Robotics & Machine Vision - November 2018

Advances in robotics and machine vision are transforming the factory floor. To help you keep pace with the latest developments in industrial automation, we present this compendium of recent articles from the editors of Tech Briefs, Automotive Engineering, and Medical Design Briefs magazines.
Don't have an account?
Overview
The Robotics & Machine Vision Special Report from November 2018 provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements and applications of robotics and machine vision technologies across various industries. The report emphasizes the growing importance of collaborative robots (cobots) that work alongside humans, enhancing productivity and safety in workplaces.
One of the key highlights is the evolution of robots from performing simple, repetitive tasks to handling more complex operations. Despite their advancements, robots still struggle with understanding human language nuances, which limits their effectiveness in tasks requiring contextual understanding. For instance, a robot may find it challenging to identify and retrieve a specific tool from a toolbox based solely on verbal commands, as it lacks the ability to comprehend context and remember past actions.
The report also discusses the role of machine vision in robotics, which is crucial for tasks such as inspection and quality control. High-performance smart cameras are capable of inspecting up to 4,000 parts per minute, demonstrating the efficiency that machine vision brings to manufacturing processes. This capability allows for real-time monitoring and quality assurance, significantly reducing the likelihood of defects in production lines.
Furthermore, the report highlights the SAE MOBILUS™ platform, a valuable resource for mobility engineering. It offers access to over 226,000 standards, technical papers, and other materials, facilitating research and development in the mobility sector. The platform features user-friendly navigation, customizable dashboards, and dynamic redlining for tracking revisions, making it an essential tool for engineers and students alike.
The report underscores the importance of integrating robotics and machine vision to address the challenges faced in modern manufacturing and other sectors. As industries continue to evolve, the collaboration between humans and robots is expected to become more seamless, leading to increased efficiency and innovation.
In summary, the Robotics & Machine Vision Special Report provides insights into the current state and future potential of robotics and machine vision technologies. It highlights the challenges that remain, particularly in language comprehension and contextual understanding, while showcasing the significant advancements that have been made in automation and inspection capabilities. The report serves as a valuable resource for professionals in the field, offering guidance on leveraging these technologies to enhance productivity and quality in various applications.

