Cognex has added a 3D capability to its VisionPro software to provide real-time, 3D position information in stationary and robotic applications. VisionPro 3D is intended for applications such as racking, depalletising and assembly verification. It works with any number of fixed or robot-mounted cameras.

According to Dr David Michael, director of Cognex’s core vision technology group, the 3D system has been designed to work in real-world conditions. “It continues to perform even if some part features are not visible,” he explains. “It even compensates if one of the cameras has moved out of alignment, so that production can continue uninterrupted.”

The software uses multiple sets of the two-dimensional functions used in existing Cognex alignment and geometric pattern-matching tools. Precision calibration tools adjust for optical distortion and camera position, and synchronise cameras with vision-guided robots.