Bag Depalletizer with 3D Vision System

1. How the 3D Vision System Works

Unlike simple sensors, a 3D vision system creates a high-density point cloud—a digital 3D map of the pallet’s top surface.

Imaging: A 3D camera (usually mounted overhead) captures the entire layer in one “shot.”

Segmentation (AI): Artificial Intelligence algorithms distinguish individual bags, even if they are pressed tightly together or have complex patterns.

Pose Estimation: The system calculates the exact x, y, z coordinates and the orientation of the best bag to pick.

Collision Avoidance: The vision software plans a path for the robot arm to ensure it doesn’t hit the pallet walls or neighboring bags during the pick.

2.Key Challenges Solved

The “Black Bag” Problem: Dark materials or reflective plastic films often “absorb” or “scatter” light, making them invisible to standard cameras. Modern AI-driven 3D systems use specialized filters and high-dynamic-range imaging to see these difficult surfaces clearly.

Overlapping Bags: AI can detect the “edge” of a bag even when it is partially buried under another.

Mixed SKUs: The system can identify different types of bags on the same pallet and sort them accordingly.

Pallet Tilt: If the pallet is not perfectly level, the 3D vision adjusts the robot’s approach angle automatically.

3. Technical Benefits

High Success Rate: Modern systems achieve >99.9% recognition accuracy.

Speed: Cycle times are typically 400–1,000 bags per hour, depending on the robot’s payload.

Labor Safety: Eliminates the risk of chronic back injuries caused by manual depalletizing of 25kg–50kg sacks.