Precision robotic in-line metrology for freeform surfaces

Project focus

• Measurement platform with 6DoF and arbitrary operation orientation
• Integrated control strategies for dual-actuated positioning and automated measurement procedures
• Conduct high precision measurements on a moving object directly in a production line

Description

System conept of active vibration compensation enabling high precision robot-based surface measurements of free forms. A stiff link between the measurement tool and the sample surface is established by means of feedback control.

High precision in-line measurements are considered as a key factor for future industrial production.  Particularly for surface measurements of free forms directly in a production line, flexible and versatile measurement systems are required. Robot-based measurement systems enable the required flexibility and are thus considered as a key factor. High-precision measurement systems, which operate at the micrometer level, are typically highly sensitive to vibrations and, therefore, usually applied in vibration-free laboratory environments. This is, however in complete contrary to the vibration-prone environment of an industrial manufacturing plant. Relative motion between the measurement tool and the sample in 6 DOFs is caused by environmental floor vibrations, disturbing measurements at the micrometer level.

Within the scope of this project, a vibration compensating measurement module is developed. This module is used as an end effector and coarsely aligned by the robot arm. The actuated platform, which carries the high precision measurement tool, compensates for disturbing vibrations in 6 DoFs by means of feedback control. A stiff link between the measurement tool and the sample is established, maintaining a constant alignment of the tool with respect to the sample surface.

The feasibility of the system concept has been shown for horizontal operation orientation in the project aim4np. The goal of this project is to enable contact-less high precision robot-based measurements of free form surfaces by a measurement module with orientation-independent system performance.

Platform Design and Integration

To mechanically decouple the measurement platform from the robot arm, (quasi-)zero stiffness actuation is desired. Therefore, eight voice coil actuators are utilized to levitate and actuated the platform in 6 DoFs within the airgap between coils and magnet housings. By use of FEM analysis tools, the structural stiffness of the platform is analyzed, aiming for a high position control bandwidth and vibration compensation capability. Good decoupling of the DoFs is ensured by a balanced design, avoiding unintended torsional motion through actuation and keeping the subsequent control effort at a low level. The system is deliberately over-actuated, providing high peak forces, and the arbitrary operation orientation of the entire system. An integrated sensor system determines the actual position of the moving platform with respect to the supporting frame, while tracking sensors are used to measure the distance and orientation between platform and sample.

Exploded view of the magnetically levitated platform prototype.

Precision Motion Control

Model-based control techniques are applied to ensure a robust and high-performance positioning of the electro-magnetically actuated platform. A system model is built to decouple the MIMO plant, resulting in the implementation of a SISO controller for each DoF. A transition scheme is researched to operate the system in two different control modes, the stabilization of the platform with respect to the supporting frame and the tracking control of a sample surface.

Compact scanning confocal chromatic sensor as precision 3-D measurement tool

By manipulating the optical path of a 1-D confocal chromatic sensor with a high performance 2-D fast steering mirror, 3-D imaging is enabled. Using a CMOS camera, calibration data is acquired for a precise image reconstruction. The developed 3-D tool is capable of performing fast overview images and high resolution scans of arbitrary region of interests. The lateral scan range is about 350µm x 250µm, with scan speeds of up to 1 frame per second. The achieved lateral and axial resolution is 2.5µm and 7nm, respectively.

Applications

• Inline measurement systems
• Robot-based precision measurement and manufacturing systems

Project Partners

• Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
• ATENSOR Engineering and Technology Systems GmbH

Funding

• Christian Doppler Research Association
• The Austrian Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs
• The National Foundation for Research, Technology and Development