Our Sites

Applied Manufacturing Technologies, Bosch Rexroth sponsor LSSU robotics project

Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), Orion, Mich., has sponsored the development of a vision-based robotic workcell as a senior project at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in Sault Sainte Marie, Mich.

Designed by the students, with support and guidance from AMT's Jean-Pierre Rasaiah, the cell identifies and robotically packages consumer products from a moving conveyor. The workcell, which is based on a multiaxis workcell donated by Bosch Rexroth, Buchanan, Mich., includes a conveyor system and a motion logic controller. To help complete the project, AMT arranged the use of a Stubli RX60 robot and controller, a Cognex DVT Legend 520 SmartImage camera, and a Siemens HMI panel.

The LSSU robotic workcell is built on Rexroth's aluminum extrusion framework, employing a Bosch Rexroth VarioFlow conveyor system, an IndraMotion motion logic controller, IndraDrive servos, and IndraDyn motors to circulate the products through the cycle. The camera scans each product as it passes, while the program notifies the robot to retrieve a specific selection and drop it off the line to be packaged. Project parameters define a successful running cycle to continue for 10 hours with no more than one hour of recovery time. The completed workcell will be used as a training device for future students and AMT personnel.

AMT is a supplier of factory automation design, engineering, and process consulting services. Bosch Rexroth supplies components and systems for industrial and factory automation and mobile applications.