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Automate 2025 was a showcase for cutting-edge robotics and automation, featuring companies from around the world demonstrating their latest technologies. CapSen Robotics had the opportunity to exhibit one of the most intriguing demos at the show—a simple-looking game of Plinko. While it appeared to be just a fun, interactive display, it was powered by CapSen PiC, our advanced 3D vision and motion planning software. This technology showcased how sophisticated vision algorithms and precise motion planning can be seamlessly integrated to handle complex automation tasks with efficiency and accuracy.
CapSen PiC enables seamless object detection and precise placement, proving that what seemed like a game is actually a powerful demonstration of advanced automation capabilities. The same principles driving Plinko’s flawless execution can be applied to complex industrial tasks, revolutionizing processes like sorting, bin picking, and machine tending.
CapSen PiC software’s versatility lies in its ability to support both traditional and dual-headed end effectors, offering flexibility in automation.
In the Plinko demo, the dual-headed end effector seamlessly enabled transitions between suction and a precision two-finger gripper, adapting in real time to different part geometries and surface properties. This dynamic capability ensures optimal handling, whether managing delicate objects or securing irregularly shaped items, showcasing the adaptability of CapSen PiC in complex automation scenarios.
CapSen PiC’s vision algorithms provide an additional layer of intelligence, enabling the system to identify and sort multiple part types from a single bin with remarkable speed. The integration of machine learning and depth perception allows for real-time decision-making, ensuring that each object is not just picked, but precisely placed for maximum efficiency.
Another standout feature of the software is its ability to detect mirror-finish parts—a challenge for traditional vision systems. CapSen PiC’s technology overcomes this hurdle by using advanced lighting techniques and robust algorithms that analyze object contours and reflections. This ensures flawless detection and placement, proving that even seemingly simple tasks, like dropping a ball in Plinko, require cutting-edge robotics to achieve perfection.
CapSen PiC’s advanced capabilities extend beyond simple object detection—it redefines versatility in robotic automation. As mentioned, a key highlight is its support for multi-headed end effectors, allowing robots to handle different tasks seamlessly. The Plinko demonstration showcased a dual-ended tool that could switch between suction and a two-finger gripper, adapting instantly to varying object types.
This flexibility means robots equipped with CapSen PiC can pick up a wide range of objects, including shiny, reflective, dark, and irregularly shaped parts. Whether handling materials for sorting, repacking, or machine tending, the ability to dynamically adjust gripping methods enhances efficiency across industries.
In bin picking and kitting, this technology ensures that mixed bins containing various objects can be sorted with precision. The dual-headed end effector, combined with intelligent motion planning and multi-camera support, allows robots to accurately locate and grasp items, whether flat, cylindrical, reflective, or textured. This adaptability significantly reduces processing time and minimizes errors in high-speed automation environments.
Furthermore, CapSen PiC’s ability to support multiple picking bins expands workflow possibilities. Robots can transition between different bins without recalibration, streamlining operations in logistics, manufacturing, and warehouse settings. From delicate electronic components to robust mechanical parts, CapSen PiC ensures reliable handling, making automation smarter, faster, and more efficient.
What looked like a simple game of Plinko at Automate 2025 was, in reality, a demonstration of advanced robotics that will shape the future of industry. By integrating double-headed end effectors, multi-bin picking, and advanced vision technology, CapSen PiC is leading the charge in intelligent automation.
Since Automate 2024, CapSen PiC has undergone significant improvements, refining its capabilities for even greater precision and efficiency. Pick accuracy and grasp verification have been enhanced, ensuring that objects are not only detected but also secured with optimal grip strength, reducing errors in handling.
The introduction of robot-on-a-rail implementation expands the system’s reach, allowing robots to cover larger workspaces without compromising speed or accuracy. This advancement is particularly beneficial for operations requiring extended motion paths, such as warehouse sorting and machine tending.
Multi-camera and on-arm camera support enable robots to perceive their environment with greater detail and dynamism, thereby improving object detection under challenging conditions. Whether dealing with reflective surfaces or cluttered bins, these features ensure reliable identification and picking.
Additionally, support for multi-headed end effectors and multiple picking bins increases versatility, enabling robots to handle various object types without frequent tool changes. This advancement streamlines complex workflows by allowing simultaneous sorting, gripping, and placement of different items.
Beyond hardware, upgraded ActionScript editing and built-in help documentation make system configuration and troubleshooting more user-friendly. Enhanced scripting enables more customizable automation sequences, while improved documentation ensures users can easily access guidance, accelerating implementation and minimizing downtime.
Together, these innovations mark a leap forward in automation technology, reinforcing CapSen PiC’s position as a leader in advanced robotic vision and motion planning.
CapSen PiC’s advancements in vision and motion planning signal a transformative shift in industrial automation. As robotics becomes increasingly sophisticated, businesses are demanding systems that can adapt in real time, handle diverse materials, and perform complex tasks with greater autonomy. CapSen PiC meets these needs by enabling robots to see, understand, and manipulate objects with near-human dexterity, unlocking new possibilities for industries reliant on precise handling.
The broader impact extends to workforce efficiency, cost reduction, and process reliability. Automated sorting, bin picking, and machine tending eliminate bottlenecks, allowing operations to scale without increasing labor costs. Additionally, improved grasp verification and multi-camera support minimize errors, making automation more predictable and dependable.
Looking ahead, these innovations could reshape supply chains, enhance AI-driven robotics, and expand automation into new sectors. As robots gain multi-modal perception, their ability to work alongside humans in dynamic environments—from warehouses to surgical rooms—becomes increasingly viable. What was once a Plinko demonstration is now paving the way for the next generation of intelligent automation.
As automation continues to evolve, vision-driven robotics will unlock new efficiencies and possibilities. How could this technology transform your industry? Could it streamline operations, improve accuracy, or enhance adaptability? Join the conversation and share how you envision its impact!