IMPROVING AUTONOMY THROUGH BETTER ROBOT VISION
Seeing is believing
The main objective for the Zivid Two 3D Camera was to do a great leap within the world of autonomy. There is a need for smaller, better, and faster cameras with a human-like high-quality 3D vision for piece picking, bin picking, and machine tending applications.
Firstly, our challenge was to provide the internal components an optimal working environment. Secondly, the task was to create an external design that reflected the functionality of the product and Zivid lab’s vision. Thirdly, the product had to withstand a harsh and tough environment and transfer the heat from all the hardworking electronics inside.
To design the outer, you must understand the inner.
When Zivid developed their second-generation 3D machine system, Zivid joined forces with Eker Design at an early stage in the design process. This allowed all participant’s knowledge to grow with the product and taking considerations across disciplines.
Industrial and mechanical design
For the external design, we started with an iterative sketching and design process with Zivid. We quickly moved into 3D to merge their internal design with the external design.
To create a rugged industrial design and to utilize the whole cabinet as a cooling element we used magnesium as the main material. The cooling fins are cleverly integrated into the modern design and the lenses/optics are recessed in the front to be protected from external impact or objects.
In the detailing phase, we were involved in the part supplier dialog to optimize and prepare the parts for production/tooling. We provided drawings and specifications for the following part production and quality control.
Thermodynamic simulation and production fixtures
Eker Design was engaged in the industrial design of the product. We were also given the privileges to be partly involved in some other areas as thermal design and later production fixtures.
By use of our Ansys simulation software, we did a thermodynamic simulation. This way we could improve and verify that the unique thermal design solution would keep critical electronic components within the required temperature range.
In the production phase, we supported Zivid labs with testing, quality control, part improvements, and revisions of the 3D models and 2D drawings. For the production phase, we supported Zivid with the design, manufacturing, and assembly of production fixtures.
Compact 3D camera with optimized thermodynamic design
The result is a high-quality compact mechanical design of 880 grams. Its low weight minimizes the impact on robot maneuverability and payload in on-arm arrangements. The Zivid Two is IP65 rated, can withstand 15G shock and its working temperature is 0-45˚ Celsius. After all, we are all living in world of diversity, let us embrace it!
Zivid Two – A Norwegian product
Zivid Two is developed, designed, and manufactured in Norway. With the combination of the new camera and Zivids’ state-of-the-art AI, you can achieve great innovation within robotics.
This innovation is now being launched with software developer kit, Zivid Studio, and can be ordered at their web page www.shop.zivid.com
Photo : Zivid/Eker Design
Animation: Eker Design