Service & Product
About services and products of FingerVision Co., Ltd.
solution
We develop and introduce robot systems with our vision-based tactile sensor in several industries to resolve their issues.
Food processing industry
Industry Challenges
Chronic labor shortages and many high-stress tasks, such as repetitive work and handling hot ingredients, are common challenges in the industry.
Obstacles
In the processing sites for bento and prepared foods, it is difficult to handle ingredients with robots or machines due to variations in shape and weight, as well as the wide variety of types. This is especially challenging for tasks such as gripping and plating.
Solution
Reduce the workload on the production line by utilizing robot arms equipped with affordable tactile sensors.
Pick-and-place robot system for multi-variety and agile manufacturing
This technology can do by combining the lifting up motion and the holding behavior (slip avoidance control). The success rate of picking-and-placing by our robot system is higher than that without tactile sensor on hands.
DEMO
Pick and place of rice ball products
On the table are rice ball products scattered; here, the feedback via FingerVision is used for the arm to grasp one. Also, FingerVision scans the label to obtain the information whether it’s a rice ball of Salmon or Tuna to place it accordingly. This is the example that not only tactile sensation but also vision of nearby objects (proximity vision) work for autonomous control.
Vision-based tactile sensor
We are selling robot hands integrated with Vision-based tactile sensors. In June 2024, we have released a new product featuring FingerVision's sensors embedded to meet a wider range of automation needs.
It can grasp with a gentle touch, just like a human.
New Product Release
Gripper Set with Integrated Vision-based Tactile Sensors
By incorporating vision-based tactile sensors, we have achieved handling of various work scenarios (soft, uneven loads, fragile, etc.) by utilizing information on "slip distribution" and "force distribution". Furthermore, with this new release, we have developed a robotic hand product that can adapt to various sizes and shapes, enabling the application of vision-based tactile sensing technology to address unique challenges faced by each user. This development facilitates problem-solving across various industries, processes, and tasks.
Multi-sensing enabled by vision-based tactile technology.
slip distribution
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It can recognize the object itself and perceive its relative motion with the camera as sliding. By detecting pixel differences at 60 frames per second, we can sense sliding movements.
force distribution
The sensor surface is covered with a silicone skin. Dot marks are placed on this skin. By using image processing to estimate the distribution of force (XYZ) from the movement amount, direction, and size of these dots, we can perform force sensing.
Expanded applications with customizable finger lineup.
We have significantly expanded our finger lineup from the conventional single model. In addition to models that excel in tasks like Pick-and-place for food serving, we are adding smaller models suitable for common tasks in factory automation (FA). This includes models designed with curved surfaces to increase gripping areas for cylindrical works, and models that ensure stable handling by maintaining a grip area close to the palm.
Furthermore, we plan to introduce customization options, enabling support for a wider range of tasks and applications.
Lineup
Our lineup will continue to be expanded over time, offering increased flexibility in combinations.
Please note that the product version may undergo slight changes from the photos shown, as they are currently in development.
Cyl1
It achieves handling of cylindrical workpieces, bundled items, and small wafers through gripper surfaces adapted to each shape.
SS2
Designed to be thinner than fingertips, enable versatile handling of narrow and small workpieces such as individually stacked items during picking
α on β
A version upgrade of the conventional shape. By reducing the distance from the gripper, it ensures lossless transmission of gripping force. It aims to maintain the same level of stability and versatility as before.
M6
The fingers used in our product, the side food serving robot, have the same shape (without a detachable mechanism). They are cup-shaped and create friction with irregularities on the gripping surface, enabling delicate handling with minimal gripping force for soft and irregular works such as food ingredients.
Camera types that can be chosen according to the application.
Parallel Type
Parallel type offers superior camera image quality. Therefore, if you prioritize sensing performance (such as slip and force sensing), please select the Parallel type as your base.
Angle Type
The Angle type features a structure bent with mirrors, offering excellent functionality (shape and thinness) and enabling a diverse design variety. It avoids constraints due to camera size, making it easier to adapt to various tasks.
Purchasing methods
You can purchase a set comprising sensors, grippers, and a control PC. Sensors can be selected based on your specific needs. For small workpieces, choose the Angle type sensor in the small model, while for cylindrical workpieces, opt for the Parallel type sensor designed for curved surfaces.
Please contact us for inquiries regarding entry-level models, additional sensor purchases, or custom configurations.
Collaborative Study and Development
Joint research and development
We study and develop a product or solution using vision-based sensors as a collaborative project.*Now it may take some time to frame the whole initiative as a project.