With previous machine vision solutions, robots only recognize the space around them or objects that they are supposed to grasp or process. With industrial image processing from 'RoVi', however, robots can now also recognize their own body parts - without electronic sensors. Software thus replaces complex hardware sensors.

Visual patterns printed on the robot are used to measure positions and movements. The 'RoVi' software uses intelligent image analysis to calculate the robot's position in space, as well as its movements and joint positions. Forces and moments are also measured using simple, passive, i.e. non-electronic, elements such as foam or springs. The contact forces of the gripper or the robot lead to characteristic deformations of these elements. The 'RoVi' software measures these deformations using image analysis algorithms and uses them to calculate the contact forces. The data and statistics generated for Industry 4.0 from the robots and their operations are processed and evaluated by 'RoVi' on site or in the cloud.

Economical use even for small quantities

In order for robots to interact safely and autonomously with their environment, more than 20 individual electronic sensor modules are often installed on robot arms, for example. This leads to high hardware, integration and maintenance costs, which can be significantly reduced with 'RoVi'. What's more, many robot systems are highly specialized in certain applications and therefore quite inflexible in use. By contrast, the 'RoVi' sensor concept consisting of passive elements and industrial image processing enables robots to achieve a new level of versatility and cost-effective use, even for small quantities or short-term applications, thanks to the rich sensor data. Objects of different shapes and materials can be handled with a single gripper with self-adapting fingers. The passive elements can also be produced quickly and cost-effectively using 3D printers for one-off robot applications, such as in medicine or food handling.

Flexible handling of objects

The 'RoVi' sensor concept opens up new markets and areas of application for robots in all areas of industry, but also in medicine, care and the private sector. Especially where flexible handling of objects is required, for example in logistics, assembly, order picking, agriculture or the food industry. In addition, 'RoVi' makes intelligent and highly sensitive robots available to small SMEs and end users.

Experts estimate the total market relevant for the 'RoVi' sensor system at EUR 570 million in 2019.