3D-Vision Guided Robotics for Material Handling

Since a few years 3D-Vision is being used in Vision Guided Robotics (VGR). It has shown that 3D-Vision has several benefits over traditional 2D-Vision solutions for robotics applications. Depending on the technological approach to obtain the three dimensional image, various camera types have shown to have different pros and cons. The paper briefly presents the specifics for a selection of available 3D-imaging technologies, followed by a more detailed description of a new camera development that is aiming to maximize the usability in typical robotics applications. This new 3D-camera brings together the positive features of traditional sheet-of-light range imaging systems, meaning robust and high-resolution image data, in combination with the ease-of-use working with traditional 2D imaging technology. The combination of the two will bring completely new possibilities for the designers of 3D-VGR solutions.