Infinite Possibilities

SmartRunner Explorer 3-D with Stereo Vision and Time-of-Flight Technology

SmartRunner Explorer 3-D

Enter the third dimension of automation at the speed of light—the SmartRunner Explorer 3-D generates high-precision 3-D point cloud images in addition to 2-D images. It is optionally available with stereo vision technology or time-of-flight (ToF) technology.

As a raw data sensor, the 3-D vision sensor is suitable for a wide variety of applications that require detailed contour detection—whether for goods inspection on conveyor belts, pick-and-place applications in robotics, or collision avoidance for automated guided vehicles.

Discover the SmartRunner Explorer 3-D for your 3-D vision task.

Applications and Areas of Use

The SmartRunner Explorer 3-D series sensors are suitable for numerous tasks that require precise contour detection:

3-D Detection
Detection of objects in three-dimensional space

Presence Check
Check for the presence of objects

Completeness Check
Check for correct number of objects

Shape Detection
Shape matching with reference profile or contour

Positioning
Position check of objects and output of position data

Space Monitoring
Monitoring of spaces

Measurement
Dimensioning of objects and output of measurement data

Benefits

All-Round 3-D Sensor

The SmartRunner Explorer 3-D can be used to create highly precise 3-D point cloud images, which provide an extremely accurate representation of objects. The different sensor versions are available with stereo vision or time-of-flight technology (ToF) and can be used in a wide variety of applications—for example, for goods inspection on conveyor belts or pick-and-place applications in robotics.

Flexible Solution

Pepperl+Fuchs can assist you in selecting the appropriate sensor version and can perform hardware-specific adjustments if required. The sensor is calibrated at the factory in advance and can be integrated directly into the application. This saves you time and provides a flexible sensor solution.

High-Precision Measurement Results

A high chip resolution enables the generation of extremely detailed 3-D data to produce images of even the smallest objects and their physical properties. The optimized depth information in the z direction opens up completely new fields of application.

Standardized Data Structure

The output data structure of the two sensor variants is similar—regardless of the technology selected. Both devices can be integrated via Ethernet TCP/IP and the supplied DLL for C# or via C and Python wrappers. Furthermore, GenICam and ROS allow universal access to data, parameters, and programming blocks from software libraries.

Discover the New Level of Flexibility

One platform, two technologies for limitless possibilities—the SmartRunner Explorer 3-D brings a new level of flexibility to your application.
Learn more about its different technologies, features and benefits in the video.

One Sensor Series—Two Technologies

SmartRunner Explorer 3-D with Stereo Vision Technology

SmartRunner 3-D with Stereo Vision Technology

The Solution for Short Detection Range Applications

The stereo vision version is equipped with two cameras with a resolution of 1.4 MP. In the first step, the sensor determines a disparity image, which is automatically produced by superimposing two 2-D images. The high-resolution 2-D images enable the sensor to be optimally orientated to the required sensing range, allowing easier interpretation of the measurement results. Once all adjustments are made, a 3-D point cloud image is created. In this way, the stereo vision technology can be used to generate extremely precise, high-resolution images over the entire measuring range.

SmartRunner Explorer 3-D with Time-of-Flight Technology

SmartRunner 3-D with Time of Flight Technology

The Solution for Dynamic Applications With Larger Detection Range

The ToF version has a camera with VGA resolution (640 x 480 px) and a high measuring rate of 30 Hz. This makes it especially suitable for applications with a larger measuring range where faster response times are essential—for example in driverless transport systems. The 940-nanometer infrared light means that the sensor with ToF technology is insensitive to ambient light and can be used equally effectively both indoors and outdoors. The camera first takes what is known as a Z image, which is comparable to the 2-D image of the stereo-vision sensor. In addition, the distance from the object to the sensor is determined and output in the form of a depth image and a heightmap with 2-D information in the x and y directions. This information is used to create a detailed 3-D point cloud image. Furthermore, the four-phase measurement optimizes the useful signal and the measurement results.

Features and Software

Reliable Sensor Solution

The SmartRunner Explorer 3-D has a robust aluminum housing with IP65 protection. The resilient sensor housing easily withstands temperature fluctuations, helping to achieve consistently reliable measurement results.

A mounting aid integrated on the rear of the housing facilitates installation and orientation of the sensor into the application. This means the sensor can even be oriented completely without tools when a device is exchanged.

Intuitive ViSolution Software

All SmartRunner Explorer 3-D sensors are configured using the Pepperl+Fuchs software ViSolution. This free software tool features a clear design, intuitive user guidance, and user-friendly device management. 2-D and 3-D data can be generated in just a few clicks and visualized on a PC. Once implemented, software settings can be duplicated on all other hardware derivatives, regardless of the technology used.

ROS—for Complex Robotics Applications and Simple Proof of Concepts

From pick-and-place applications to collision avoidance: The SmartRunner Explorer 3-D is used for demanding tasks on production robots or Auto-Guided Transport Systems. These applications are usually complex and time-consuming to implement. This is where the open-source Robot Operating System (ROS) framework comes to the rescue: it comprises a range of software libraries, tools, and programs that are available as open-source software. This allows applications to be implemented quickly and easily on PCs or industrial PCs. ROS also offers advantages beyond robotics. For example, users can use the open-source tools to carry out cost-effective proof of concepts, which they can use as a basis for investment decisions.

Universal Interfaces

GenICam—for Standardized Data and Access to Image Processing Libraries

The SmartRunner Explorer 3-D is equipped with the universal GenICam interface. This standard was developed to minimize the effort required to familiarize yourself with the proprietary systems of raw data sensors. GenICam brings the product-specific data and parameters into a generic structure so that standardized processing is possible. With GenICam, the SmartRunner Explorer 3-D can also be connected to image processing libraries such as HALCON. Applications can be implemented quickly and easily using the ready-made programming modules available there.

Technical Details

Click on the appropriate tablet version to see its features.

Stereo Vision Device
Time-of-Flight Device


	Stereo VisionDevice	Time-of-FlightDevice
Power supply	24 VDC	24 VDC
Resolution (optic)	X = 0.5 mm / Y = 0.5 mm / Z = 1 mm	1 % of the measured distance at 7.5 m
Field of view (900 mm distance)	X = 550 mm / Y = 500 mm	47° x 35°
Eye safety	Laser class 1	Laser class 1
Operating frequency / Object speed	up to 10 Hz at full resolution / up to 1 m/s	up to 30 Hz at full resolution / up to 1 m/s
Interface	Gigabit Ethernet TCP/IP	Gigabit Ethernet TCP/IP
Dimensions	165 x 67 x 56 mm (WxHxD) / appr. 800 g	165 x 67 x 56 mm (WxHxD) / appr. 800 g
Ambient light suppression	>20 klux	>100 klux
Raw image size	1300 (H) x 1080 (V) pixel, appr. 1.4 MP	640 (H) x 480 (V) pixel, appr. 0.3 MP

Applications

Checking for Completeness and Intactness

In the field of packaging technology, the SmartRunner Explorer 3-D with stereo vision technology is used to check the completeness and intactness of carton contents. For example, filling plants use it to ensure that the full number of glass bottles are in the carton and that each of them is intact.

Precise Object Detection in Robotics

Pick-and-place robots rely on special sensor technology to detect and position parts with precision. Attached to the robot arm, the SmartRunner Explorer 3-D with stereo vision technology enables accurate object detection and provides an exact gripping point. This allows parts to be detected and placed precisely.

Reliable Detection and Measurement of Pallets

A series of sensors are attached to automatically driven forklifts to enable precise detection and positioning of the pallets. Mounted between the two forklift forks, the SmartRunner Explorer 3-D with time-of-flight technology generates a 3-dimensional image of the pallet and its load. This makes it possible to determine how many packages can still be loaded or whether the palletizing process has already been completed.

Collision Avoidance in Logistics

In logistics, tugger trains are often used to transport materials and finished goods safely from one location to another. To ensure smooth operation, tugger trains with SmartRunner Explorer 3-D can be equipped with time-of-flight technology. This provides reliable monitoring of the entrance area, ensuring that collisions are avoided.

Portioning Dough in Filling Machines

In the production of baked goods, dough is automatically portioned and filled into metal molds. Due to the different dough consistencies, the portions may vary in size during filling. To enable uniform portioning, the SmartRunner Explorer 3-D uses stereo vision technology to measure the dough volume and identify the metal molds that are filled with too little or too much dough.

Contact Us

Do you have any questions on the SmartRunner Explorer 3-D product family, or do you want to receive more information? We are happy to help! Simply fill out the contact form and send us a message.

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More Information

Pepperl+Fuchs SE
Lilienthalstraße 200
68307 Mannheim
Germany
info@de.pepperl-fuchs.com
phone +49 621 776-0