Robot scanner

Types of Robot Scanners

A robot scanner may have several types depending on the application. Some of them include:

• Industrial Robot Scanners

  This type of robot is often used in manufacturing facilities. It is made up of manipulators with arms of varying lengths that can be equipped with laser scanners. These robot arms rotate around a fixed-point arc or move in a straight line. Industrial robot scanners are used for automated inspection, quality control, and measurement tasks. They help to enhance product accuracy and consistency in the manufacturing process.

• Mobile Robot Scanners

  These flexible robots can navigate through various environments without any fixed path. They are equipped with laser scanners or LiDAR sensors that help them map out their surroundings. Mobile robot scanners are mostly used for surveying, construction, and facility management. They provide accurate and up-to-date data on the physical environment of a site.

• Desktop or Handheld 3D Scanner

  These scanners can be held and operated manually or can also be placed on a fixed workbench. Desktop or handheld 3D scanners make use of laser triangulation or structured light technology to capture the geometry of an object. These 3D scanners are mostly used in product design, reverse engineering, and digital preservation.

• Automated Document Scanner

  Automated document scanners are used to convert printed documents into digital formats. They use a combination of optical character recognition (OCR) and image processing techniques to recognize and extract text from scanned documents. Automated document scanners help to improve information retrieval, storage, and accessibility in a wide range of industries.

• Robot Arm Scanners

  These scanners have flexible robotic arms with gripper-like end effectors that can hold and manipulate a scanning device. They utilize laser or ultrasound sensors to inspect complex-shaped components. Robot arm scanners are widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries for effective inspection of engine parts, assemblies, and other components with complex geometries.

Functions and features of robot scanner

A robot scanner has several important features that help it work better. These features include;

• Automation

  The key feature of robotic scanners is that they work independently. Their automated scanning jobs help businesses and organizations save time and effort. The reduction in human work leads to fewer mistakes. Automated scanners do repetitive tasks accurately and consistently.

• Connectivity

  Various scanning robot models connect to different types of networks. These include Wi-Fi, cellular networks, Zigbee, and Bluetooth. Working robots can send scanned documents to computers or printers. They can also send digital files to other nearby scanning devices.

• Remote Control

  Robot scanners can be controlled from far through a network connection. End users can modify scanning parameters like scan resolution, file format, and color mode. These changes can be done without physically being at the scanner's location. They also allow users to make decisions based on the current situation. Adjusting scanner settings remotely enhances productivity.

• Robot Grippers

  Some scanning robots have grippers. Grippers give robots the ability to hold or move things around. Gripers make robot arms functional. They allow scanners to pick up and place down documents, books, or other items that need scanning. Sensors in the grippers aid detection and safe handling of objects.

• Mapping and Navigation

  Effective mapping and navigation enable a scanner robot to move safely and adapt to its environment. This feature involves knowing where the robot is (localization) and creating a layout of the area (mapping). These capabilities let robots plan the best routes to take.

• Scalability

  Many scanning systems can be expanded over time as the scanning needs of a business increase. The scalability feature allows organizations to grow from a single scanner to multiple scanning workstations spread across different locations. This adaptability lets businesses start small and then grow their document management system at their own pace.

• Versatile Scanning Options

  Robot scanners offer various scanning modes for digital transformation. The different modes include scan-to-email. Scan-to-email mode allows users to send scanned files as attachments to many people in one email. Other modes include fax, cloud storage, and customizable file formats. Users can now choose the format that best suits their needs from options like PDF, TIFF, JPEG, and others.

Usage scenarios of robot scanners

Robot scanners have many uses in different industries because they work well and quickly. Here are some major applications for robot scanning methods:

• Manufacturing and industrial inspection

  In factories, people use robot arms with scanners to check machines and products. The scanner can find tiny problems that a person might miss. This helps companies fix issues faster and make high-quality products. Robot scanning makes inspections better and saves time compared to workers doing it by hand.

• Construction and heritage preservation

  Builders use laser scanners to get precise measurements of buildings. Then, they can make plans to renovate, repair, or expand the structures. Scanners also let people create virtual 3D models of old monuments and buildings. This helps preserve the sites and prevents loss from natural disasters or new construction projects.

• Health and medicine

  Surgeons use scanned body parts to guide them when doing operations. Robot scanners also let dentists and doctors make quick copies of teeth and other body parts for prosthetics. The fast, accurate scans help ensure patients receive the right treatments.

• Robots with scanners can clean and map spaces

  Certain robots combine scanning with cleaning. They use laser scanners to check if the floors are clear. Then, they vacuum or wipe the floors. The robots also map out the rooms so they can find the best cleaning route. Hotel and office managers like this type of robot because it keeps floors clean. It works well without needing a person to guide it.

• Quality control and assurance

  Manufacturers rely on robots with scanners to check the quality of produced goods. Unlike people, lasers can precisely measure size, shape, and any defects. The scans catch any faulty products so companies can consistently send out high-quality items. This reduces customer complaints and repairs later.

• Scanning for research and development

  Scientists and engineers use scanners to study nature and new materials. Precise scans allow them to better understand shapes at the microscopic level.

How to Choose Robot Scanner

When buying item scanners in bulk, it's important to consider the type, features, durability, and value of the scanner. These are some important factors to consider when choosing robot scanners.

• Robotic Scanner Type

  Fixed laser scanners are small measuring tools but can only scan points within a limited radius. Point cloud scanning might take longer than traditional surveying, but it is more accurate. A mobile laser robot scanner is an excellent choice for fast point cloud mapping. Although the initial cost is higher, the mobile laser scanner can reduce scanning time. It has fewer restrictions on the working environment and can work in tight spaces.

• Scanning Coverage and Speed

  Different models will have different scanning speeds and coverage. Evaluate the applications, work environment, and deadlines before making a purchase. A compact robot can be used to scan a smaller, crowded area quickly. A mobile robot with a faster scanning speed can cover the large outdoors in less time.

• Durability, Customer Support, and Training

  Consider the working conditions and get a scanner that can withstand those conditions. Advanced laser scanners often come with robust build features that enable them to perform well in tough working conditions. When shopping for industrial robot scanners, remember to factor in customer support and training. Selecting a well-known brand can save time and reduce frustration when learning how to use a new scanner.

• Scanner Frame and Port Connectivity

  The type of frame will affect the stability of the scanner when it rotates. A fixed scan frame can only rotate on a horizontal axis. A 2D or 3D scanner frame can rotate on the XY or XYZ-axis. Scanners with USB or Ethernet ports are easy to connect to a computer, while those with serial ports may need a converter cable. Check the scanner's specifications to ensure it has the ports needed for seamless integration.

• Cost and Data Output

  Point cloud data output from laser scanners first needs to be converted before using the final 3D model. The type of software needed for this conversion will affect the total cost. Taking the time to compare the total cost of ownership for different robot models can lead to significant savings. Look beyond the initial purchase cost and consider consumables, spare parts, support, and upgrades.

• Applications

  Knowing the prospective applications will help narrow down the options and filters. Indoor and outdoor scanners have different features. Indoor scanners are compact, slow-moving, and precise; outdoor scanners are large, fast, and have GPS coordinates. While many scanners can work both indoors and outdoors, some are specifically designed for one environment. Indoor scanners excel in tight spaces with low light and no GPS. Outdoor models have weatherproofing, long battery life, and can use GPS.

Robot scanner FAQ

Q1: How accurate and reliable is the robot scanner?

A1: The precision of the point cloud produced by the robot arm depends on factors like lidar sensor quality, environmental conditions, and robot arm calibration. Lidar sensors provide accurate distance measurements under most conditions. The robot arm's calibration ensures that the lidar data is correctly referenced to the robot's coordinate system.

Q2: What is the difference between handheld and automated robot scanners?

A2: Handheld 3D scanners allow the operator to move the scanner to capture data, while automated robot scanners use a robotic system to scan automatically. Handheld scanners are flexible for various scanning tasks, but automated scanners provide consistent and quick scanning of the same object or area.

Q3: How does a laser scanner work?

A3: The laser scanner emits a laser beam that travels to an object and returns. The sensor measures the time the laser beam takes to go and return to calculate the distance. This process happens thousands of times per second as the scanner moves.

Q4: How does a 3D object scanner work?

A4: A 3D object scanner works by using laser beams or lidar technology to capture multiple scans from different angles. Once complete, the scanner will have a point cloud made up of many precise data points that represent the geometry of the object. This can then be converted into a digital file of the 3D model.