TOOLS THE CASE FOR CAMERAS
DESOUTTER
How real-time object tracking is revolutionising manufacturing
As the manufacturing sector becomes increasingly complex , new technologies are required to meet its many challenges .
Since the time of the industrial revolution , skilled workers have been supplemented with systems and machines . Where historically adherence to a process would have fallen primarily to the worker , the last two decades have seen a significant shift away from preventing out-of-process activity through physical means , to doing so digitally . This is a trend that has not only penetrated the manufacturing industry , but one we can all see first-hand in daily life . As physical hardware can be a notable cause of failure , in addition to being difficult to modify and adapt , anything that can be done through software and potentially updated over the air can represent a major improvement . We need not look further than shifts by Apple to remove the physical button from the bottom of its iPhone , or Tesla removing climate and media controls in favour of a single touch screen .
HOW OBJECT TRACKING DRIVES DIGITISATION
In industry , one area currently experiencing a significant move to digitisation is object tracking using computer vision to replace older physical and mechanical controls . One example of this shift is traditional ‘ pick-to-light ’ systems ; consider the cost and complexity associated with IO devices , wiring , lamps , sensors or buttons , all of which bringing their own mounting and installation of requirements . This overhead is substantially reduced by utilising a camerabased system and process control HMI .
Another area cameras offer value over traditional controls is positional tooling , a verification process that ensures bolts and screws are completed in the correct sequence . Previously , position-based tooling would have needed an encoder arm to verify the tool location , here a camera can be used instead , freeing up an operator to work unhindered by the movement and size constraints associated with an arm-mounted tool .
These are just two of the many examples offering a clear picture of where camerabased solutions can reduce the cost and complexity of common manufacturing applications .
NOT ALL CAMERA SYSTEMS ARE CREATED EQUAL
Despite the many advantages camerabased object tracking brings , it hasn ’ t always been obvious the technology has a place in industry . After all , the reliability and accuracy requirements of high volume and / or precision manufacturing are paramount . Furthermore , questions around privacy and GDPR are rightly raised when it comes to protecting employees ’ welfare and rights .
In contrast to some of the early attempts to make the technology commercially viable , infrared ( IR ) ‘ tag ’ based systems have proven themselves dependable and accurate in the field , whilst also bringing advantages not possible with other ‘ object recognition ’ style systems . Utilising an infrared camera to monitor a series of IR LEDs means the privacy risk to a worker can be fully removed as the camera only sees LEDs , nothing more . The overall accuracy and reliability is greatly improved . Plus , with the system only having to track one type of object ( the tag , or tags , depending on requirement ), programming can be done faster and more efficiently .
THE HUMAN TOUCH
In an era where much press is dedicated to furthering automation , there remains a significant need for humans in the
150 PECM Issue 58