Part location
Find the X and Y position of components on a conveyor, fixture, pallet or presentation area.
Locate, guide and verify
Robot guidance vision systems
Give robots reliable position and orientation data for picking, placing, loading or processing components that do not arrive in one fixed location.
Application-led imaging Proved with the real product, defect and line conditions.Direct answer
How does vision guide a robot?
A calibrated vision system finds a product or feature in camera coordinates, converts that result into the robot or machine coordinate system, and sends position and angle data to the automation controller. A second check can confirm the pick, placement or completed operation.
Typical inspection scope
What the system can check.
Every check is confirmed against the real product, defect set, line speed and production environment before final specification.
Orientation and angle
Return rotation or key feature direction so the robot approaches the component correctly.
2D or 3D guidance
Use 2D for stable height applications or consider depth data when pose and height vary.
Pick verification
Confirm that a component was acquired, removed or transferred before the next robot move.
Placement inspection
Check location, orientation, seating or presence after assembly, loading or packing.
Identification and recipe control
Read a code or recognise a part family so automation applies the correct operation.
Application engineering
What determines a dependable result?
Prove the image
Part contrast, overlap and occlusion, height variation, calibration stability, conveyor motion, robot accuracy, gripper access, cycle time, field of view and the recovery method when no valid target is found.
Connect the decision
The complete solution can include cameras, lighting, calibration, robot communications, PLC handshakes, target prioritisation and post-process inspection. The interface and fault states are agreed with the automation team before commissioning.
State the limits
Vision cannot compensate for an unsuitable gripper, unstable mechanics or a feature hidden from every practical view. Accuracy is a property of the complete calibrated system and is confirmed under production conditions.
Relevant systems and sectors
Build the application around the result.
Use these related pages to compare the inspection methods and production environments that may form part of the project.
Related applications
Explore connected applications.
Questions, answered
Robot guidance & pick-and-place FAQs
When is 2D vision enough for robot guidance?
2D guidance is often suitable when the working height is controlled and the robot only needs planar position and rotation. Variable height or full pose may require 3D sensing.
Can vision guide a robot from a moving conveyor?
Yes, where encoder tracking, timing, robot capability and product spacing support conveyor tracking. The full cycle must be proved at the required line rate.
How accurate is vision-guided robotics?
Accuracy depends on image resolution, calibration, working distance, mechanics, robot repeatability and the feature being located. We define and test the complete tolerance stack.
Can the same camera inspect after placement?
Sometimes. A separate view is used when the guidance angle cannot clearly prove the final assembly or when inspection needs different lighting or resolution.