Robot assisted tiling of glass mosaics with image processing

Abstract

Purpose - This paper describes a robotic system developed for tiling mosaics based on image processing according to customer expectations. Design/methodology/approach - Many varieties of mosaics art in different forms has been applied manually over centuries for art decorating. Although the mosaics material is cheap with immense decorative potential, the mosaics tiling process is difficult and costly skill to perform. Therefore, an image processing based robotic tiling system has been presented and applied in this study. An algorithm has been developed for converting the computer image to mosaic picture by using Borland C++ Builder 6.0 and successfully utilized on six degrees of freedom Ultimate Puma 500 type industrial robot for tiling glass mosaics to any plane. Findings - According to result of this study, it can be realized that the robots could be successfully utilized on decorating processes, e.g. tiling mosaics, for faster and flexible production. Originality/value - Presented robotic system allows the craftsmen to produce large and extra ordinary mosaic figures by using computer image and glass mosaic tiles. The goal of using a robot in this application is to increase the speed without man-faults and flexibility.