestnall said: “Many organisations don’t understand the real, fully loaded cost of a process, factoring in all staff and management time, which is why our Process Cost Calculator is invaluable. It can make clear the savings to be found in using RPA to automate mundane, low value and often data-intensive tasks that are prone to mistakes, with the added benefit of sometimes dramatic increases in productivity, especially in high volume, high compliance and complex systems environments.

The output of the calculator, as well as providing valuable insights itself, can be fed into ONQU’s Return On Investment (ROI) Calculator to estimate the savings available through automating the process using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) software. This considers the cost of implementing and supporting the automation. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is different from the more established Business Process Automation (BPA). BPA optimises and often changes the way processes work, with solutions that might mix various approaches, processes and technologies. RPA, in contrast, is a single piece of software used for a specific process that is repetitive, low value and often data intensive. RPA doesn’t set out to change the process but maps exactly the actions of the human user and then, in effect, the robot processor becomes a virtual user, performing the same tasks but much faster and more accurately, 24 hours a day, with a range of metrics that can

“Robotic automation offers softer benefits, too, such as freeing up staff time for more customer-facing activity or people-to-people tasks that can’t be automated. By taking away some of the drudgery it can make work more meaningful and rewarding, while fewer mistakes or compliance issues can do wonders for an organisation’s reputation and risk profile.” ONQU technical director Dave Brown said: “RPA doesn’t require significant IT spend, or staff time, on either implementation or support. Implementation is typically measured in days and there is little or no systems integration as the software simply replicates user actions.

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N EWS Organisations continue with the same processes but more accurately, faster and continuously. “Without a doubt, RPA is coming to a small screen near you. And our new Process Cost Calculator, which is freely

available online with no strings attached, helps you decide which processes to target, by knowing the cost and then working out the ROI.”

ROBOT SECTOR CEO GETS ACCOLADE CEO of Alias Robotics, David Mayoral, is one of the most influential entrepreneurs according to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. The 30 recipients of the award are said to have changed the world through innovative entrepreneurship Mayoral, at 27, has already founded two successful robotics companies, and his other recognitions include winning the B2B category of South Summit in 2018, Young Entrepreneur of Spain 2015, Alaves of the Month, and Leader of one of Top 30 Promising Robotics Startups. In 2014, at only 19 years of age, David made himself an entrepreneur. Alongside his brother, the pair created Erle Robotics. The company produced artificial brains for robots and after only two years of scaling the company, it sold to a Swiss Multinational called Acutronic Robotics.

Now in 2019, Mayoral is the CEO and founder of his second robotics startup, Alias Robotics, which is creating the first robot immune system (RIS) as cybersecurity for robots. He told RoboPro Magazine that he saw a gap in the market after noticing that most companies focus on cybersecurity in the IT world, not Robotics. RIS is a bioinspired hardware solution that mimics the defensive principle of the human immune system; it functions to protect a robot ́s condition while preventing attackers from penetrating its system and exploiting it. Mayoral sees only opportunities and has big plans for the strategic growth of Alias. He is currently in the process of closing a Seed round in the next month, expanding the team, and increasing clients.

8 12 16 25 35 50 No lottery numbers, but the focal lengths of the new CF-ZA series for 1.1" sensors

Always six right numbers: With only 39mm diameter and 2.5µm pixel size Especially developed for 1.1" sensors, the new CF-ZA series offers a high resolving power of 2.5µm pixel size and consistent brightness from the image center to the corners without vignetting. And that with an extremely small diameter of only 39mm. More at www.fujifi lm.eu/fujinon. Fujinon. To see more is to know more.

N EWS

GÜDEL’S NEW TELESCOPIC AXIS DELIVERS HIGH PAYLOADS IN LOW CEILING ENVIRONMENTS A short feature from Güdel on their new product The overall height of a gantry robot depends not only on the support structure but also on the length of the vertical axis when in the raised position. Low ceilings in some manufacturing environments, combined with a long vertical axis will always present significant challenges to gantry designers. Güdel, however, now offers an elegant and practical solution that meets all requirements in terms of load capacity, service life, safety and ease of maintenance with their new optimised telescopic vertical axis. Up until now telescopic axis design has had inherent limitations, including a reduced payload that can often be as much as 50% of that of a standard axis. In addition, older telescopic axis designs leave little room for enhancements to safety, functionality monitoring or any other configuration options, such as an integral rotate axis.

(Güdel’s new telescopic axis design – right – requires significantly less headroom, but delivers the same payload capacity of a standard axis) To overcome the drawbacks and restrictions of traditional telescopic axes, Güdel has now launched a fundamentally revised telescopic axis design featuring hugely improved performance in terms of weight capacity, dynamics and safety. This new design is very much equivalent to a standard fixed axis, as both versions have exactly the same payload. In effect, the new Güdel axis has a 50% increase in payload when compared to their previous telescopic axis, thanks to its double profile tube construction. Other advantages include a second toothed belt, which provides additional security for the inner carrier profile and optical monitoring of both belts The new space-saving design also makes it possible to integrate a safety brake into the telescopic axis. The new variant is also very maintenance friendly, so changing rollers, belts or even the guide carriages is quick and easy. This latest development from Güdel is a continuation of the company’s philosophy of ongoing product development and enhancement.

UK EMPLOYEES WANT ROBOTS TO TAKE OVER CERTAIN JOBS The automatica Trend Index has revealed that UK employees want robots to take over the unhealthy (83%), hazardous (77%) or monotonous (72%) jobs. The results come from a market research institute on behalf of automatica, one the world’s leading trade fair for robotics and automation, which interviewed 1000 employees and asked them about the workplace of the future. The majority of workers in the UK not only want robots to take over the difficult work. About 70% think that robots

give people the chance to learn more qualified work and create more opportunities for education and training. Asked about the level of maturity, 40% of working people report, that training for the digital world has already been successfully established by their employer. But only 6% think such initiatives have reached a level of excellence. The backdrop to the report is that industrial robot installations in the UK increased for the third year in a row to around 2,300 units according to the IFR World Robotics Report 2018). This is an increase of 31% over 2016–2017.

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CMY

Building the Adaptable, Intelligent World

Scalable IIoT Platforms Across Edge and Cloud

N EWS

CEO OF ACUTRONIC ROBOTICS JOINS ROS 2 TECHNICAL STEERING COMMITTEE The CEO of Acutronic Robotics, Víctor Mayoral, has joined the ROS2 Technical Steering Committee. He will help set the technical direction for the second generation of the Robot Operating System (ROS) alongside representatives from Amazon, Arm, Bosch, Intel and Microsoft.

In September, Open Robotics, the organization behind ROS, announced a Technical Steering Committee (TSC) to set the technical direction for ROS 2, the second generation of the Robot Operating System.The ROS 2 Technical Steering Committee is broadening participation to accelerate ROS 2 delivery: determining the roadmap, developing core tools and libraries and establishing working groups to focus on important topics.

TM ROBOTIC LAUNCHES TOSHIBA MACHINE’S THE600 SCARA ROBOT IN THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET last year, promises to boost manufacturers productivity without extortionate investments. Boasting twice the speed and 60% higher payload capacity than competing SCARA models in the same price range, both the models provide ideal investments for those new to automation said TM Robotics. “Combining high speed operation with a high payload capacity, the THE600 model has been developed to meet growing demand for fast-cycle automation,” explained Nigel Smith, president of TM Robotics. “Manufacturers are looking for machines to deliver improved precision and enhanced performance without breaking the bank, particularly in parts assembly, testing and transfer processes. “As one of the first industrial robot manufacturers to bring SCARA models to the market, Toshiba Machine has a wealth of experience in developing this technology. This knowledge and engineering allows TM Robotics to provide cutting-edge robots to our customers at a fair and attainable price.”

TM Robotics is launching Toshiba Machine’s THE600 SCARA robot in the North American market. The company will use Automate 2019 to showcase Toshiba Machine’s latest robots and demonstrations will include models from the SCARA and six-axis range, as well as robot programming tool, TSAssist. The THE600 is the latest addition to Toshiba Machine’s range and builds upon the established specifications of the THE400. Toshiba Machine’s THE400, which was launched

TM Robotics will be exhibiting alongside distribution partner, ASG Jergens. ASG is an RIA certified Integrator, focusing on the assembly industry. Having established a partnership with TM Robotics in 2017, ASG has since integrated ASG screw feeding systems with Toshiba Machine robots for its customers. At Automate 2019, ASG will demonstrate exactly how Toshiba Machine’s SCARA and Cartesian robots can be used to automate screwing and feeding applications. TM Robotics will also exhibit other robots from its extensive selection, including the TVM range of models. The TVM range is a vertically articulated series available in three different sizes, lending itself to a multitude of industries.

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CHICAGO, CHICAGO… Every two years the wonderful city of Chicago hosts the bi-annual Automate show. And Automate 2019 promises to be one of the biggest yet. The organisers say that Automate will feature exhibitors than ever before from across the globe. Countries being represented include Japan, Korea, China, Germany, Taiwan, United Kingdom and Brazil. With over 500 of the leading automation companies attending, the event will showcase the latest advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, motion control, motors, vision, metrology, sensors, assembly and other automation technologies. One of the features of the show occurs on the opening day of the show, Monday, with the International Automation Day in the floor theater. They will begin programming in the afternoon with the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) roundtable, Global Race for Leadership in Robotics and AI. Panelists from Asia, Europe, and the US take a closer look at who is currently leading the robotics market.

“ With over 500 of the leading automation companies attending, the event will showcase the latest advances ” What’s more, Mexico has become a hot spot for robotics and automation over the last few years, which is why the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) recently created A3 Mexico to help support and grow the industry in the country. This panel will discuss the opportunities that exist in Mexico along with strategies to help attendees successfully do business there.

MATROX IMAGING One company which will be at Automate 2019 is very familiar to MVPro readers, Montreal based Matrox Imaging. It will use the event to showcase the latest innovations in machine vision and industrial imaging hardware and software. This year’s focus is Matrox Design Assistant X, the latest edition of the company’s flowchart-based vision application software, which integrates a host of new tools to perform image classification using deep learning, highlight surface

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imperfections using photometric stereo techniques, as well as the ability to interface directly with third-party 3D sensors.

APPLIED MOTION PRODUCTS Another company who will be exhibiting at Automate 2019 is Applied Motion Products. It will demonstrate a selection of new integrated motors and drives for both servo and stepper motors.

PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY INCLUDE: • MDX Integrated Servo Motors that combine high torque density, low inertia servo motors with on-board drives and controllers to create all-in-one integrated motor solutions that save on space, wiring, and cost over conventional servo systems with separate motor and drive components; • StepSERVO Integrated Motors that provide cost-effective and high-torque motion control for high through put applications such as packaging and labeling, automated test and measurement, and automated assembly; • STF Stepper Drives that support a range of industrial Ethernet and Fieldbus network protocols including EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, CANopen, Modbus, Ethernet and RS-485, as well as a proprietary Serial Command Language (SCL) for efficient network communications over Ethernet (UDP or TCP) and RS-485. Using STF Stepper Drives, system designers and machine builders have the flexibility to control step motors using the network protocol of their choice; • SV200 Digital Servo Drives that operate on 24, 48 or higher DC supply voltages for space-constrained and multi-axis motion control applications. Applied Motion Products specializes in high-precision, cost-effective motion control products including stepper and servo motors, drives, controllers, gearheads, and power supplies. The company serves a diverse industrial and OEM customer base with both standard and customized products. RB

SPONSORE D FEATU RE

THE BENEFITS OF MULTI-SENSOR ALIGNMENT WITH 6 DEGREES OF FREEDOM (6DOF)

Many of today’s inline quality control applications require vision systems to inspect targets that are larger than a single sensor’s field of view. Examples include log scanning, electronic parts (PCB, tablets, laptops) inspection, large automotive component and assembly inspection (doors, engine blocks, cylinder heads), and inspection of factory panels. Multi-sensor networking using 3D smart sensors is the ideal solution to this challenge. The ability to synchronize scanning and perform alignment and stitching across multiple scan devices offers several key benefits.

6 DoF in Flexible Sensor Alignment Industrial inspection applications present a number of variables that need to be compensated for in the setup of a sensor network. This includes inaccurate mounting, or the need for a specific rotation to optimize scan results (e.g., angling the sensor to improve the signal on reflective targets).

MULTI-SENSOR NETWORKS ARE: (1) Flexible – Users can set up a network in any layout they want, including ring, opposing, angled, and staggered.

(2) Scalable – Users can network any number of sensors to meet the needs of their particular application.

(3) Simple – In a smart sensor, the required software for networking is already onboard. A single cable connects the sensor to a dedicated master network controller that handles power distribution and micro-second data synchronization.

“6 degrees of freedom in sensor alignment allows the user to choose the axes on which offsets and rotations are calculated.”

For non-reflective targets a straight sensor setup is ideal (left). For specular targets, the sensor is rotated on the X-axis to minimize reflected light and generate cleaner scan data (right). 6 DoF alignment supports this type of angled sensor setup.

3D smart sensors such as Gocator® solve these challenges by providing advanced alignment options with 6 degrees of freedom (6 DoF). In essence, this means sensors can be staggered, rotated, angled, or offset in every coordinate direction (X,Y,Z) to fit specific applications. Gocator produces fully stitched 3D models in a single, world coordinate system which can then be used for accurate absolute measurement.

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SPONSORE D FEATU RE

HOW IS THE DATA HANDLED? Many vision engineers are specialized in identifying and measuring defects from a completed 3D height map. However, they don’t want to deal with the complexity of triggering and combining data accurately from multiple sensors into one 3D point cloud/height map. A 3D smart sensor takes care of this by extracting the data from multiple sensors and automatically aligning, merging, and resampling it into an aggregate 3D height map. The scan results are combined within a single world coordinate system, which allows the engineer to extract high-precision measurements on the combined 3D profile data. As a result, engineers no longer have to carry out Software Development Kit (SDK) programming to combine the raw data. Everything is done natively onboard the sensor using built-in multi-sensor networking capabilities.

APPLICATION EXAMPLES A. Z-rotation angle correction is critical for data correlation of small electronic parts • Electronics, machining tools, and medical supplies inspection requires correlating results to CMM measurements • Correlation is done by comparing height data at specific XY locations • Slight Z-rotation misalignment results in skewed data, which affects correlation results • 6 DoF alignment allows engineers to correct for this skew

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B. High accuracy scanning of large automotive components • Six Gocator® line profilers are networked to cover the full part • The sensors automatically combine profile data and generate a single 3D height map for measurement and inspection • Gocator delivers the necessary coverage, resolution, and speed for 100% inline inspection

CONCLUSION 6 degrees of freedom in sensor alignment allows the user to choose the axes on which offsets and rotations are calculated. This functionality provides important options to improve scan results and measurement accuracy in specific application scenarios.

Here is a quick recap of the benefits for today’s busy vision engineer: • Choose the axes on which offsets and rotations are calculated • Align multi-sensor systems with built-in 6 DoF software • Stagger multi-sensor systems using Y offset (e.g., for small FOV sensors) • Automatically correct for inaccurate mounting or purposeful rotation using X rotation (e.g., in specular mounting) and Z rotation (e.g., angling the sensor to reduce edge noise) RB

UPSKILLING, THE KEY FOR UK MANUFACTURING Tom Bouchier, Managing Director at FAN UC U K, offers his thoughts on the two key reports and discusses what the U K needs to change in order to compete with other nations. DEBUNKING THE MYTHS OF ROBOTS REPLACING WORKERS As explained in the McKinsey report, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a key role in improving the global economy and is an opportunity that the UK must grasp. McKinsey suggests that there is likely to be a performance gap between companies that adopt AI tools and ‘non-adopters’, meaning benefits will be disproportional.

It’s no secret that the UK is behind many of its European counterparts when it comes to UK manufacturing and productivity. A recent report by the International Federation of Robots (IFR) highlighted the extent to the country’s lack of industrial robots, whilst McKinsey & Company has reiterated the benefits of automation to the economy in its Discussion Paper. The UK needs to offer a solution sooner rather than later if it is to maintain a competitive edge, but how can industrial robots play a key role in UK manufacturing?

According to the IFR, there are just 71 industrial robots per 10,000 workers in the UK. That positions the UK behind 14 other European countries and, alarmingly, the only G7 country with a robot density below the world’s average (74 units). In contrast, Germany – Europe’s most automated country – has 309 units whilst the Czech Republic, the closest European country to the UK, has 101 units per 10,000 workers. It’s clear that change is needed. One possible reason for the UK’s low performance could be linked to the stigma attached to the use of robotics and unemployment. If the UK is to catch up with the rest of the world, it’s going to need to adopt more automation in its manufacturing facilities and therefore shift this viewpoint.

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We have found that use of industrial robots goes hand-in-hand with upskilling, which can lead to an increased productivity rate. This helps remove the perceived threat to unemployment and also addresses the widely-reported skills gap, both of which are concerns shown by both the Government and industry.

Thanks to their ability to be reprogrammed, industrial robotics offer a long-lasting solution that go beyond their first use. And if more people are upskilled and become trained on programming, there’s even more benefits that manufacturers can, and should, be taking advantage of.

Earlier this year, Engineering UK reported that 265,000 skilled entrants are required each year to meet business demand. By bringing in robotic technology, engineers can be trained to learn how to programme a FANUC machine, a process that can be taught and understood in as few as four days.

WHAT DOES THE UK NEED TO DO NEXT?

IS AUTOMATION THE AFFORDABLE SOLUTION TO UK MANUFACTURING? Given the findings from both reports, it has become clear the UK needs to increase automation through manufacturing. In addition to the impact on employment, the associated costs with industrial robotics is also quite often a sticking point for UK manufacturers. When discussing industrial robotics, affordability and pricing is more often-than-not going to be the first question asked by manufacturers. However, industrial robots aren’t as expensive as first thought and, on many occasions, are paid off in as little as 18 months.

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It’s clear that manufacturing is a going to be a key asset for the UK if it is to maintain a competitive edge after Brexit. The UK cannot become a service industry and change is required before it slips further behind its global counterparts. Therefore, a culture change in the views and perception of automation and robotic technology is needed. The stigma attached to industrial robotics needs to be removed: it’s simply a tool for manufacturers to use that helps increase efficiency. The opportunity for upskilling is one that should be grasped and will eventually help address the skills gap, alleviating concerns people have towards the use of robots. Ultimately, technology is always improving and we need to ensure we aren’t caught falling further behind. Positively positioning automation will not only benefit manufacturers’ capabilities, but it will also close the gap between the UK and the leading nations. RB

ROBOT R&D:

BEARINGS Accuracy describes how closely a robot reaches a commanded position. When the absolute position of the robot is compared to the commanded position, the error calculated is the measure of accuracy. Chris Johnson, managing director of precision bearing specialist SM B Bearings, explains how quality bearings are integral for improving accuracy in the robotics industry.

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Alongside repeatability, accuracy is one of the most important characteristics of robotic equipment. If the positioning of the robot is out, even by just 1mm, it can spell disaster for production, and for the condition of the equipment. For example, if a pick-and-place robot accidently hit the side of a bin as it attempted to reach for an item — the impact could damage the robot and shut down operations. There are several methods of improving accuracy in robotic equipment, including additions to external sensing, such as a vision system or Infra-Red sensors. However, one factor that can improve accuracy in all cases, is selecting the right bearings during the research and development (R&D) stage of bringing a new robot to market. Bearings may seem like a small consideration across the complexity of the entire process. That said, making the right selection can have a significant impact on the accuracy and effectiveness of the robot.

SPACE CONSERVATION The space available inside robots is often incredibly limited, with manufacturers aiming to produce smaller and more compact robots — particularly for the growing collaborative robot market. Thin section bearings are ideal for space conservation, as they deliver higher speeds and offer higher levels of design flexibility. These bearings have very little difference in size between the internal and external ring, they are light weight and condensed, making them an ideal choice for robots, where both footprint and weight are at a premium. Thin section bearings may be small, but there’s a lot that can go wrong if you buy just any brand. If the rings are not perfectly formed, even a minute discrepancy will stop the bearing running smoothly, causing fluctuations in the accuracy of the bearing. This is where the quality department come in during your robot R&D process. By testing samples, quality assurance must check the manufacturing process has ensured the highest possible degree of roundness in both rings, as well as ensuring every bearing in the batch is manufactured to the same high standard.

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TIGHT TOLERANCES When you buy a batch of bearings, you would expect them to all be the same. Yet, this shouldn’t be taken for granted. Tolerance levels and dimensional accuracy does vary across bearing types, materials and brands. It makes sense that any error in bearing measurement, will carry forward into the accuracy of a robot’s movement. So, what’s the solution? If you want a safe bet, EZO thin bearings are known for their quality control and advanced manufacturing techniques. This results in very low tolerances and high levels of dimensional accuracy that other brands may struggle to match. Similarly, you may have your own testing facilities in house to check tolerance, and we’d encourage you to carry out these tests for yourself.

“ It ’s clear that consistency is crucial — and the same applies to how much lubricant is used in bearings for robots.”

OPTIMAL GREASE FILL It’s clear that consistency is crucial — and the same applies to how much lubricant is used in bearings for robots. As robotic movements need predictable and accurate, some friction is essential to ensure control. Trial and error is therefore required to find the correct friction coefficient and its corresponding percentage grease fill for optimum performance. In fact, this is exactly what The Shadow Robot company did, in the development of the new Smart Grasping System. With these steps ensuring bearing quality during the R&D process, robot manufacturers can guarantee accurate and predictable movement. If you are in need of precision bearings for robot applications, contact the experts at SMB Bearings on sales@smbbearings.com. RB

COBOTS AND THE FUTURE OF MAINTENANCE Unplanned downtime is one of the biggest problems in manufacturing. Recent research by the Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) estimates that downtime can cost manufacturers anywhere between $30,000 and $50,000 an hour. The question is, how much can manufacturers reduce this figure with new technology? Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director at obsolete industrial parts supplier E U Automation explains how collaborative robots can improve maintenance to cut this figure.

Machine breakdown can incur serious costs for manufacturers. It can prevent production, delay orders and raise labour costs. To reduce the risk of downtime, manufacturers are introducing more intelligent technology to the factory floor. Automated equipment, for example can

increase productivity, accuracy and flexibility. However, manufacturers need to consider how they maintain new technology, for the benefits to be long term.

ENTER THE COBOT Collaborative robots (cobots) can work alongside humans to complete tasks. Traditionally, industrial robots were large, caged machines that humans could not interact with as they were heavy, unaware of their surroundings and posed a safety risk.

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Unlike their heavier counterparts, cobots are easy to program and can work alongside people. They also come equipped with safety features that mean they stop or slow down when a human is nearby, which reduces the risk of a collision or safety threat. Businesses ranging from small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to large industrial companies are purchasing cobots to improve their workflows.

COBOTS AND MAINTENANCE Most cobots are not designed with maintenance capabilities in mind. However, in-built functions mean that they can help technicians to reduce the risk of unplanned downtime. Collaborative robots are built to complete complex tasks normally performed by humans to increase accuracy and reduce fatigue. This means that technicians can use cobots to complete intricate maintenance tasks in a hazardous environment, for example, when a machine excessively overheats.

RETROFITTING Small and medium manufacturing companies can see the benefits from a cobot’s versatility. Collaborative robots can be programmed and reprogrammed quickly, so they can be used for a variety of functions, with a quick and easy change in between. Manufacturers can take advantage of this flexibility to place a collaborative robot at the most suitable point in the assembly line, to ensure it has the greatest impact on the business. SMEs should look to collaborative robots particularly for smaller tasks, as thismeans it can be added to current infrastructure rather than replacing the entire system.

“As cobots experience more, they will be able to recognise and anticipate issues, alerting humans of any potential breakdown”

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ROBOTS GO MOBILE British online supermarket Ocado is using collaborative robots to improve its maintenance processes. The company collaborated with manufacturers to build the ARMAR-6 prototype, an autonomous, humanoid robot that can help engineers reduce time spent on maintenance in the factory. The ARMAR-6 uses a three-camera system to detect and recognise humans and objects, speech recognition to understand commands and hands with grippers to pick up objects. “The ambition is that the robot will be able to decide what the technician’s intentions are and chip-in as appropriate at the right point in time,” explains Graham Deacon, robotics research team leader at Ocado Technology. This will assist technicians in maintaining the automated warehouses the company relies on to complete orders.”

THE FUTURE Robots like the ARMAR-6 are changing how we interact with machinery. In the future, this relationship has the potential to grow even more. Artificial intelligence and machine learning allows robots to learn as they work and make their own decisions. As cobots experience more, they will be able to recognise and anticipate issues, alerting humans of any potential breakdowns. Employees or robots could then carry out maintenance on the machine before it impacts production. In future, it may be possible to program a cobot to independently complete maintenance tasks across the factory floor. As they are lightweight and cage-free, manufacturers could mount a cobot onto an automated guided vehicle (AGV), so it can freely move around the factory without disrupting human workers. More technology in the factory could just mean more machines that are at risk of breakdown. However, the growing capabilities of automated technologies such as collaborative robots can improve maintenance processes to ultimately optimise productivity. One day, a robot may be able to fix itself. RB

B-LOONY PUTS UNIVERSAL ROBOTS GOLD EDITION COBOT TO WORK

Chesham based B- Loony, a leading printer of promotional latex and foil balloons for major retailers, businesses, agencies and charities, has put its newest cobot to work. rising, further capacity through automation is planned.Four UR3 cobots from RARUK Automation now serve this area of the business on a 24-hour shift pattern.

Alec Jackson, RARUK, and James Clephan, B-Loony

B-Loony was a recent winner of a Gold Edition cobot from Universal Robots. The new addition will join six existing UR3 cobots on site, all of which are being used to increase productivity in previously laborious manual tasks and help the company gain vital market share. The cobots have been supplied by RARUK Automation. B-Loony is a £7 million turnover, 65-employee business. It recently achieved FSSC 22000 certification for its food-safe gourmet food flag manufacturing process. In 2014, the company received its first enquiry for 250 food flags. This was followed by an order for 500, then 1000, then 5000, then 10,000. As a relatively intricate manual assembly operation, the company decided that automation was the way forward. “The problem we faced with finding an automated solution, was precision,” explained James Clephan, Operations Director at B-Loony. “The flag’s skewer has to be placed on the exact centre of the adhesive flag, so that when it folds over the edges align neatly.” Clephan visited the PPMA exhibition that year and spotted RARUK Automation demonstrating a UR cobot on its stand. The UR3 was busy picking up small dowels from a bowl feeder and Clephan immediately saw the potential for his own application. B-Loony said that it has gained significant market share and can now produce 400,000 food flags a week, which equates to around 20 million a year, and with demand

“RARUK Automation have been great from the outset,” added Clephan. “As this was our first foray into robotics, they initially lent us a UR3 so that we could gain confidence from the unit and see that it worked in the way we wanted. This proved to be an invaluable experience.” “The collaborative aspect of the UR3 cobots is pertinent in this respect,” he says. “Any workers who have had their jobs replaced by a cobot today work alongside the units. They have been upskilled and now manage the automation function of the operation. Some were naturally sceptical at first, but now they’ve seen it for themselves, our workforce has bought into the idea.” B-Loony has continued to invest in UR3 cobots, since adding a further two units for a different purpose: bunting production. “With the recent royal wedding and World cup, bunting is in vogue again and we have witnessed a huge surge in demand,” said Clephan. “Our sewing machines were manually fed, we now have two UR3 cobots performing this task with more to follow. The Golden Edition cobot, which we were fortunate enough to win recently, will also go into this business area as part of the automation program” Universal Robots celebrating its 25,000th cobot sale by giving away a Gold Edition unit, shipped free of cost, to one lucky customer. However, due to a huge response and interest from customers all around the world, Universal Robots decided to offer a Gold Edition cobot to a customer in each of its geographical areas worldwide. In Northern Europe, B-Loony was the winner. “The Golden Edition UR3 will soon be put to work alongside our existing robots, helping us to grow market share by producing two million metres of promotional bunting each year,” said Clephan. RB

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ROBOPRO BUSI N ESS

JOHNSON & JOHNSON BUYS AURIS HEALTH’S ROBOTIC PLATFORM FOR $3.4BN CASH Pharma giant Johnson & Johnson has acquired Auris Health’s Robotic Platform for $3.4bn in cash.

a visionary in the field of surgical robotics, will be joining Johnson & Johnson upon completion of this transaction.

A further $2.35bn will be payable if Auris hits certain milestones.

“We’re thrilled to be joining Johnson & Johnson to help push the boundaries of what is possible in medical robotics and improve the lives of patients across the globe. Together, we will be able to dramatically accelerate our collective product innovation to develop new interventional solutions that redefine optimal patient outcomes,” said Dr Moll. “This combination is a testament to the incredible work of the Auris Health team and the innovation engine behind the Monarch Platform, which represents a huge step forward in endoluminal technology. We look forward to continuing to shape the future of intervention with the added expertise and resources of the world’s largest healthcare organization.”

The deal expands Johnson & Johnson’sDigital Surgery Portfolio. Auris Health is a privately held developer of robotic technologies, initially focused in lung cancer, with an FDA-cleared platform currently used in bronchoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. A statement from Johnson & Johnson said that this acquisition will accelerate its entry into robotics with potential for growth and expansion into other interventional applications. “In this new era of health care, we’re aiming to simplify surgery, drive efficiency, reduce complications and improve outcomes for patients, ultimately making surgery safer,” said Ashley McEvoy, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Medical Devices, Johnson & Johnson. “We believe the combination of best-in-class robotics, advanced instrumentation and unparalleled end-to-end connectivity will make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes.” With this acquisition, Frederic Moll, MD, CEO and Founder of Auris Health and regarded by Johnson & Johnson as

The company statement went on to say: “Johnson & Johnson is continuously working to disrupt medical innovation. With Auris Health’s current focus on lung cancer, the Monarch Platform robotic technology will play an important role within the Lung Cancer Initiative at Johnson & Johnson (LCI), enabling the development of a differentiated digital solution that addresses key steps in the lung cancer care journey, from diagnosis to early stage intervention, that are central to the company’s commitment to develop solutions that prevent, intercept and cure this deadly disease.”

ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION SECTORS EXPECT FURTHER GROWTH IN 2019 SAYS VDMA Last year the German robotics and automation sector achieved record sales of €15bn, an increase of 4%. Wilfried Eberhardt, Chairman of the VDMA Robotics and Automation Association, said: “The new record shows that worldwide demand for robotics and automation technologies from Germany remains high. However, the general political uncertainty and cooling of the global economy led to a more moderate growth than originally expected. “Continuing global economic uncertainties do not permit a precise forecast for 2019. We are currently expecting growth of between 2% and 5% in the current year.”

sub-sectors varied: with an increase in sector sales of 9% to a total of 8.3 billion euros, Integrated Assembly Solutions was able to continue its dynamic growth course of the previous year. This was due, in particular, to a very high order backlog and strong domestic business. “In 2018, Machine Vision was able to maintain the record level of 2.6 billion euros set in the previous year. Robotics, on the other hand, only slightly missed the previous year’s sales record of 4.2 billion euros and closed 2018 with industry sales of 4.1 billion euros. This is mainly attributed to the weakness in automobile sales – especially in the main market China.”

The VDMA statement added: “According to a preliminary analysis of the 2018 data, the development in the

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INDIA’S RECORD ROBOT SALES Sales of industrial robots in India reached a new record of 3,412 new units installed in 2017, according to the initial findings of the World Robotics Report 2018, published by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The 30% increase compares to the previous year which saw 2,627 units installed. Between 2012 and 2017 India experienced a compound annual sales growth rate of 1 %. India’s automotive sector is the main customer with a share of 62% of the total supply 2017. Sales rose here by 27% compared to the previous year. “The automotive industry will remain the main driver of the increasing robot installations in India,” says Junji Tsuda, President of the International Federation of Robotics. “Numerous new projects are announced by the international and domestic car manufacturers aiming to expand production capacities. Moreover, OEMs increasingly require local supply of automotive parts.” The report also shows that there are clear signs that the general industry is catching up with the automotive sector.

Sales numbers of industrial robots in, for example the rubber and plastics, the metal industry, and the electrical and electronics industries, increased by 46% in 2017. “The general industry will further invest in production capacities and modernisation to serve this growing consumer market,” said Tsuda. “Therefore, an accelerated and strong robot sales growth is expected between 2018 and 2021.” India is one of the strongest growing economies among the Asian emerging markets. Since 2009, the number of robot installations has been growing rapidly. In 2017, India ranked number 14 regarding the global annual supply, following Thailand and Spain. Regarding the operational stock, India ranked thirteenth following Canada, Spain and Singapore. India’s automation potential is illustrated by a rather low robot density figure: 85 industrial robots per 10,000 employees in the automotive industry is less than a fourth of Indonesia´s density (378 units) and far away from China´s (505 units).

GENIECONNECT FUNDING OVERSUBSCRIBED GenieConnect, a robot companion service from Service Robotics, is currently oversubscribed in its funding exercise on Crowdcube. At the time of writing it had raised 138% (£166,360) from 84 investors of the initial target of £120,000 with 24 days to go. Equity on offer is 9.16% and the pre-money valuation is £1.65m. GenieConnect is an intelligent, personalised, robot companion service supporting extended independent living with companionship and memory stimulation software for older adults. In the blurb accompanying the pitch on Crowdcube, the team at GenieConnect explains: “We live in an ageing society, where the needs of the older adults of the UK are increasingly unmet by our health and care systems. GenieConnect strives to be an intelligent, personalised, robot companion service that supports extended

independent living for older adults. We are looking to offer GenieConnect to users at an affordable all-inclusive monthly subscription and is completely voice enabled. “The prospective features of the Genie robot include an interactive companion, offering reminders, video calling to family and friends and smart home management, as well as monitoring of the user environment remotely by family and a real-time video support function that connects the user to a dedicated 24×7 Care Centre. The friendly service agent, with their knowledge of the user’s likes and dislikes, routines & needs, will answer their queries. “We will integrate GenieConnect with RemindMeCare, a partner software solution that promotes cognitive retention with memory stimulation. Once loaded with the user’s brief life story, Genie’s AI engine will offer reminiscence with family photos and videos, nostalgic articles, music and news. The GenieConnect solution will be piloted with 150 users from Q1 2019, with the goal of a commercial launch in late-2019. The company’s ambition is to achieve 40,000 subscribers within three years, representing just 1.1% of the number of over 65s who live alone.

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SMALL ROBOT COMPANY RAISES £1.2M Small Robot Company aims to harness the power and precision of robots and Artificial Intelligence to improve the way that food is produced and minimise chemical usage. It will make farms more profitable, and increase yield and efficiency, through using small robots instead of tractors. Its farmbots Tom Dick and Harry will plant, feed and weed arable crops autonomously, with minimal waste.

British agritech Small Robot Company has raised £1.2m on Crowdcube equity crowdfunding platform. It reached its initial funding target of £500,000 within minutes of its launch thanks largely to support from the farming community. Investors included Matt Jones, Principle Designer at Google AI; Mark Ellingham, founder of the Rough Guides; and Andrew Ward, MBE, Farmers Weekly Farming Champion and Arable Farmer of the Year.

This now takes the total funding raised by the Small Robot Company to £2.5m in total. This includes two awards from Innovate UK, £300,000 seed funding from farmers (including £90,000 in presales), £50,000 raised from Indiegogo crowdfunding, and a £50,000 Horizonatal Innovation Award from the the Institute of Engineering and Technology. “We’re on the cusp of a fourth agricultural revolution, taking farming into the digital age: and with British ideas and British technology at the helm,” said Ben Scott-Robinson, co-founder, Small Robot Company. “Our Tom, Dick and Harry robots will completely transform what’s possible on the farm. It will radically reduce chemical usage in arable farming, while improving soils, profits and yields. It’s the ultimate sustainable farming model.”

UNIVERSAL ROBOTS CONTINUES TO DOMINATE COBOT MARKET Confirmation that Universal Robots dominates the cobot market, if any were needed, comes from a new report entitled The Future of Collaborative Robots published by Interact Analysis.

What’s more, growth is forecast to accelerate due to the wider availability of collaborative robots from mainstream industrial robot vendors, the greater awareness at SMEs, and the wider adoption by major OEMs.

In 2017, UR cobots enjoyed a near 50% share of global revenues and no other manufacturer in the market had a share above 10%.

Which leads to the forecast that by 2027, revenues will reach $7.5bn and account for 29% of the industrial robot market.

The order of who came next in terms of market share was as follows: FANUC, Techman, Rethink Robotics, AUBO, ABB, Kawasaki, KUKA, Yaskawa, Precise Automation, Siasun and Staubli.

The diverse numbers industry and applications adopting collaborative robots is likely to continue, but, in a way that mirrors the evolution seen with industrial robots, with electronics and automotive being the two largest vertical applications.

The report also revealed that 30% of robots forecast to be sold in 2027 will be cobots and that the largest application for cobots over the next five years, some 75%, will be pick and place, material handling and assembly. Generally, the report concluded that the cobot industry was worth less than $400m last year, but is set to grow to nearly $600m in 2018.

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In terms of payload, although 5kg has been the sweet spot for collaborative robots, several products have been launched above and below this weight category. A number of products are targeted at pick and place and assembly applications below 1kg, which are designed to efficiently undertake repetitive tasks.

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UK GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN TINY ROBOTS TO FIX UNDERGROUND PIPES our lives, these pipe-repairing robots herald the start of technology that could make that dream a reality in the future “From deploying robots in our pipe network so cutting down traffic delays, to using robots in workplaces to keep people safer, this new technology could change the world we live in for the better. Experts in our top UK universities across the country are well-equipped to develop this innovative new technology.

The Government has backed a project to develop tiny robots that can help repair the UK’s vast underground pipe network and prevent disruption of roadworks in the future. The £7m investment will allow scientists from four British universities to develop 1 cm-long robotic devices that use sensors and navigation systems to find and mend cracks in pipes. The traffic closures and disruption to businesses of these roadworks is estimated to amount to more than £5bn. It’s part of a bigger project to build micro robots that can help repair the UK’s vast underground pipe network preventing disruptive roadworks and using robotics in hazardous work environments to avoid workplace injury. The robots – including flying and underwater versions – will also inspect and maintain oil and gas pressure vessels and offshore wind turbines. The project is backed by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy; Health and Safety Executive; Innovate UK; and, UK Research and Innovation. The funding comes from the government’s modern Industrial Strategy to invest in the industries of tomorrow. A further 14 projects backed by £19.6m government investment, through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF), will see robots sent to hazardous work places such as offshore wind-farms and nuclear decommissioning facilities. Researchers will test new technologies, such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) software on satellites in orbit to detect when repairs are needed, and drones for oil pipeline monitoring. Science Minister Chris Skidmore said: “While for now we can only dream of a world without roadworks disrupting

“We have put research and development at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy, with the biggest boost to funding in UK history to create high skill jobs and boost productivity across the country.” UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Chief Executive, Professor Sir Mark Walport said: “The projects announced today demonstrate how robots and artificial intelligence will revolutionise the way we carry out complex and dangerous tasks, from maintaining offshore wind farms to decommissioning nuclear power facilities. “They also illustrate the leading role that the UK’s innovators are playing in developing these new technologies which will improve safety and boost productivity and efficiency. The £26.6m government funding boost is part of the modern Industrial Strategy, investing in the technologies of tomorrow and creating high skilled jobs across the country. The UK already develops world-leading robotics technologies, and these projects delivered by UKRI will help make this a sector for UK businesses to grow and dominate international markets. Health and Safety Executive Chair Martin Temple said: “The key purpose of the Health and Safety Executive is to save lives and prevent workplace injury and ill health. To achieve this, we need businesses to work with us and to be innovative in their thinking around managing risk in the workplace. New and emerging technologies are shaping our working environment. “As a regulator we want to encourage industry to think about how technologies such as robotics and AI can be used to manage risk in the workplace, safeguarding workers both now and in the future world of work.” Picture shows Chris Skidmore MP meeting the team at Bristol University.

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MIR BOOSTS REVENUE a mass-customisation model, where they manufacture a higher number of customised products in smaller batches, requiring an agile production facility with flexible and easily adaptable logistics. Our user-friendly technology fits this model well.” MiR is driving growth from new products and a new “robots as a service” offering to help more companies benefit from the technology.

Mobile Industrial Robots (Holbrook, New York), the market leader in autonomous mobile robots, grew revenue by 160% in 2018, matching its 2017 growth and meeting its forecast. MiR, which did not disclose its profits, is now part of American company Teradyne, the leading supplier of automated test equipment. MiR told RoboPro Magazine that its success was due, in large part, to it’s multinational customers, including the Toyota Motor Corporation, which are investing in fleets of mobile robots to optimise internal logistics and to gain competitive advantages in the production and supply chain. Some 30% MiR’s 2018 sales come from the Americas (27% in the US and 3% in Latin America). “Large multinational organisations, who are happy with the benefits they’ve received after trying one of our robots, are now investing in fleets spread across more of their plants, with some purchasing as many as 15 to 25 MiR robots at a time,” said Thomas Visti, CEO of MiR. “Our robots make it easy for these companies to follow the increasing shift to

In addition to increased sales of multiple robots to companies like Toyota, which already uses MiR robots to optimise logistics in plants in the US and Asia, the company’s growth in 2018 also came from the launch of the MiR500. Around 40% of sales of the MiR500, which can pickup, transport, and deliver pallets, have come from US companies. The continuous growth worldwide means that MiR expects 2019 will bring even more new products, along with 100 new employees and new offices in the US, China, and Japan. According to Visti, the company also expects to increase revenue as much, if not more, over the next year, while expanding the types of companies that can benefit from autonomous mobile robots. He said: “In 2019, we’ll continue to focus on delivering solutions that companies are requesting. That means we’ll also support companies that are used to leasing equipment such as electric forklifts and AGVs by starting a new ‘mobile robots as a service program’ via our external partners. Now we can lower the initial investment required to make it easier and more attractive for these companies to get started with our collaborative autonomous mobile robots.”

SMALL ROBOT COMPANY BEATS FUNDING TARGET ON CROWDCUBE The Small Robot Company is raising money via the Crowdcube platform and is already, with 24 days left, over subscribed at 137%. The target funding was set at £500,000, but they have already raised £685,530 from 420 investors. The equity on offer is 14.63% and the pre-money valuation is £4m. The company is seeking to transform farming with robots & artificial intelligence. Their three small robots (Tom, Dick, and Harry) are being developed to reduce farming’s impact on the environment and increase farm outputs globally. Over 20 farms have signed up, including Waitrose and the National Trust. The company recently won £565,000 from Innovate UK

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funding, one of the largest awards given in 2018, and has received £90k in pre-sales on our services. The precision farming market set to be worth $5bn by 2020. The company is developing the concept of Farming as a Service. This is a farming system which will use lightweight robots and AI to create a truly Digital Farm. The robots are Tom, Dick and Harry. Tom collects data autonomously. Dick will care for the crop, which we estimate could save up to 95% of chemicals. Harry will place seeds individually with minimal soil disturbance. Wilma, the company’s operating system, gives them a digital view of the field. This enables the robots to only treat the individual plants that need it.

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PRESIDENT AND CEO OF FANUC EUROPE UPDATES ON ROBOT MARKET PROSPECTS employs more than 7,000 people. In Europe, FANUC has 22 entities with around 1,400 employees. “In the past couple of years the Industrial Robot market in Europe has been growing at a very high speed. It is only natural that we might now see a short term consolidation in some regions.” He pointed out that the main drivers of automation are intact: a lack of skilled workers, an increase of labour costs and the development of ever more capable industrial robots.

Whilst fears of recession worries Europe and the wider markets, the overall picture for the industrial robot market “stays bright.” So said Shinichi Tanzawa (above), President and CEO of the FANUC Europe Corporation. “In the first half of our current fiscal year our order volume in all Europe rose by a double digit percentage number and we expect the expansion to continue although it might slow down a bit.” FANUC has installed more than 550,000 robots, four million CNC controllers and 19 million servo motors worldwide. The company has 263 locations serving 108 countries and

As for the cobot trend. “We increasingly see more demand coming from small and mid-size companies, even from companies who have not been using robots in their production in the past. The interest in collaborative robots is strong all over Europe.” FANUC believes it has the widest and most reliable range of collaborative robot models on offer, ranging from the small CR-4iA that can handle loads of up to 4kg, up to the CR-35iA that can lift loads of up to 35 kg and assist workers in heavy lifting tasks without the need of special safety equipment like protective fences.” As for the skills shortage. “In most European countries that we cover we see a lack of robot programmers and engineers. That is hampering companies from automating their production sites at the pace they would like to.”

ROBOTIQ RAISES $31M Cobot gripper company Robotiq has raised $31m in funding from global investment firm Battery Ventures. It’s the company’s first ever round of institutional financing and the funds will be used for product development, international expansion and enhanced support of its partner ecosystem. Sources say a major expansion in Europe is on the cards. Robotiq makes equipment including specially designed plug-and-play “grippers” that can handle manufacturing tasks previously done by human hands. The company was founded ten years ago and spun out of a project at Laval University in Canada. “Collaborative robotics is transforming industries today, offering low-cost, easy-to-deploy solutions that stand in stark contrast to the more-complicated, legacy robotics systems of the past,” said Samuel Bouchard, Robotiq’s co-founder and CEO. “What is amazing about these

systems is how they work side-by-side with humans to improve quality, increase efficiency and minimize worker injuries. We could not be more excited to work with Battery Ventures—a firm that has demonstrated a commitment to innovation in both industrial technology and software—to take our company to the next level.” Battery General Partner Jesse Feldman, who specializes in industrial-technology investments, will join Robotiq’s board. He said: “We have been tracking Robotiq and its experienced team for several years and are extremely impressed with the business the founders have built. “Robotiq’s next-generation products are improving efficiencies at companies all over the globe and, more broadly, provide a glimpse of how new, interconnected technologies including robots, sensors and software are driving a new kind of industrial revolution with huge ramifications for the global economy and workforce.”

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Cameras - What's new this year | Robo News, features, updates | MVPRO 14 | ROBOPRO 06 | April 2019

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