Robot Mounting

All Zivid 3D camera models can be mounted on a robot. However, Zivid Two is especially suited for on-arm mounting because of its compact size, light weight, capture speed, and specialized field of view.

Zivid On-Arm Mount

Zivid On-Arm Mount is a mount for attaching a Zivid camera to industrial and collaborative robots. It is compatible with Zivid One+ and Zivid Two cameras.

Why use Zivid On-Arm Mounting solution?

Lightweight

Zivid On-Arm mount is lightweight, designed to have a low impact on the carrying capacity of the robot arm, which is especially important for collaborative robots and more miniature industrial robots. This allows for heavier tools and grippers to be used as well as getting the most payload possible from the system.

Modularity

One camera bracket fits all our camera models, and replacing the camera is possible without complete disassembly.

Integrated cable management

Zivid On-Arm Mount has a strain relief on the camera end, which protects the connectors in case of cable entanglement. It can be installed at the back of the camera or to either side, allowing for adaptability to each unique mounting scenario.

Occlusion prevention

Two camera bracket options give the choice of flat or 15-degree tilted mounting, suitable for large grippers that occlude the camera view.

Flexibility and collision prevention

Since it has a low profile, Zivid On-Arm Mount reduces the risk of collision with other objects and provides good clearance of gripper and robot arm. Extender(s) and flexible configuration allow for multiple mounting poses, e.g., the camera bracket can be oriented in two ways. Such setups enable the camera to stay clear of large grippers and gain headroom for challenging robot movement, thus preventing self-collision. Mounting the tilted camera bracket in backward orientation makes the camera look more towards the gripper, potentially reducing the required robot motion.

Adaptability

Since it comes in multiple variants, Zivid On-Arm Mount supports various robots. In addition, its modular design allows for easy customization of the adapter to fit more robots.

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Zivid On-Arm Mount Variants

There are four variants of the Zivid On-Arm Mount:

  • ZVDA-MNT-OA111

    • Straight camera bracket

    • Flange adapter compatible with ISO 9409-1-50-4-M6 (UR, Omron, Doosan, ++)

  • ZVDA-MNT-OA121

    • 15-degree tilt on camera bracket (recommended when using grippers that can create occlusion)

    • Flange adapter compatible with ISO 9409-1-50-4-M6 (UR, Omron, Doosan, ++).

  • ZVDA-MNT-OA211

    • Straight camera bracket

    • Flange adapter compatible with ISO 9409-1-63-4-M6 (Yaskawa, Kawasaki, ++)

  • ZVDA-MNT-OA221

    • 15-degree tilt on camera bracket (recommended when using grippers that can create occlusion)

    • Flange adapter compatible with ISO 9409-1-63-4-M6 (Yaskawa, Kawasaki, ++)

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The datasheet and user guide in PDF and CAD files can be found at Accessories Downloads.

Zivid On-Arm Mount Extender

Zivid On-Arm Mount Extender is a separate (optional) product that adds mounting flexibility.

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Zivid On-Arm Mount Extender Variants

There are two variants of the extender:

  • ZVDA-MNT-OA01E

    • Compatible with ISO9409-1-50-4-M6 flanges (UR, Omron, Doosan, ++)

  • ZVDA-MNT-OA02E

    • Compatible with ISO9409-1-63-4-M6 flanges (Yaskawa, Kawasaki, ++)

The datasheet can be found at Accessories Downloads.

Mounting Instructions

In the box, you will find a camera bracket, strain relief for cable management, a robot flange adapter, and mounting screws.

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The following tools are required for installation:

  • Torx 20, 25, and 30

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Robot Adapter and Extender

The optional extender can be installed behind or in front of the robot adapter. Install it in front to keep the camera at a longer distance from the gripper, thus minimizing the risk of collision during picking with, e.g., bin edges. Installing the extender behind the robot adapter is suitable for reducing the risk of robot self-collision for some robots, and it also gives good cable management options.

Regardless of which mount component you are fixing to the robot flange, check appropriate robot documentation for recommended screw type and torque values before installing it with four screws. We recommend using screws in stainless steel (A2 or A4). The extender comes with stainless steel mounting screws. However, the on-arm mount is not supplied with mounting screws.

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Check the robot documentation to see how deep the screws should enter the robot flange. The robot adapter adds 12.5 mm of length needed for the screws. Screw depth of approximately 5 mm is usually suitable.

For added flexibility, more extenders can be added. However, be mindful of the robot’s carrying capacity and don’t underestimate the inertia forces generated by off-center payloads.

Locating Dowel Pin

We recommend using a dowel pin with h-tolerance to fix the on-arm mount with the robot flange.

Warning

Do not use m-tolerance positioning pins; they will get stuck.

If installing the extender behind the robot adapter, use a Ø6 mm dowel pin for connecting the extender with the robot flange. The dowel pin should enter the extender 6 mm deep. Check the robot documentation to see how deep the dowel pin should enter the robot flange; a 10 mm long dowel pin is usually suitable.

If installing the extender in front of the robot adapter, the locating dowel pin must be 20-22 cm long because it needs to pass through it.

If not using the extender, the dowel pin should enter the robot adapter 5 mm deep.

Tip

The locking dowel pin ensures good repeatability when reassembling the mount and no movement of adjoined components over time, even if exposed to considerable physical harm.

Strain Relief

Install the strain relief as shown in the image below.

Note

The strain relief can also be installed forward facing with the cable clamp pointing towards the gripper.

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Tip

The strain relief protects the camera connectors if the cables get entangled by minimizing the risk of force being exerted directly on the cable connectors, physically damaging them. The strain relief component will help channel the unwanted force coming from entangled cables into the robot arm, giving it a chance to stop movement. In addition to the strain relief, use an adequate cable management system, e.g., Igus Cable Management Solutions.

Camera Bracket

Mount the camera bracket.

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Note

Since the camera mounting bracket is symmetrical, it is possible to mount it backwards (with the arrow on the camera bracket pointing backwards). This leaves more space between the gripper and the camera.

Mount the camera by sliding the camera bracket onto the rails of the robot adapter.

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Tip

For additional safety to prevent screws from getting loose, we recommend using Loctite (purple or blue) and Nordlock washers. Regular flat washers will not help with vibrations but will help ensure the correct depth for screws entering a particular component.

Cables

Attach cables and guide them through the strain relief. The cable clamp is designed for 5-7 mm diameter cables.

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Note

The strain relief on the Zivid On-Arm Mount is designed for use with Zivid power and data cables. Using thicker third-party or custom cables is also possible with our mount, but then instead of using the cable clamp, fix the cables to our strain relief with cable ties.

Warning

Keep in mind that we do not recommend using any cables other than the ones supplied by Zivid.

The cable between the camera and the strain relief should be relatively loose to avoid constant static bending and twisting forces on the connectors, damaging them over time. When using the Zivid On-Arm Mount, we recommend leaving 20-30 cm of the cable length between the camera and the strain relief component. The cables going out of the camera should form a small loop before entering the strain relief component.

An alternative option is to route the cables via the side opening of the Zivid Mount Extender. In that case, use 30-40 cm of the cable length between the camera and the strain relief component.

Tip

Power and Ethernet cables with angled 90-degree connectors fit well with the Zivid On-Arm Mount. Since the cables are directed downwards and take up little space, using 90-degree connectors is safer than with straight connectors as it reduces the risk of entanglement.

Note

It is possible to use the strain relief on the Zivid On-Arm Mount with straight or angled camera brackets installed forwards or backwards. However, with the camera brackets installed backwards, you will lose access to the screws on the cable clamp. Alternatively, you can install the strain relief component on the side of the Zivid On-Arm mount.

We recommend some form of strain relief also on the PC side to prevent the connectors or ports from getting damaged.

For additional collision protection, check out the Zivid Two Protective Housing.

Read Mechanical Considerations for Robot Mounting to be sure you are making the right decisions regarding purchasing or designing, integrating, and installing accessories and equipment for robot mounting.

Continue reading about Tripod Mounting.