Robotics and Automation White Papers

The BitFlow SDK offers a number of different methods for programming and controlling a CoaXPress (CXP) camera connected to a BitFlow CXP frame grabber. While number of workflows might seem confusing, the design goal was to provide a methodology that meets the needs of a wide variety of users. The purpose of the this document is to explain all the CXP tools that are available in the BitFlow SDK, and how their flexibility is actually quite powerful, and can be molded to meet each different application’s needs.

This paper discusses how machine vision can bring cost and performance benefits to Internet of Things applications, while enabling new machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities,

AI and machine learning promise to bring new cost and process benefits into inspection systems. Our latest whitepaper explores how smart sensor and imaging devices help overcome bandwidth and networking challenges while providing a first step towards integrating AI in automation systems.

Integrating servo drives into motion systems forces engineers to make decisions that will ultimately affect the entire machine build. Specification choices include picking between analog and digital servo drives; torque-mode or linear servo operation; PCB-mount or fully enclosed standalone construction; and partially to fully distributed drive topologies.

This white paper addresses the most difficult challenges facing manufacturers and OEMs as they compete to reach their production targets. With their equipment running at maximum loads, how can they avoid breakdowns in pneumatic components? What are the smartest and most economical approaches available to assure optimal performance? Recent advances in sensor technology make it possible to obtain performance-related data from which more informed decisions can be made about the need to replace failing components. This paper analyzes the different maintenance strategies for pneumatic actuators and the role sensors can play in each.

The latest generation of PI hexapod controllers with integrated EtherCAT interface now make it very easy for users to integrate hexapods into automation systems without the need for to perform challenging kinematic transformations.

When you’re choosing an encoder for a motion control system, you’ll be faced with numerous technical terms. The amount of data available can be overwhelming. Which critical terms should you focus on first, and which can be deferred? This paper looks at three important concepts that deserve your attention: resolution, accuracy and precision.