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.
- Step 1.
Confirm encoder counts and scaling
Verify the controller reads encoder counts correctly and that the counts-per-distance scaling matches the physical conveyor.
- Step 2.
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.
- Step 3.
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.
- Step 4.
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.
- Step 5.
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.
- Step 6.
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.
- Step 7.
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.
- Step 8.
Document the calibration
Record the frame calibration values and tracking window limits for future reference and troubleshooting.
Common questions
- How long does Setting Up Conveyor Tracking for a Robot 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.