Visionguided

Visionguided, or vision-guided, describes systems in which visual information is used to guide the behavior of machines, robots, or vehicles. Vision-guided operation relies on cameras or other imaging sensors to detect objects, determine positions and orientations, and monitor the task environment in real time. It complements or replaces fixed-program automation by enabling adaptation to changing conditions.

Key technologies include computer vision for image capture and interpretation, pose estimation to determine spatial relationships, and feedback control loops that adjust actions based on ongoing visual data. Common approaches are visual servoing, in which image measurements drive motion commands, and vision-based mapping and localization for navigation. Processing may occur on-board or off-board, and often requires calibration, lighting control, and synchronization between sensing and actuation.

Visionguided systems are used in manufacturing for pick-and-place and assembly, in autonomous robotics and mobile robots for navigation and obstacle avoidance, in aerial and ground robotics, and in medical robotics for image-guided intervention. They also support inspection, quality control, and robotic picking of deformable or irregular parts.

Benefits include increased accuracy, adaptability to variations in parts or environments, non-contact sensing, and the ability to operate in dynamic settings. Limitations involve computational demands, latency, sensitivity to lighting and occlusions, calibration requirements, and safety considerations when operating around humans or delicate objects.

See also: machine vision, visual servoing, image-based control, automated guided vehicle, robotics.