Highly flexible and reliable part localization solution for robot guidance

03 Solution

The SICK PLB solution has evolved with many years of customer involvement and feedback that has meant it keeps improving in its capabilities and reliability. It has many different advantages for adoption, and we can look at some of the best. Designed for use with the most optimal 3D sensors according to the application’s needs. For geometric matching and robot-mounted scenarios, Zivid 2 is the recommended 3D camera.

Flexible design architecture 

SICK PLB has an extensive range of native features, including CAD matching and edge matching. It also offers the flexibility to expand with the use of plug-in software components for geometric matching algorithms (circles, pipes, rectangles, etc.). This modular nature has meant PLB can use CAD matching to find parts or can be trained on representative parts for the picking process. Additionally, the open API means customers can develop special plug-ins to match their exact requirements in a simple way. Additionally, it is designed to work with a broad range of end effectors for different picking demands. 

Speed 

SICK PLB has fast cycle time potential as a core value proposition. During testing, the system delivered processing speeds of less than 1 second. Cycle times are easily tailored to the application’s needs. 

Robot-mounted flexibility with HDR and color 

By using Zivid 2 as the 3D camera, PLB offers localization based on color parameters. Zivid’s excellence in high dynamic range scenes means that everything from black rubber pipes to shiny metallic parts can be localized and picked. An example of this in use is tire picking, where very dark rubber and shiny metallics are present on the same object. Explore Zivid point clouds library →

SICK technical support 

The technical support services from SICK are very important and contribute to the high quality of this product. Most bin-picking solutions will require some element of customization and commissioning for deployment. This fine-tuning service from the experienced engineers at SICK goes a long way to ensure the high performance and reliability of PLB when deployed 

04 Result

• Piece picking (e.g. e-commerce, logistics, and medical)
• Bin picking in manufacturing
• Robot guidance (e.g. welding and surface finishing)
• Assembly (e.g. automotive)

As an easy-to-use product, it can be deployed in a few days, and if special bespoke components a required, the system architecture is designed to accommodate that, either with help from SICK or a third party. When used together with the Zivid 2 industrial 3D camera, localization choices and accuracy are taken to the next level offering a bin-picking cell with almost unlimited possibilities.