Scanning during transport in robot picking applications

Automating robot picking in distribution warehouses and on manufacturing lines is key to improving productivity. However, a major challenge has been the loss of takt time because robots had to stop moving to read barcodes when transporting picked boxes. This case study proposes a groundbreaking solution to this problem.

By utilizing KEYENCE's SR-5000 Series logistics code reader, barcodes and 2D codes can be instantly read from below the conveyor without stopping the robot arm's movement as it transports the box. The SR-5000 Series boasts an overwhelmingly wide field of view, long-range performance, and the ability to track fast-moving objects. This makes it possible to reliably capture barcodes even if the position or angle of the box moved by the robot at high speed varies.

This stable reading performance optimizes the robot's movements, seamlessly connects the process from picking to the next step, and significantly shortens the cycle time. It is also robust against challenging codes that are faded or dirty, maintaining a high reading rate, which greatly contributes to improving traceability in FA (Factory Automation) and streamlining the entire logistics process.