SpatialAnalyzer has its roots in solving kinematic problems. In fact, its initial development evolved out of a small robotics company. Spatial Analyzer includes the mathematics required to make the best use of robotic systems. Some of this capability are embedded directly within SA and some complimentary capabilities are offered in separate applications .
SA Machine was developed to serve as an integration between metrology and robotics. SA Machine is an additional licensing level within SA that exposes the abilities to combine measurements from portable instruments, like a laser tracker or photogrammetry system, with robotic positions in order to build a better kinematic model of the robot and enhance its accuracy. While robotic calibrations are accurate, they will never be as good as application specific calibrations.
SA machine was developed to build these custom calibrations and reach the precision that is possible with a robot moving within a defined production cell. The robot’s base position, internal kinematic model (D-H), deflection model, and tool offset can all be accounted for. The solved offsets can then be used in production for a flexible solution for the highest accuracy tasks. In addition, A robot should be calibrated in its dressed and loaded state in the production cell to achieve optimal consistent performance loads and deflections can be included in the application custom calibrations SA Machine can produce.
SA offers the ability to optimize this region, load and orientation specific calibration with live measurements, enhance the kinematic model of the robot and use this enhanced model to optimize robotic precision. For advanced drilling and cutting applications this optimization can deliver impressive results. Once calibration is complete, the metrology device is no longer required and all that is needed is to run the drive commands through an adjustment. This information can be used directly from within SA or through a SARCA unit directly attached to the robot.
When even higher accuracies are needed, Move, Measure, Correct function that directly integrate a live 3D/6D metrology systems in the measurement process is also supported to aid in positioning the robot in real time using live measurements.
SARCA is a miniature industrialized stand-alone computer that can be mounted in a robotics cell and directly adjust drive commands to optimize the final robot positioning. SARCA uses the calibrated robot model to adjust the goal positions of the native robot code to achieve the highest accuracy. This is accomplished by asserting one of many saved calibrations for a task.
Robots have always been repeatable. SARCA makes them accurate.
Hexagons Robotic Automation offers an additional level of integration. This software solution offers a means to perform path planning for robotic scanning applications. For more information see:
https://hexagon.com/products/innovation-stories/hxgn-robotic-automation