Robotics and machine vision for introduction to flexible automation to engineering undergraduates

Robots and numerically controlled machines allow easy reprogramming capability to adapt to varying task requirements and hence have found extensive use in manufacturing automation in factories. Although programmable robots have provided some degree of flexibility in automation efforts, they have largely been incorporated in manufacturing cells where some of the initial pans handling have to be provided with the help of rigid fixtures. Vision and tactile sensing capability are gradually being incorporated in robotic work-cells in the modern factories to provide additional flexibility to parts handling in pick and place, welding, painting, polishing and assembly operations. In this paper an educational project using an industrial robot and integrated vision system is described. The project demonstrates flexibility provided by an integrated vision system in a robotic work-cell.