Application setup
Setting Up Conveyor Tracking for a Robot
For integrators configuring a robot to track and process parts moving on a conveyor using an encoder-synchronized coordinate frame.
Confirm encoder counts and scaling
Verify the controller reads encoder counts correctly and that the counts-per-distance scaling matches the physical conveyor.
Set up the conveyor tracking coordinate frame
Configure the tracking frame per the manufacturer's conveyor tracking option, aligning it with the direction of conveyor travel.
Calibrate the frame with a physical part
Run the calibration procedure using a part at the trigger sensor and a known downstream reference to align the frame accurately.
Define the tracking window
Set the upstream and downstream limits within which the robot will track and process a part before it exits the work envelope.
Teach the process path relative to the tracked frame
Program pick, place, or process points relative to the conveyor frame so they move correctly with part motion.
Test at production line speed
Run the conveyor at normal operating speed and confirm the robot tracks and processes parts accurately across the full window.
Verify handoff at window boundaries
Confirm the robot completes or safely aborts processing if a part reaches the edge of the tracking window, without a collision or missed cycle.
Document the calibration
Record the frame calibration values and tracking window limits for future reference and troubleshooting.
Common questions
- How long does this procedure take?
- Setting Up Conveyor Tracking for a Robot is rated Advanced and takes about 100 minutes across 8 steps.
- What tools do I need?
- You will need Conveyor encoder and interface hardware, Teach pendant, Test parts and a way to trigger part-present detection.
- What should I do before starting?
- Conveyor encoder wired and scaled to the controller. Part detection sensor installed at a known trigger point.
- What is the first step?
- Confirm encoder counts and scaling. Verify the controller reads encoder counts correctly and that the counts-per-distance scaling matches the physical conveyor.