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Automated shovel production with Pickit and UR

Problem

In the manual production of shovels, several labor-intensive and repetitive tasks are involved, such as handling wooden handles, attaching grips, and positioning metal blades. These tasks are time-consuming, prone to errors, and often require precision, making them ideal candidates for automation. The challenge is to automate these processes efficiently while ensuring accurate handling of parts of varying sizes and materials.

Solution

The solution involves the integration of a cobot equipped with the Pickit 3D vision system and a UR robotic arm to automate the shovel production process:

1. Handling Wooden Handles: Pickit detects and identifies individual wooden handles within a disordered pile and sends precise coordinates to the UR robot. The robot picks each handle and places it in an automatic drill for a hole to be drilled for attaching the grip.

2. Attaching Grips: Pickit locates grips in a disordered bin, and the UR robot picks them based on Pickit's guidance. The robot then screws the grips onto the sides of the long wooden handles with precision.

3. Positioning Metal Blades: Pickit detects the sheet metal blades and provides accurate information to the UR robot. The robot clamps the blades securely onto the other side of the wooden stem.

Outcome

Implementing the Pickit 3D vision system and UR cobot in the shovel production process leads to several significant outcomes:

1. Increased Efficiency: Automation of handling, drilling, and attaching tasks reduces production time, increases efficiency, and allows for faster shovel manufacturing.

2. Improved Precision: Pickit's precise 3D vision ensures accurate positioning and attachment of handles, grips, and metal blades, reducing errors and improving product quality.

3. Labor Savings: With automation, there is a reduction in the need for manual labor in shovel production, resulting in cost savings and a safer work environment.

4. Versatility: The Pickit system's ability to handle parts of varying sizes, colors, and materials makes it adaptable to different shovel models and configurations.

5. Reliability: The combination of Pickit and UR cobot offers a reliable and consistent production process, minimizing downtimes and ensuring product consistency.