Dec 24 2010
Meta Vision Systems has unveiled a new seam tracking system called the Smart Laser Pilot for robotic welding applications. The Smart Laser Pilot is based on a patented Smart Laser Sensor (SLS) and provides image-processing feature in the sensor head.
Robotic Welding Laser Sensor
The SLS technology combines sophisticated image processing software and hardware, a laser stripe projector and a high-resolution MP camera in a small and sturdy sensor head design. A built-in weld spatter shield, front window blow-off and integral cooling ensure the durability of the laser sensor in extreme welding conditions.
The Smart Laser Sensor is positioned before the welding torch on the surface of the robot end effector. In addition, the SLS obtains data at a rate of 30 full-frame images per second. The windowing function focuses on image analysis on a particular region of interest and enables higher frame rates.
The complete image processing operations occur within the sensor head with a ±0.1 mm tracking accuracy in vertical and horizontal planes at a 50 mm field of view. In addition, the sensor has an automatic laser intensity control that eliminates laser reflection issues.