Integrating with Universal Robots - TCP/IP

Cognex 2D vision systems integrate with Universal Robot controllers using the Cognex In-Sight 2D Robot Guidance plugin, which you install in the Universal Robot PolyScope software. Use this plugin to set up hand-eye calibration and retrieve the position (pose) information from the vision system so that the robot can move to the correct target location and pick up the part. You can program responses from the vision system, such as when a job passes or fails. You can also set a reference pose for the robot if the vision system is mounted to the robot arm.

Cognex 2D vision systems communicate with Universal Robot controllers using a TCP/IP connection. The vision system hosts the TCP server and the robot is the client. These devices must be on the same network.

Note: This feature is not supported on In-Sight 2000 vision sensors.

The following Universal Robots are supported:

  • UR3
  • UR5
  • UR10
  • e-Series

The Cognex In-Sight 2D Robot Guidance plugin is supported only in Universal Robots PolyScope software version 3.5.1 and later.

Setting up the hand-eye calibration and robot guidance application involves the following tasks:

  1. Install the Cognex In-Sight 2D Robot Guidance Plugin
  2. Teach the Robot Tool Center Point (TCP)
  3. Configure the Vision System for Calibration
  4. Connect to the Vision System and Perform Hand-Eye Calibration
  5. Create a Part Job and Import the Calibration
  6. Set Up the Vision System Pose
  7. Program the Universal Robot