Vision-based manipulation of transparent plastic bags in industrial setups

IntroductionThis paper addresses the challenges of vision-based manipulation for autonomous cutting and unpacking of transparent plastic bags in industrial setups, contributing to the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Industry 4.0, emphasizing data-driven processes, connectivity, and robotics, enhances accessi...

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Main Authors: F. Adetunji, A. Karukayil, P. Samant, S. Shabana, F. Varghese, U. Upadhyay, R. A. Yadav, A. Partridge, E. Pendleton, R. Plant, Y. R. Petillot, M. Koskinopoulou
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-01-01
Series:Frontiers in Robotics and AI
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frobt.2025.1506290/full
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author F. Adetunji
F. Adetunji
A. Karukayil
A. Karukayil
P. Samant
P. Samant
S. Shabana
S. Shabana
F. Varghese
F. Varghese
U. Upadhyay
U. Upadhyay
R. A. Yadav
R. A. Yadav
A. Partridge
E. Pendleton
R. Plant
Y. R. Petillot
Y. R. Petillot
M. Koskinopoulou
M. Koskinopoulou
author_facet F. Adetunji
F. Adetunji
A. Karukayil
A. Karukayil
P. Samant
P. Samant
S. Shabana
S. Shabana
F. Varghese
F. Varghese
U. Upadhyay
U. Upadhyay
R. A. Yadav
R. A. Yadav
A. Partridge
E. Pendleton
R. Plant
Y. R. Petillot
Y. R. Petillot
M. Koskinopoulou
M. Koskinopoulou
author_sort F. Adetunji
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionThis paper addresses the challenges of vision-based manipulation for autonomous cutting and unpacking of transparent plastic bags in industrial setups, contributing to the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Industry 4.0, emphasizing data-driven processes, connectivity, and robotics, enhances accessibility and sustainability across the value chain. Integrating autonomous systems, including collaborative robots (cobots), into industrial workflows is crucial for improving efficiency and safety.MethodsThe proposed system employs advanced Machine Learning algorithms, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), for identifying transparent plastic bags under diverse lighting and background conditions. Tracking algorithms and depth-sensing technologies are integrated to enable 3D spatial awareness during pick-and-place operations. The system incorporates vacuum gripping technology with compliance control for optimal grasping and manipulation points, using a Franka Emika robot arm.ResultsThe system successfully demonstrates its capability to automate the unpacking and cutting of transparent plastic bags for an 8-stack bulk-loader. Rigorous lab testing showed high accuracy in bag detection and manipulation under varying environmental conditions, as well as reliable performance in handling and processing tasks. The approach effectively addressed challenges related to transparency, plastic bag manipulation and industrial automation.DiscussionThe results indicate that the proposed solution is highly effective for industrial applications requiring precision and adaptability, aligning with the principles of Industry 4.0. By combining advanced vision algorithms, depth sensing, and compliance control, the system offers a robust method for automating challenging tasks. The integration of cobots into such workflows demonstrates significant potential for enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability in industrial settings.
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institution Kabale University
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publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
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spelling doaj-art-0491d8077b8b4c7b842bad0124ae00892025-01-27T05:14:35ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Robotics and AI2296-91442025-01-011210.3389/frobt.2025.15062901506290Vision-based manipulation of transparent plastic bags in industrial setupsF. Adetunji0F. Adetunji1A. Karukayil2A. Karukayil3P. Samant4P. Samant5S. Shabana6S. Shabana7F. Varghese8F. Varghese9U. Upadhyay10U. Upadhyay11R. A. Yadav12R. A. Yadav13A. Partridge14E. Pendleton15R. Plant16Y. R. Petillot17Y. R. Petillot18M. Koskinopoulou19M. Koskinopoulou20The School of Physical and Engineering Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe National Robotarium, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe School of Physical and Engineering Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe National Robotarium, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe School of Physical and Engineering Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe National Robotarium, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe School of Physical and Engineering Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe National Robotarium, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe School of Physical and Engineering Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe National Robotarium, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe School of Physical and Engineering Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe National Robotarium, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe School of Physical and Engineering Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe National Robotarium, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe National Robotarium, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe National Robotarium, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe National Robotarium, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe School of Physical and Engineering Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe National Robotarium, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe School of Physical and Engineering Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United KingdomThe National Robotarium, Edinburgh, United KingdomIntroductionThis paper addresses the challenges of vision-based manipulation for autonomous cutting and unpacking of transparent plastic bags in industrial setups, contributing to the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Industry 4.0, emphasizing data-driven processes, connectivity, and robotics, enhances accessibility and sustainability across the value chain. Integrating autonomous systems, including collaborative robots (cobots), into industrial workflows is crucial for improving efficiency and safety.MethodsThe proposed system employs advanced Machine Learning algorithms, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), for identifying transparent plastic bags under diverse lighting and background conditions. Tracking algorithms and depth-sensing technologies are integrated to enable 3D spatial awareness during pick-and-place operations. The system incorporates vacuum gripping technology with compliance control for optimal grasping and manipulation points, using a Franka Emika robot arm.ResultsThe system successfully demonstrates its capability to automate the unpacking and cutting of transparent plastic bags for an 8-stack bulk-loader. Rigorous lab testing showed high accuracy in bag detection and manipulation under varying environmental conditions, as well as reliable performance in handling and processing tasks. The approach effectively addressed challenges related to transparency, plastic bag manipulation and industrial automation.DiscussionThe results indicate that the proposed solution is highly effective for industrial applications requiring precision and adaptability, aligning with the principles of Industry 4.0. By combining advanced vision algorithms, depth sensing, and compliance control, the system offers a robust method for automating challenging tasks. The integration of cobots into such workflows demonstrates significant potential for enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability in industrial settings.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frobt.2025.1506290/fullautonomous systemsindustrial applicationsvision-guided manipulationtransparent bag detectionrobotic solutions
spellingShingle F. Adetunji
F. Adetunji
A. Karukayil
A. Karukayil
P. Samant
P. Samant
S. Shabana
S. Shabana
F. Varghese
F. Varghese
U. Upadhyay
U. Upadhyay
R. A. Yadav
R. A. Yadav
A. Partridge
E. Pendleton
R. Plant
Y. R. Petillot
Y. R. Petillot
M. Koskinopoulou
M. Koskinopoulou
Vision-based manipulation of transparent plastic bags in industrial setups
Frontiers in Robotics and AI
autonomous systems
industrial applications
vision-guided manipulation
transparent bag detection
robotic solutions
title Vision-based manipulation of transparent plastic bags in industrial setups
title_full Vision-based manipulation of transparent plastic bags in industrial setups
title_fullStr Vision-based manipulation of transparent plastic bags in industrial setups
title_full_unstemmed Vision-based manipulation of transparent plastic bags in industrial setups
title_short Vision-based manipulation of transparent plastic bags in industrial setups
title_sort vision based manipulation of transparent plastic bags in industrial setups
topic autonomous systems
industrial applications
vision-guided manipulation
transparent bag detection
robotic solutions
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frobt.2025.1506290/full
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