Automating machine tending can be difficult when parts arrive in mixed piles rather than neatly staged trays. A production manufacturer of laser-cut sheet metal parts faced this challenge with a stamping press operation where parts were randomly placed on pallets and needed to be loaded into a progressive die.
To solve the problem, a vision-guided 3D bin picking system was implemented using a collaborative robot. The system identifies parts in the pile, picks them individually, loads them into the press, and removes finished components, all without operator involvement.
The manufacturer needed to automate a stamping press that processed multiple sheet metal part geometries in a low-volume, high-mix production environment. Parts arrived loosely stacked in Gaylords after laser cutting, making it difficult to automate with traditional staging or orientation equipment.
The automation cell uses a UR10e collaborative robot paired with 3D bin picking vision software to locate and pick parts directly from a pallet. The robot loads parts into an Aida stamping press, removes finished components, and manages the progression between die positions.
Robot: UR10e cobot
Vision: Keyence 3D bin picking system
Press: Aida stamping press
Base: Easy Robotics pedestal
Components: Schunk, SMC, Leuze, and CDMC
The cell completes a full pick, load, and unload cycle in approximately 20-25 seconds.
A custom end-of-arm tool (EOAT) was designed to support multiple sheet metal part geometries. The tooling combines vacuum and mechanical gripping, along with check valves and strategically spaced gripping points.
This flexible design allows multiple parts to run on the same tool without frequent changeovers. In several cases, the robot can pick parts directly from the pile and place them into the die without requiring a regrip station, reducing cycle time and simplifying the system.
One of the biggest advantages of the system is its simplicity. Instead of staging parts, operators can simply place a pallet of components in the bin picking area and start the program.
The vision system identifies parts automatically, allowing the robot to continue picking and loading parts until the pallet is empty. This enables long periods of unattended operation and keeps the press running without constant operator involvement.
Operator-free part processing
Minimal setup or staging requirements
Reliable handling of mixed sheet metal parts
Increased machine utilization
Application: Stamping press machine tending
Robot: UR10e collaborative robot
Vision: Keyence 3D bin picking system
Press: Aida stamping press
Tooling: Custom hybrid vacuum/mechanical EOAT
Production Type: Low-volume, high-mix sheet metal parts
Collaborative robots paired with vision systems can automate complex tasks like machine tending, bin picking, and part handling—even in high-mix manufacturing environments.
Learn more: automation.gogcg.com/cobots
Email: cobots@gogcg.com
Phone: 262-250-2120