Universal Robotics - Products and Services - Spatial Vision

Spatial Vision

Universal’s Spatial Vision line of products was created during the development of Neocortex. This software allows any pair of webcams to be turned into a 3D vision system.

Universal has three Spatial Vision product lines – Spatial Vision, Spatial Vision Robotics, and Spatial Vision Inspection.

The Spatial Vision software combines the images from two, off-the-shelf USB webcams to determine a point’s 3D coordinates. This 3D data can be used to measure, identify objects, and calibrate and help guide robots.

3D vision systems have many benefits over 2D, including better accuracy and object identification, but adoption has been slow in many markets because traditional systems are costly and difficult to maintain. Spatial Vision provides 0.1 sub pixel accuracy but does not require precision mounting or specialized cameras, which makes it easy to set up and costs a fraction of traditional 3D vision systems.

Spatial Vision provides programmatic interfaces to 3D calibration files for custom C, C++ and MATLAB applications.

Spatial Vision can be used for tasks ranging from engineering applications to motion capture to improved facial recognition. The system also can be used to measure situations such as in-store foot traffic patterns as well as scientific applications requiring object tracking and visual analytics. In March 2011, Universal launched Spatial Vision 2.0, which added support for GigE Allied Vision cameras, improved user interfaces and enhanced accuracy tools, such as snap-to-corner measurement assistance and accuracy calculator displays.

Spatial Vision can be deployed in any setting where a pair of cameras can be installed, including manufacturing lines, warehouses, laboratories, office buildings and department stores.

Universal partnered with Logitech to launch the Spatial Vision Logitech Bundle, which includes the Spatial Vision software, two webcams and a pair of 3D glasses.

Spatial Vision Robotics, which is specially engineered to guide robots, tracks moving machinery being controlled with Spatial Vision’s 3D data relative to its surroundings and objects of interest. Spatial Vision Robotics provides real-time vision guidance for random parts picking, pallet sorting, automated kitting and box moving (palletization and depalletization).

As part of an ongoing collaboration with Motoman Robotics, a division of Yaskawa America, Inc., Universal launched MotoSight™ 3D Spatial Vision, a 3D vision system that delivers cost-effective, flexible and scalable real-time 3D vision guidance for Motoman robots.

As with other Spatial Vision products, MotoSight™ 3D Spatial Vision is easier to install and has a lower price-point than traditional 3D vision systems. The system determines six degrees of object position and pose information (X, Y, Z, Rx, Ry, Rz) and is accurate within 2-4mm with off-the-shelf Logitech 9000 webcams. Accuracy can be improved by substituting webcams with GigE cameras.

Spatial Vision Inspection provides 3D inspection of objects up to the size of a pallet. It improves quality by reducing the variability of visual inspection while inspecting at production speeds. In the case of pallets, it identifies a wide range of defects such as raised nails, damaged wood, split or loose boards, or missing wood.

Spatial Vision Inspection creates an accurate 3D image of the object with the proper placement of a combination of cameras and other sensors. This enables clarity even at the edges of the field of view where most the damage to pallets occur.