Internship or graduation: Software - AI for detecting parts

What are you going to do?

At Voortman, we use the Fabricator, an advanced welding machine equipped with industrial robot arms. This machine consists of a handling robot that positions parts onto a beam and one or more welding robots that weld these parts into place. The operator is free to put the parts on the table as he sees fit, as long as they do not lie on top of each other. A line laser scanner, mounted on the handling robot, captures a 3D point cloud representation of the table’s contents. Our current custom-developed algorithm effectively detects plates and certain profile types, determining their positions for accurate processing.  However this might not be the most efficient and effective way to accomplish this. Furthermore, we are currently not yet able to scan all profile types with this algorithm.

Tasks:

Your task would be to investigate if we could use AI to detect the parts on the table and determine the correct orientation. And to create a proof of concept that works together with our current software solution. You will:

• Investigate how AI can be used to detect the parts on the table;

  o    Given the point cloud data that is generated by the line laser scan.

  o    Given a known set of parts that could be on the table

• Create a design on how to implement the AI solution in our current software solution;

• Create a proof of concept;

• The solution should be able to detect both plates as well as other profile types;

• The solution should be efficient, as it happens during the running cycle;

• Take maintainability and testability into account.

We ask

• HBO or University education in computer science or related fields.

We offer

• Internship allowance of €600,- per month;

• Travel allowance: so you do not incur unnecessary expenses;

• Equipment and materials: for example, a laptop, special tools or software;

• Experienced coach: good guidance is important and so you will get a permanent coach to support you.

About Voortman

What started in a small chicken shed in Rijssen in 1968 has grown into a global leader in CNC steel processing machines. With over 750 professionals worldwide, we develop and build high-end machines and intelligent software that automate and optimize production processes all over the world.