Applied Manufacturing Technologies, Inc. Partners with Bosch Rexroth to Sponsor LSSU Machine Vision Robotics Project
LSSU Seniors Realize Their Vision Via Portable Robotic Workcell
Orion, Michagan - April 14, 2008 - Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), a leading supplier of factory automation design, engineering and process consulting services has sponsored the development of a vision-based robotic workcell as a senior project at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in Sault Sainte Marie, MI. Designed by the students, with support and guidance from AMT's Jean-Pierre Rasaiah, the cell identifies and robotically packages consumer products from a moving conveyor. The workcell is based on a multi-axis workcell donated by Bosch Rexroth, including a conveyor system and a motion logic controller. To help complete the project, AMT was also able to arrange the use of a Stäubli RX60 robot & controller, a Cognex DVT Legend 520 SmartImage camera, and a Siemens HMI panel.
"We've worked closely with Lake Superior State University for years, and we're excited to support another strong class of graduating seniors," commented Joe Campbell, AMT's COO. "LSSU has developed a world class automation program, and we're proud to be a small part of their success."
Kevin Gingerich, director of marketing services at Bosch Rexroth in Buchanan, MI says of their donation to the project, "By providing the LSSU team with Rexroth technology, we knew they'd get a chance to work under real-world conditions with world-class automation components." Gingerich adds, "We were also confident AMT would provide the seniors with good supervision and support. We're pleased that the timing was right and that we had the opportunity and the means to contribute."
"Our senior projects provide our students with a simulation of the real-life engineering," says Dr. Taskin Padir, assistant professor at LSSU, and faculty advisor for this project. "This experience makes sure that they are ready to take the challenge as they graduate and join the engineering work force. That's why AMT's support is valued greatly by the students and faculty at LSSU."
The LSSU robotic workcell is built on Rexroth's aluminum extrusion framework, employing a Bosch Rexroth VarioFlow conveyor system, IndraMotion MLC motion logic controller, IndraDrive Servos and IndraDyn Motors to circulate the products through the cycle.
A Cognex SmartImage camera scans each product as it passes, while the program notifies the Stäubli robot to retrieve a specific selection and drop it off the line to be packaged. Parameters for the project define a successful running cycle to continue for ten hours with no more than one hour of recovery time. Once the workcell is complete, the workcell will be used as a training device for future students and AMT personnel alike.
Founded in 1989 by Michael Jacobs, AMT is a leading supplier of complete consulting and engineering services, offering single-source engineering solutions to the automation and manufacturing industries. The company's service offerings range from design and simulation to programming, installation and support of industrial automation solutions. The company's technical and industry expertise in process automation for the automotive, aerospace, building materials, consumer products, food, heavy equipment, machinery, medical, and truck industries offers its customers the highest quality professional service available in the industrial arena. For more information contact Applied Manufacturing Technologies at 248-409-2000, or online at www.appliedmfg.com.
Press Analysts
Val Cureton
Cureton Communications
408.425.5025 (voice)
val@curetoncommunications.com
Industry Analysts
Joseph Campbell
Applied Manufacturing Technologies, Inc.
COO
248.409.2002 (voice)
248.409.2011 (fax)
jcampbell@appliedmfg.com
