A SENSOR USED FOR MEASUREMENTS IN THE CALIBRATION OF PRODUCTION ROBOTS

A sensor has been developed and successfully implemented to automate r obot calibration. Its simple design makes it ideal for production envi ronments. It works in conjunction with precision spheres that are moun ted in the workspace. The relative positions of the spheres are measur ed in advance, and the sensor is positioned over them automatically an d precisely. The positioning of the sensor is governed by three Light beams that define position with respect to the sensor. This eliminates the problems experienced by other short range devices in that it acts digitally and without contact. Design of the sensor and its autonomou s control from a PC are presented along with proven measurement tactic s and results of performance tests.