Vision-based robotic sorter: sorting and rejection on a production line
The product can be in any position – the camera finds it and determines the orientation.
The same camera can also detect defects: scratches, jams, or torn labels.
The camera is shown a new product, and the model is trained – the cell continues to function.
The system can be seen in action at our stand in Minsk.
01 Who is this offer for?
For production managers, logistics personnel, and quality control staff, where products are manually sorted by type, size, color, or defect.
Manual sorting is a monotonous task that can lead to errors at the end of the shift. A traditional robot without vision requires precise placement of each product. A camera-equipped robot can independently find and place the product.
02 Why is this beneficial for the factory?
People can move on to more valuable tasks.
The neural network does not get tired: the decision is the same in the first and third shifts.
The camera that guides the robot checks the product and any defects are placed in separate containers.
No need for individual jigs and vibration bunkers for each product – this often represents half the budget of traditional automation.
Count the number and type of products, and the number of defects – for tracking and analysis of batches.
We calculate in advance: the number of people sorting, errors, and defects. This calculation is free.
03How a Sorting Cell Works
The camera captures a stream of products on a table or conveyor.
The neural network determines the type of product, its orientation, and suitability – in milliseconds on a graphics card.
Each answer corresponds to a specific robot program: type A – here, type B – there, defect – in separate containers.
The robot receives a command and precisely positions the gripper under the product, to the degree.
Every action is recorded in a log with the time and result.
04 What criteria do we use to sort?
The model learns from your products: the program automatically creates a training sample from several images, and your operator performs the retraining.
| Feature | Example |
|---|---|
| Type and model of the item | Different boxes, parts, or packaging on one conveyor belt. |
| Size and height | A stereo camera measures dimensions without a laser. |
| Color and marking | Label, inscription, color code. |
| Defect | Scratches, jams, torn labels, incorrect assembly. |
05 Which robots do we work with?
Six-axis industrial robots with a good balance of price and performance offer a quick return on investment. Our Robot1 program allows you to control them from a computer.
Collaborative robots with built-in cameras – when humans and robots work side-by-side in a limited space.
We select a robot based on the weight of the product, reach, cycle time, and budget. We develop the program and communication with the equipment specifically for the chosen robot.
06 First, on the digital twin
Before purchasing the robot, we set up your equipment, the robot, containers, and product placement on a 3D model within the Robot1 program. This allows you to see if the robot reaches every point, how long the cycle takes, and how many products it will process per shift. You make decisions based on the data, not just visual inspection.
07 How to Calculate the Benefits for Your Property
- How many people are employed in sorting and what is the hourly cost of their work including taxes;
- How many sorting errors and defects reach the customer;
- How many shifts does the area operate;
- What is the cost of a cell: robot, camera, gripper, program, start-up.
The payback period is the cost of the cell, divided by the annual savings and additional output. Please provide the data – we will calculate it for free.
08 How to get started
Please send a video of the work area, photos, or drawings of the product, and the desired production rate.
We will propose a cell layout, robot, and equipment, specify the timeline and cost.
We will demonstrate the cell on a digital twin and calculate the cycle time.
Delivery, installation, programming, startup, and training for your employees.
We will come to your site and demonstrate the robot on our stand in Minsk. The use of robots may be eligible for tax benefits under Decree No. 198 – more details can be found on the page “Robotization of Production in Belarus”.
Also read: Robot follows the box · Gripper of the box by the robot · Robot1 — Robot control · engiAI — Machine vision · Production automation · Partnership
