Inspection and Tray Loading System

Project Criteria

AAE North America's customer manufactures sintered metal parts for engine applications. They needed an automation system to inspect three distinct assemblies for defects and ensure proper dowel insertion depth. The system had to package the inspected parts onto molded trays.

AAE North America designed and constructed an automated machine to inspect and package three distinct assemblies. A robotic solution was employed for its flexibility. The robot located, grasped, presented the various assemblies at different angles to the cameras for inspection, and organized them in a grid on trays.

A vision system was required to inspect for missing material, dents, and black specks as well as verify dowel insertion depth.  One camera also was needed to orient the robot for proper part pickup.  Another camera verified proper tray loading.