Rising Demand for Vision-Aided Feeding

Photoelectric sensors are used to detect the size, shape, color, distance, orientation or absence/presence of a the part moving through the assembly process. These sensors use a light transmitter to provide a signal to the sensor receiver which is programmed to take an action based on the result. Sensors are a highly reliable method of detecting anomalies or errors that might otherwise slow down or completely stop a production line.

Photoelectric sensors offer many advantages when compared to other technologies. The sensing ranges for photoelectric sensors are much better than for other technologies. They are also smaller a, can be placed in a variety of housings and are cost-competitive with other sensing technologies.

We recently designed a vision system that was mounted over a vibratory bowl and would detect the orientation of parts as they left the discharge. If an improperly oriented part was detected, the PLC that controlled the vision system activated an air jet which blew the part off the track and back into the bowl feeder for recirculation. This video demonstrates this custom vision-aided feeding system in action.

Manufacturers are exploring many new applications for vision-aided feeding in a variety of industries. The move toward smart factories the are connected to the industrial “internet of things” is also raising demand for vision-aided feeding in assembly processes. If you are considering adding a vision-aided feeding component to your assembly line, get in touch with our engineers to discuss your needs or fill out our quote-request form and we’ll get in touch with you.