Cognex joins OSARO’s partner program to enhance pick-and-place robotics

OSARO, a provider of machine-learning-enabled robotics for e-commerce, has welcomed Cognex Corporation, a provider of industrial machine vision, into the OSARO Partners Alliance, an ecosystem of partner expertise aimed at delivering optimal automation solutions to customers. OSARO also noted the two companies have already worked well together for Zenni Optical by integrating Cognex DataMan fixed-mount, image-based barcode readers into the OSARO Robotic Bagging System, solving a previously difficult scan challenge for Zenni.

The recent deployment at Zenni in Novato, California, showcased the role of Cognex’s DataMan barcode readers in OSARO’s system, which comprises a FANUC M-10 Series robot arm powered by OSARO SightWorks vision and control system for robots, a Pregis Sharp automated bagging machine, Cognex readers, and Framos cameras to guide the robot. NPSG Global constructed the physical infrastructure in collaboration with OSARO’s technical team.

The system demonstrated compelling ROI for one of the world’s top eyeglass retailers by solving an ongoing challenge. Zenni’s signature translucent blue eyeglass cases had stymied scanners from several OEMs that were unable to read barcodes through the plastic cases. OSARO vetted several suppliers before selecting Cognex DataMan readers, which achieved 99% accuracy and read rates, while increasing throughput by 80%.

Lighting plays an important role in barcode reading solutions and helps to increase read rates. Cognex’s high-intensity LED lighting — a high-powered integrated torch (HPIT) — was instrumental in the ability to read barcodes through Zenni’s eyewear cases. Today, each OSARO robotic system can pick, scan, bag, and label up to 410 eyeglasses per hour.

“At OSARO, we’re always looking for the best technologies and vendors to incorporate into our strategic partnership ecosystem. Cognex is now part of that partnership strategy to deploy the best possible solutions to our customers,” said OSARO VP of Operations Gemma Ross. “We are excited to be working with Cognex and to draw on their experts with deep domain experience in the successful deployment of barcode readers in challenging e-commerce and logistics applications.”

“Cognex is proud to partner with OSARO to solve the most difficult barcode reading challenges on behalf of its customer, Zenni,” said Ben Carey, director of logistics product management at Cognex. “Our DataMan barcode-reading solutions can read barcodes in challenging conditions, ensuring that customers can maintain an efficient and accurate robotic pick-and-place process — and deliver customer orders on time.”

The OSARO Partners Alliance offers one-stop access for businesses looking to deploy robotic solutions in their fulfillment operations, OSARO added. It provides a mechanism for mobile robot and automated storage & retrieval system (ASRS) vendors, integrators, distributors, third-party logistics companies, and consultants to collaborate and co-market unified solutions. The program is designed to optimize every stage of a customer’s purchasing and deployment processes through collaboration with OSARO's partners. Members of the Alliance can use OSARO’s industry-leading pick-and-place vision software to create new opportunities, build new revenue streams together, and expand the range of available solutions for fast-growing e-commerce and logistics businesses.