The EVT (EyeVision Technology) EyeScan AT 3D uses a three-dimensional sensor, whose data evaluation is carried out with the EyeVision image processing software. Using the 3D commands of the drag-and-drop programmable software, robot guidance becomes an easy-to-solve application.

For robot guidance, the 3D-positioning of the measuring object and its geometrical characteristics are detected. Additionally, the position discrepancy is calculated and the corrected data is forwarded to the robot system.

At the same time, the EyeScan AT 3D can inspect the surface of the objects, such as the surface texture of gingerbread cookies. During the baking process the gingerbread becomes slightly uneven and therefore has to be measured again separately one by one. The robot needs the orientation and height information for the subsequent sugar icing decoration of the pastry. For this application, the robot should position itself with the camera system above the gingerbread and then could measure and decorate the cookie.

Further application examples for the EyeScan AT 3D and EyeVision software are the adhesive bead and weld seam inspection, solar cell control, as well as tire and rubber inspection.

OCR can also be combined with 3D-surface inspection of embossed and debossed surfaces. The z-values of the 3D-inspection is recognized by the OCR-tool as lettering.

“Intelligent” sensors such as the EyeScan AT 3D are becoming increasingly relevant in industrial applications. By equipping an industrial robot with the proper sensors, the robot can carry out the task largely by itself.