The long perspective for robotic vision

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review how far the use of vision has come in providing high-end integration of robotic handling systems in production lines, and look ahead to a future where robots are equal partners with humans in the production line.Design methodology approach - Considers the benefits of 1D, 2D and 3D machine vision.Findings - Finds that the "next generation" of integrating 3D vision with robotics can achieve solutions that have previously eluded technology developers, in particular gripping complex shapes and profiles, picking at variable heights, measuring volume and mass, unpacking products in a random arrangement, e.g. in a bin or pile of parts, or where the products obscure one another.Practical implications - Shows that calibration of the 3D vision system can be more complex and time consuming. Therefore, as part of the integration process, it is important that a robust calibration capability of the vision system is built-in, for example using objects of known parameters as standards.Originality value - It has always taken vision to invest in robotic automation, now the 3D provides extra perspective on an opportunity to gain competitive advantage and achieve good returns on investment.