EDIT AI PSI Feb22_PSI_mar15 24/01/2022 18:34 Page 2
VISION
The rise of the ‘cobots’ How using advanced AI and video is helping robots to “see” in manufacturing ot long ago, a world inhabited by robots was merely a sci-fi storyline. Today, robots have become part and parcel of many manufacturing lines. We’ve become used to seeing them assemble, pick and pack, and zip down warehouses looking for the latest item for delivery. They have become indispensable to many organisations and individuals, where many work hand-in-hand with human colleagues. Now, they are being given the ability to see and are using video technology to be even more efficient.
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Rise of the cobot
Most of the robotic technology seen to date in manufacturing are termed ‘cobots’. These are collaborative robots that require human-torobot interaction in order to work effectively. They can (quite literally) pick up in areas where humans cannot, lifting and assembling heavy objects. Simultaneously, they have helped to improve the safety and efficiency of assembly lines, with studies showing that human-cobot teams are 85% more productive than a human or robot operating alone. Plus, their human colleagues report feeling more satisfied in their jobs when sharing their workload with a cobot partner. Indeed, 77% of employees would be happy to work alongside cobots if it meant fewer manual processes.
growing rapidly. It is projected to reach $2.4 billion (US) by 2025, from $1.5 billion in 2020. As the sector grows, so too will its applications for cobots.
More uses
Until this development, cobots have essentially acted as strong and efficient extra limbs for operators. Now, with machine vision, they are developing situational awareness to complement their mobility and dexterity. They will be able to undertake more challenging activities, such as picking and packing fragile or difficult-to-hold items. Supported by video, cobots can orientate and perform different actions on the same object based on its positioning. They can also be programmed for quality control. Moreover, AI vision will allow cobots to work in less structured environments. Because of the situational awareness created, cobots will be able to function effectively in agricultural and food processing plants where not everything on a conveyor belt may be the same size and structure. Cobots will also be able to work with random parts placed on a belt or racking automobile components.
Improved safety
Cobots with AI vision will also be able to operate more safely. They can automatically detect when they are close to a human colleague and either slow down or stop completely based on set distance parameters. This reduces the
Greater potential
This potential can extend even further with advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) that are improving all robots’ capabilities. AI vision is a type of computer vision that enables robots (and cobots) to ‘understand’ their surroundings and human coworkers in greater detail. There are two types: 2D and 3D vision. With 3D vision, robots can understand an object in all three dimensions (its size, shape, and orientation) including depth. Giving these robots the power of vision helps them see everything around them and everything they touch with a high degree of accuracy. This will have huge ramifications for the industry. To start, the machine vision market is
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likelihood of a robotrelated accident on the plant floor and can reassure human colleagues working alongside
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