CyberOptics embedded process verification inspection technology for JUKI's KE-2070 robotic assembly platform

MINNEAPOLIS, USA: CyberOptics Corp. announced that its embedded process verification, or EPV, inspection technology has been incorporated into the KE-2070 robotic assembly platform designed and manufactured by JUKI Corporation, a Tokyo-based company.

Equipped with CyberOptics’ EPV inspection technology, JUKI’s KE-2070 is the industry’s first robotic assembly machine capable of inspecting for the presence or absence of electronic components on SMT circuit boards immediately following their placement.

With EPV inspection technology, JUKI’s KE-2070 platform is the only system in the world that can visualize feeder action during the electronic component placement process with images of both component pick and placement and movie mode. EPV technology also provides line engineers with a tool for root cause failure analysis during the assembly process to improve circuit board yields and minimize costly rework or scrap.

CyberOptics’ EPV technology is comprised of six ultra small cameras mounted on a placement head for on-the-fly imaging with no cycle time penalty for the inspection process. It is the “Eyes” into the assembly process embedded within the JUKI platform. The resulting inspection for missing components on the SMT circuit board operates at the full placement speed of the KE-2070.

The JUKI KE-2070 platform also will continue to deploy CyberOptics’ LaserAlign component placement sensors to ensure that electronic components placed on the circuit board are properly aligned and positioned.

Kathleen P. Iverson, CyberOptics’ president, chief executive officer and chair, commented: "JUKI, a leading manufacturer of pick-and-place equipment, has been a valued customer for many years, and we are extremely pleased that our relationship is enabling JUKI to further strengthen its position on the leading edge of robotic assembly technology.

"By incorporating a limited form of circuit board inspection into the component placement process, EPV makes inspection affordable to a wider range of customers, who otherwise may not deploy full-function, stand-alone automated optical inspection (AOI) systems. For this reason, JUKI’s KE-2070 platform represents a highly cost-effective way to enhance the yields of SMT production lines and expand the worldwide market for inspection."

Robert J. Black Jr. president and chief executive officer of JUKI Automation Systems, Inc of North America, added: "The introduction of our KE-2070 with EPV technology marks a new phase in JUKI’s long-established partnership with CyberOptics. Equipped with EPV technology, the KE-2070 is positioned to strengthen production line yields for a broader spectrum of customers.

"In addition, EPV’s “no programming” feature makes inspection more feasible for production lines with inexperienced operators. For these and other reasons, we believe the KE-2070 brings a winning combination of benefits to our customers around the globe."