What's trending on DoF this week? Identify two different parts with the camera, program the touch off trick, best simulation tool, polishing application and much more. Get the latest news from automation Pros!

How to Identify Two Different Parts With the Camera in the Same Program?

Our application engineer Catherine_Bernier got a question from a customer asking if we can teach two different parts in the same program. The answer is yes you can! You can create a camera node to detect the part, then use the camera again to detect the tray or box to put the part in. Moreover, you don't need to calibrate the Snapshot Position at the same height for both. You can have different positions for each calibration. Do you have any applications in mind where you would need such a feature?

How to Program the Touch Off Trick?

Mertzga has seen typical videos of stacking type applications where the UR moves down until it comes in contact with something then moves upwards to return to pick an object at a certain height above the initial point of contact. Can you share some insight on how this would be programmed? Another question he raised is about a stacking application he is working on. He needs to stack parts in a box and insert a sheet of cardboard between each layer. He wants to know if it's possible to insert a pause and a pop-up between layers in a box sequence. Can you help mertzga?

Which Is the Best Simulation Tool?

Harish would like to know if there is any simulation tool that can simulate the movement of a working human operator and a cobot along with integrated safety and vision sensors on a Universal Robots. Many companies offer software for offline simulation with UR, such as RoboDK, Energid, Artiminds and Universal Robots itself. Do you have any other simulation tools in mind? If so share them with us!

Polishing Application Using UR and FT300

Sebastien is working on a potential project for a client that would require polishing of a surface. He believes that using the FT300 will be required in most applications because of the accuracy at which they want to control the force. However, during the polishing process they expect noise on their signal mainly due to rotational effect of the tool. The rotating tool will be mounted on the robot and the robot will move along the surface keeping constant force on it. Has anyone worked on a similar application?