Vision-based guidance of a robotic arm for object handling operations — The white'R vision framework

In this paper, the most recent advances of the white'R vision framework are presented. The EU-funded FP7 project white'R aims at enhancing the use of robotics in the laser technology industry by incorporating vision-based guidance for effective object handling operations. A bundle of different image recognition tasks are described and analyzed, corresponding mainly to accurate mapping and precise localization of the respective industrial components for correct picking and placing. In addition, the design and consolidation of the vision sensing system that provide input to the various software components responsible for the visual checks is presented. The goal of the white'R vision framework is to enhance the robot's end-effector precision and provide a sophisticated mechatronic automation system to the optoelectronic market.