B&R integrates vision into machine automation

At this year's SPS IPC Drives, B&R introduced what it calls the "world's first image processing solution to be seamlessly incorporated in the automation system." The solution comprises cameras, software and lighting accessories.

At the heart of the solution is a broad selection of intelligent camera technology. Options at the lower end will replace simple machine vision sensors, while the top of the range will leverage the ability of high-end smart cameras. Ready-made software components are available for creating applications with minimal new programming.

Lighting elements are available integrated in the camera, as an external device or even as a combination of the two. Precise synchronization for high-speed image capture and object-specific functions such as bright-field or dark-field illumination are designed to be easy to implement. Image triggers and lighting control can be synchronized with the rest of the automation system in hard real time and with sub-microsecond precision.

B&R boasts that its machine vision system is integrated on every level: the engineering tool, the real-time operating system and the application software.

B&R makes machine vision an integral element of the automation ecosystem.