Cognex Launches Portfolio of Machine Vision Devices Tailored for Logistics

Every company, big or small, that ships products requires some level of logistics automation. From tracking material and parts throughout the factory to bin picking and storage applications, a barcode can facilitate keeping a digital record. Object detection and pattern matching are other solutions to identify the correct product that is traveling through the factory correctly.

Recently, Cognex launched the Solutions Experience (SLX) logistics portfolio, which kicks off with three new products specifically designed for logistics automation.

Cognex has launched the SLX logistics portfolio with three new devices: the SLX-280D, SLX-290, and SLX-3816. Image used courtesy of Cognex

SLX-280D: AI-Powered Vision

A barcode reader will scan any type of barcode and decode it into a string of letters and numbers. This string can then be used for routing purposes within the factory. Cognex’s new SLX-280D is a compact barcode reader with omnidirectional decoding, which offers a wide field of view so that codes can be read at virtually any angle to the reader.

With the recent advancements in AI-powered vision tools, the SLX-280D is capable of a 99.9% read rate. This results in the ability to read damaged codes better than previous models and even detect empty totes. With dual Ethernet ports, multiple SLX readers can be daisy-chained together, reducing cable runs and connection points in switches.

The SLX-280D is designed as an optimal choice for designing tote routing and inspection stations on conveyor systems. This is a common process that occurs with factories that ship components in totes between facilities.

The SLX-280D can detect objects and read damaged barcodes for automated tote inspections. Image used courtesy of Cognex

SLX-290: Object and Barcode Detection

Similar to the SLX-280D, the SLX-290 is a barcode reader and object detection vision system. By using a web-based interface, users can teach the SLX-290 what a box is versus a poly bag, and the internal AI vision tools will report the different objects while the system is in production. At the same time, the barcode can be decoded for object tracking purposes.

The reader is designed with simplicity in mind. According to Cognex, no technical knowledge is required to set up the reader. Simply connect to a computer via the Ethernet cable and open the web interface; there is no software or firmware that needs to be downloaded. The results can be used to drive the two opto-isolated outputs or sent back to a control system using either Ethernet/IP or Profinet.

The SLX-3816 can read barcodes and detect multiple objects in the same field of view. Image used courtesy of Cognex

SLX-3816: A Wide Field of View

When an application requires a large field of view, the SLX-3816 might be the solution. This device is built on the same platform as the other SLX models, featuring an intuitive web interface and combined barcode reading with object detection. Unlike the other models, however, the SLX-3816 model has a working range of 750 mm to 2000 mm via the 12 mm or 16 mm variable aperture lens. 

Tracking Throughout Your Process

Most automated processes consume raw products, whether it is raw material like steel or chemicals, or manufactured components delivered in totes. These materials are often offloaded onto conveyors that feed the downstream automation, but what if the tote contains the wrong goods, or you have multiple assembly lines all being fed from the same incoming conveyor?

By using products like Cognex’s new SLX portfolio of readers/object detection devices, you can operate diverter sections and detect incorrect parts, all with the same reader, resulting in higher overall efficiency and lower cost of ownership.