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Should You Mount the Wrist Camera or Fix It in Place?

Compare fixed vs robot-mounted setups to choose the best configuration for your application

Context

When installing the Robotiq Wrist Camera, one of the first design decisions is whether to mount the camera directly on the robot or fix it in a static position in the environment. Each approach has its benefits and drawbacks. This article helps you evaluate both setups based on flexibility, accuracy, calibration needs, and safety.

Option 1 – Fixed camera setup

The camera is installed on a frame, shelf, or bracket external to the robot.

Advantages

  • Parallel task execution: The main robot program and the part location (detection) can run in parallel, saving valuable cycle time.

  • Consistent accuracy: The fixed camera provides stable positioning since it doesn’t move during detection.

  • No payload impact: The robot’s entire payload is available for the object being manipulated.

  • Ideal for large bins or deep workspaces: The camera’s placement can be optimized for depth and coverage.

Disadvantages

  • Requires calibration between the robot and camera coordinate frames.

  • Recalibration needed if the camera or robot is repositioned.

  • Limited flexibility: Each camera typically covers only one bin or station.

 

 

Option 2 – Robot-mounted camera setup - Wrist Camera

The camera is mounted on the robot’s wrist or end-effector.

Advantages

  • High flexibility: The robot brings the camera to multiple bins, conveyors, or changing workspaces.

  • No external calibration required — the camera moves with the robot, so their frames are naturally aligned.

  • Simplifies multi-bin setups: A single robot can inspect and pick from several positions.

Disadvantages

  • Collision risk: The added hardware increases the size of the end-effector.

  • Cable management required: Camera cables must be routed safely along moving joints.

  • Time task execution: The main robot program and the part location (detection) cannot run in parallel, so it takes more cycle time.

 

 

Conclusion

Choose the right camera placement based on your application needs:

  • A fixed camera is ideal when your workspace is stable and precision is key.

  • A robot-mounted camera gives you maximum flexibility for dynamic or multi-bin environments, with added consideration for payload and safety.