Enterprises around the world are progressively integrating automation and robotics in their processes. The same disruptive technologies are also developing and converging. One such growth trend is the combination of machine vision with robotics to add new capabilities and enable smart manufacturing.
At TechInnovation 2017, SODA VISION, a local SME specialising in machine vision and imaging technology solutions met Photoneo, a Slovakia-based company that provides 3D vision scanners and 3D software. SODA VISION was particularly interested in Photoneo’s 3D vision system for bin picking application.
Following a series of discussions, both parties entered into an agreement to collaborate on a bin picking project with a robotic arm provider. Robotic bin picking is a technique where a robot is used to pick and place randomly placed objects from a bin. Integration work has been completed since May 2018. Two demonstration work stations utilising Photoneo’s 3D vision scanner, ABB 6-axis robot, and gripper system have been set up inside their vision lab at Woodlands, Singapore.
“Our technology partnership integrates Photoneo’s vision scanner and motion algorithm for a high functioning robot, allowing our clients to tackle the labour crunch and improve manufacturing efficiency. The use of robotic arms and 3D vision will bring about improvements in workplace safety by reducing workers’ exposure to potential workplace hazards like heat, noise, chemicals and musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive movements and handling heavy parts,” said Chin Jack, Managing Director, SODA VISION.
“Our 3D bin picking solutions empower enterprises to maximise the potential of their workforce by freeing them from monotonous tasks. We find great synergy in our technology collaboration and further deepened our partnership in November 2017, where SODA VISION has become a distributor and integrator of our 3D vision products to markets in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand,” said Tomas Murgas, Sales Director Asia, Photoneo.
The participation by Photoneo at TechInnovation was facilitated by the Singapore Central European Chamber of Commerce (SCECHAM).
Manufacturers worldwide are increasingly turning to automation and robotics to enhance productivity and address workforce challenges. However, many traditional robotic systems struggle with tasks that require perception and adaptability, such as picking randomly placed objects from bins. This limitation often leads to inefficiencies, persistent reliance on manual labour, and increased exposure of workers to hazardous environments. For SODA VISION, the challenge was to develop a solution that could automate the bin picking process—a task that typically involves repetitive movements and the handling of heavy parts. Manual bin picking not only slows down production but also exposes workers to potential workplace hazards such as heat, noise, chemicals, and musculoskeletal injuries. Overcoming these challenges required integrating advanced perception capabilities into robotic systems to enable them to accurately identify and manipulate objects of varying shapes and positions within a bin. The need for a robust, intelligent bin picking solution was further driven by the manufacturing sector's ongoing labour crunch and the demand for higher efficiency. SODA VISION sought to empower their clients to tackle these issues by leveraging cutting-edge technology that could deliver both productivity gains and improved workplace safety.
IPI Singapore facilitated the introduction between SODA VISION and Photoneo at TechInnovation 2017, enabling SODA VISION to explore Photoneo’s advanced 3D vision system for bin picking applications. Through this connection, SODA VISION and Photoneo entered into a collaborative agreement to integrate Photoneo’s 3D vision scanner and motion algorithms with robotic arm technology, specifically for automated bin picking. The collaboration resulted in the successful integration of Photoneo’s 3D vision scanner, ABB 6-axis robot, and a gripper system, culminating in the setup of two demonstration workstations at SODA VISION’s vision lab in Woodlands, Singapore. This partnership allowed SODA VISION to offer high-functioning robotic bin picking solutions that not only improved manufacturing efficiency but also enhanced workplace safety by reducing workers’ exposure to hazardous conditions. By leveraging IPI Singapore’s network and facilitation, SODA VISION was able to access and deploy world-class 3D vision technology, positioning itself as a distributor and integrator for markets in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.
"Our technology partnership integrates Photoneo’s vision scanner and motion algorithm for a high functioning robot, allowing our clients to tackle the labour crunch and improve manufacturing efficiency. The use of robotic arms and 3D vision will bring about improvements in workplace safety by reducing workers’ exposure to potential workplace hazards like heat, noise, chemicals and musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive movements and handling heavy parts."
"Our 3D bin picking solutions empower enterprises to maximise the potential of their workforce by freeing them from monotonous tasks. We find great synergy in our technology collaboration and further deepened our partnership in November 2017, where SODA VISION has become a distributor and integrator of our 3D vision products to markets in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand."
SODA VISION is a Singapore-based SME specialising in machine vision and imaging technology solutions. The company focuses on providing innovative automation solutions for manufacturing environments, helping clients enhance productivity and operational efficiency.