The PLB robot guidance system is designed for precise localization of parts stored in boxes or on pallets. The system is very flexible with a selection of 3D cameras to choose from. PLB supports easy configuration through a user interface tailored for part localization. It also includes functions to support simple integration with the robot controller, making it straightforward to integrate the system in production. In combination with our intuitive URCap, both the software and the pre-calibrated cameras are designed to be used right out of the box, so the system can be ready within minutes. Specialized for applications requiring the best accuracy and largest volume of view, the PLB520 camera paired with the PLB Engine can handle nearly any robotic application ask. The PLB520 works best for capturing crisp edges, creating unparalleled surface definitions, and providing sub-millimeter resolution. Typical applications might include high accuracy bin picking, tire depalletization, casting depalletization, and formed dunnage picking. Specialized for applications requiring millimeter level resolution and a small volume of view, the PLB515 camera paired with the PLB Engine can solve several small robotic applications. The PLB515 works best for robot-mounted applications where footprint may be a concern and great accuracy is still desired. Typical applications might include robot-mounted casting depalletization, indexed conveyor picking, and formed dunnage picking. Specialized for simple applications where moderate accuracy and a large volume of view are required, the PLB510 camera paired with the PLB Engine can solve your simple application. The PLB510 works best for robot-mounted applications where footprint may be a concern and only moderate resolution is needed. Additionally, the camera offers both 3D data and 2D RGB images for segmentation. Typical applications might include robot-mounted box depalletization, carton depalletization, and flexible bag picking. Specialized for complex applications where high accuracy and a medium volume of view are required, the PLB536 camera paired with the PLB Engine is tailored for the most unique objects needing to be located. The PLB536 works best for robot-mounted applications where footprint may be a concern and great resolution is needed. Additionally, the camera offers simultaneous high-quality 3D and 2D RGB images for segmentation. Typical applications might include robot-mounted high accuracy bin picking, flexible bag picking, clear object detection, and other logistics applications.
Setup the application with either a fixed or robot-mounted camera from the PLB portfolio. Install the PLB Engine from SICK's Support Portal. The engine contains PLB Studio (the GUI for job configuration) and the built-in algorithms. Plugin algorithms are available on the SICK Support Portal for localization needs outside of CAD or edge matching. These algorithms include, but not limited to: dLocate smartpick, dLocate box, stacked tires, pipe, circular shape, flat region, etc.
Establish communication between the robot controller and PLB with the URCap. Setup the job in PLB Studio to locate whatever object will be picked. Here, you can define the bin or search volume, gripper CAD, pick poses, and many other parameters for picking. Do a quick hand-eye alignment built into the URCap functionality. Refine poses in the template robot program. Finally, click play and watch the robot work!