Proposal of Suction Unit with Image Sensor and Ultra-thin Optical Camera System Capable of Near-far Hybrid Imaging using Metalens for Robotic Assembly

Abstract

In this paper, we propose the ultra-thin optical camera system using metalens and an image sensor unit with suction for robotic assembly. In the system, the image is capable of two difference work distance of near and far by one image sensor. The unit can capture a target in the near view area while suctioning, and other targets in far view area while grasping the target. We prototyped the sensor unit with the system and the suction. In the experiment, the capability of imaging by metalens in the proposed configuration and the performances of suction function were confirmed. Moreover we demonstrated insertion of a board to board connector using a robot arm with our unit attached. The experimental results and the demonstration show the performance and the effectiveness of the system and the unit.