Robot Vision

Citation

Rigelsford, J. (1999), "Robot Vision", Industrial Robot, Vol. 26 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1999.04926bae.003

Robot Vision

Robot Vision

Prof. A. PughIFS (Publications) Ltd1983356 pp.ISBN 0-903608-32-4Out of print

Published a decade and a half ago, the aim of this book was to bring together the most significant work of those active in all areas of robot vision. It presents a number of papers which cover aspects of image processing for robot applications, through a description of commercial vision systems available at that time, and what was then "state-of-the-art" technology.

Chapter 1 gives introductory reviews, covering second generation robotics and computer vision in industry. Visual processing techniques are discussed, along with areas of research in chapters 2 and 3 respectively. Topics covered include the processing of binary images, the coupling of a workpiece recognition system with an industrial robot, adaptive visual servo control of robots, and the use of taper light beam for object recognition. The remaining chapters present developments in weld guidance and assembly/part presentation, industrial applications for vision systems, and commercial robot vision systems.

This book is not suitable for the casual reader, being aimed at those with an active interest in robot vision. As the book is a combination of selected papers, there is an interesting range of writing styles and opinions. Overall, this is a very good reference book that can be used to observe the change in technology and expectations over the last fifteen years. What was the future then, looking at the late 1980s, is the past and history of today.