Robotics Applications • Machine Vision

Robot Vision Integration

Add “eyes” to your automation: locate parts, verify assembly, inspect defects, read barcodes, and track product  with 2D or 3D vision integrated into a reliable robotic cell.

What vision solves

  • Part location & orientation (no fixtures required)
  • Verification & error-proofing
  • Inspection for defects / missing components
  • Barcode / data capture for traceability

2D vs 3D

2D is great for XY + rotation. 3D adds depth for stacked, mixed, or irregular product.

Typical 3D applications include depalletizing, bin picking, kitting, and palletizing.

Designed for the plant floor

  • Handles lighting issues
  • Robust inspection tools for real-world surfaces
  • Builds in traceability and reporting when needed

Vision options we integrate


FANUC Vision Tools

Motion Controls Robotics integrates robotic vision using FANUC iRVision and third-party vision products we select based on the application, environment, and inspection requirements.

FANUC iRVision (2D + 3D)

FANUC’s iRVision offering includes integrated 2D guidance and multiple 3D options (including 3DV/3DA Area Sensor configurations) for detection, guidance, and 3D measurement.

  • 2D guidance: location, orientation, presence/absence, error proofing
  • 3D detection: depalletizing, tote/bin picking, kitting, wide-area measurement
  • Fixed-mount or robot-mount camera strategies depending on reach & field-of-view

Barcode + traceability


Barcode Tracing

For tracking and verification, one or more conveyor-mounted barcode scanners (such as Cognex) can be integrated with counting and tracking logic so each case is scanned and recorded for downstream systems.

When deeper visibility is needed, scan events and production data can feed into ImpactIQ, our dashboarding and tracking software, so teams can monitor performance, trends, and exceptions without digging through raw logs.

Force sensing (when “feel” matters)

Some applications require more than seeing.  They require controlled force and torque. FANUC force sensing supports multi-direction force/torque feedback (6 degrees of freedom) for precision assembly and material removal tasks.

  • Insertion / assembly with tight tolerances
  • Inspection steps where consistent contact force matters

Applications


Line Tracking

Guidance + picking

  • Locate parts on conveyors
  • Pick from mixed or unpredictable presentation
  • Replace inflexible hard tooling/fixtures



See Guidance + Picking Examples


Part Inspection

Inspection + verification

  • Error proofing (right part, right place)
  • Presence/absence checks
  • Detect defects or missing components



See Inspection Examples


Depalletizing

3D handling

  • Depalletizing with variable layers
  • Bin/tote picking
  • Mixed case palletizing



See Our Random Case Depalletizing Video

What makes a vision project succeed

  • Lighting first: consistent lighting beats “more software” almost every time.
  • Surface reality: glossy film, dark parts, and mixed materials often require specific optics/filters and controlled angles.
  • Cycle time: field-of-view, exposure, and processing time must match your throughput targets.
  • Integration: the best vision result is useless if the PLC/robot handshake and fault recovery aren’t rock-solid.

FAQs

Do I need 3D vision?

If product height varies, items are stacked with mixed product, or you need depth data to pick reliably, 3D is often the right move. If parts are presented consistently and you mainly need XY + rotation, 2D may be enough.

Can vision work in harsh plant environments?

Yes – but it has to be designed for it. Proper lighting, shielding, mounting, and a practical maintenance plan are key.

Can you integrate barcode tracking and reporting?

Yes. Barcode readers can be integrated for traceability and connected into PLC/robot logic. If you want dashboards and ongoing visibility, that same data can also feed ImpactIQ for reporting and tracking.

Features & Benefits

  • 2D + 3D vision options for guidance and inspection
  • Flexible part location without dedicated fixtures
  • Error proofing to protect quality and reduce rework
  • Traceability with barcode scanning and logging
  • Supports conveyor and cell-based workflows

Tell us what you’re trying to accomplish

The fastest way to scope vision is to review product photos, variability, and the “decision” the system must make.

  • What’s the part/case variation?
  • What’s the required cycle time?
  • What’s the pass/fail criteria?
  • Where does the data need to go?

Ready to scope a vision solution?

If you’re dealing with inconsistent product presentation, inspection needs, or traceability requirements, we can help you define the right vision approach (2D or 3D), select the best sensor strategy, and integrate it into a dependable robotic system.


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