SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF THREE MACHINE VISION SYSTEMS AND ONE LASER PROFILER TO THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

This project is funded by the European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF) and the procurement is dependent on the final funding agreement.

The University of Birmingham invites tenders for the supply of three machine vision systems and one laser profiler. The machine vision systems will be integrated into automation systems and robotic systems to form part of physical demonstrators, i.e. facilities created as part of the ESIF project, which will be used to facilitate/support the take-up of high-impact automation technologies by SMEs in the West Midlands. In this context, the systems will be used to develop new applications for the technology in collaboration with technology providers and carry out feasibility studies and pilot projects to address the specific requirements of local SMEs. Therefore, it will be required as part of the project to build strong partnerships with technology providers and define a joint co-funded R&D programme for the benefit of local businesses.

The machine vision systems could be used as automated inspection tools for products such as electronic equipment, vehicle parts, metal components, food, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. The required system functions include presence/absence detection, position and alignment detection, dimension measurement, flaw detection, counting, defect inspection, character recognition, 2D code and barcode code reading. The systems can be used for real-time and automated inspection on production lines.

The machine vision systems should be easily integrated with industrial robots including TechMan, KUKA LBR iiwa, and Staubli robots to enable vision-guided robot motion (visual servoing). Direct communication between vision system controller and robot controller should be easily established and the settings easily configured. Reliable and stable calibration should be easily carried out to link robot and vision system.

The machine vision systems should include cameras, lenses, lighting units, controllers, PC software, cables and other accessories. Different functions should be included in system software, which are easy for operators to use.