(l-r) Christian Kurz, Head of Robot Programming Automation, CHIRON Group; Artur Lammert, Commissioning, and Eduard Lorenz, Technical Sales Cells and Flexible Manufacturing Systems, both of Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH
The LHRobotics.Vision technology package: an intuitive solution for the complex interaction between software, image recognition systems, robots, and gripping technology.
Stationary and on-arm cameras detect workpieces in different positions and container structures.
The CHIRON Group, a global specialist in CNC-controlled machining centers as well as turn-key and automation solutions, had long been seeking a bin picking solution that was not tied to specific robots or cameras, as manufacturer-dependent systems in this area often proved limiting. Bin picking requires complex interaction between software, image recognition systems, robots, and gripping technology.
"We saw the LHRobotics.Vision technology package in action for the first time in 2023 at the 'Bin Picking in Practice' expert forum at Liebherr in Kempten," said Christian Kurz, Head of Robot Programming Automation at the CHIRON Group. "Extensive testing with various workpieces followed, which thoroughly convinced us of the combination of technological expertise and industrial-scale implementation."
The bin picking solution from Liebherr comprises a technology package with software for precise object identification and selection, as well as collision-free withdrawal of parts. Due to its open sensor interface, the software is compatible with vision systems from various manufacturers. A simulation tool allows procedures to be virtually tested and optimized-with everything on a clearly arranged and intuitive interface. The package is available in two functional forms: The basic license includes collision-free gripping and picking function for workpieces, and the pro license offers this plus placement planning.
The project-specific requirements of the CHIRON Group necessitated individual configurations: the system had to be adapted to robots from different manufacturers. Stationary and on-arm cameras were used, with the sensor mounted directly on the gripper. Workpieces with varying shapes and partially overlapping layers had to be identified and positioned on up to three trays. Different part geometries and surfaces posed additional challenges, as did the need to recognize containers and distinguish between workpieces and intermediate floors. In some applications, additional processes such as laser marking of data matrix codes or measuring systems have also been integrated.
Kurz said: "LHRobotics.Vision is exactly the building block we were looking for with our customer-specific automation solutions. Due to its flexibility and intuitive visualization, the technology package covers such a wide range of requirements that we are already planning further projects with it. All systems have been delivered, and initial customer feedback has been positive across the board. More specific questions have come in, which is why the CHIRON Group is planning to set up its own test facility so it can perform customer presentations and tests in-house and keep all that expertise right where it belongs-in the company."
Kurz placed particular emphasis on the fast response times: "Whenever we had a concern, we received immediate feedback and quick support-we were really very satisfied with that," he said.
Similarly, the Liebherr team found working with the CHIRON Group to be constructive and goal-oriented: "The in-depth collaboration gave us the opportunity not only to contribute our experience, but also to gain deeper insights into the processes and technologies of the CHIRON Group. These findings have been directly incorporated into the further development of our software solution," said Sebastian Wendt, Product Manager for Automation Systems at Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH.
For more information contact:
Liebherr Gear Technology, Inc.
1465 Woodland Drive
Saline, MI 48176-1259
734-429-7225
info.lgt@liebherr.com
www.liebherr.com
CHIRON America, Inc.
10950 Withers Cove Park Drive
Charlotte, NC 28278
704-587-9526
info.america@chiron-group.com
www.chiron-group.com