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iiQKA.AI Vision: Industrial image processing for robots

iiQKA.AI Vision is the integrated image processing software for industrial robotics applications – for 2D and 3D Vision. The solution is configured in iiQWorks using drag-and-drop and supports typical applications such as bin picking, assembly, quality control, and depalletizing. Image processing runs on an integrated computing unit directly within the controller and is supplemented by AI functions, enabling efficient, scalable Vision applications, even without in-depth Vision expertise.

2D and 3D vision with AI-based object recognition and localization

The image processing software reliably detects, classifies, and locates components in 2D and 3D – even when components are disorganized, have complex geometries, or are subject to changing environmental conditions. Based on image data or point clouds, precise position and gripping information is calculated and transmitted directly to the robot.

Processing takes place in the controller itself on the KUKA AI Extension Platform, an integrated computing unit based on NVIDIA technology. This ensures that sufficient computing power is available for demanding Vision tasks – without the need for external systems or additional infrastructure. Combined with seamless integration into the robot controller and engineering systems, this results in end-to-end, stable, and low-latency processes – from data acquisition to execution – and ensures consistently high image quality.

The advantages for you: Efficient, integrated and ready for immediate use

  • Get your productive Vision application up and running quickly

    • Visual configuration via drag-and-drop in iiQWorks
    • Templates for typical applications
    • Guided workflows from setup to start-up

  • Reduced costs and complexity

    • No external IPC hardware required
    • Reduced interfaces and system components
    • Fewer integration and maintenance requirements

  • Robust image processing

    • Precise 2D and 3D object recognition
    • Automatic position determination and gripping point calculation
    • Reliable even with varying components and lighting conditions

  • End-to-end system from engineering to operation

    • Seamless integration into iiQWorks and robot controller
    • Standardized workflow from configuration to deployment
    • Centralized management and monitoring via web-UI

Typical application areas for intelligent, robot-assisted image processing systems

3D bin picking

Reliable removal of unsorted parts

  • Creates and processes 3D point clouds for object recognition
  • Precisely locates objects and derives gripper points from CAD data or trained logic
  • Automatically calculates collision-free and stable gripping strategies

2D and 3D machine vision

Automatic loading and unloading of machines
  • Detects workpieces and their position in front of and inside the machine
  • Enables automatic handling without a precisely defined position
  • Ensures stable loading and unloading processes

3D depalletizing

Automated unloading of pallets
  • Detects positions, positions and alignment of products
  • Dynamically adapts the gripping strategy to different stack configurations
  • Ensures stable workflows even in the case of varying patterns

2D and 3D conveyor tracking

Precise gripping on the conveyor
  • Detects moving objects in real time
  • Synchronizes the robot motion with the conveyor speed
  • Continuously calculates precise positions for gripping while in motion

2D and 3D positioning and guiding

Precise positioning of components
  • Detects parts in 2D or 3D and determines exact coordinates
  • Guides the robot to the end point with exact coordinates in real time
  • Automatically compensates for position deviations
  • Reproducible processes

Optimal integration into systems

Seamless collaboration with industrial robots
  • Supports both 2D precision tasks and complex 3D handling scenarios
  • Enables collision-free path planning
  • Reduces interfaces through integrated architecture and increases system stability

Image processing software (iiQKA.AI Vision)

iiQKA.AI Vision is the core software component and combines image processing, AI algorithms, and robotics integration into a single solution. Applications are configured visually and transferred directly to the robot controller – for scalable, digital image processing systems.

Vision sensors (2D/3D camera systems)

The software supports a variety of vision sensors and, through the combination of camera, software, and AI, enables precise adaptation to the specific use case—even under varying lighting and environmental conditions.

Computing unit (AI board extension for AI acceleration)

The computing unit is an integral part of iiQKA.AI Vision and executes the image processing and AI algorithms directly within the system. Processing takes place locally in the controller, enabling low latency and stable, near-real-time integration.

An AI board extension accelerates computationally intensive AI functions. GPU-based technologies (e.g., NVIDIA) enable high-performance 3D data processing and AI-powered image analysis directly in the controller.

Engineering in iiQWorks (configuration, simulation, start-up)

Engineering is performed in iiQWorks within a seamless, visually guided environment – from configuration and simulation through to start-up. Vision applications are created and directly integrated without conventional programming.

  • Visual configuration: Drag-and-drop instead of traditional programming
  • Template-based entry: Quick setup of typical Vision applications
  • Data & calibration: Camera setup, recording, and system calibration
  • AI-supported models: Training and optimization directly within the engineering workflow
  • Seamless integration: Transfer of results to the robot process
  • Simulation & start-up: Validation and fine-tuning within the same environment

System integration (integration into robot, controller and application)

iiQKA.AI Vision is fully integrated into the KUKA platform and combines sensors, software, and the robot controller into a cohesive, integrated system. Results are incorporated directly into the motion sequence – ensuring stable processes and well-informed decision-making in automation.

Start your Vision project

Industrial image processing tailored to your company’s needs: Configure iiQKA.AI Vision specifically for your application in my.KUKA – including selecting the right cameras and lenses. Alternatively, KUKA offers support from the feasibility study through to the stable operation of your application.
Request personalized advice Configure your Vision solution

For which applications is 2D vision particularly well-suited?

2D Vision is suitable for applications in which components are positioned in a defined manner and arranged flat. It is primarily used for traditional image processing, inspection, and positioning based on image data, and is particularly efficient when component positions are constant and cycle speeds are high.

Typical applications of 2D Vision:
  • Pick & place on a conveyor belt or tray
  • Surface inspection (e.g., scratches, color, defects)
  • Barcode, OCR, and label verification
  • Presence/absence checks and quality control

 

Advantages of 2D vision in industrial automation:?
  • High speed and short cycle times
  • Cost-effective integration
  • Proven and robust technology for structured processes

This makes 2D vision particularly suitable for standardized applications with a defined component layout where depth information is not required

For which applications is 3D Vision particularly well-suited?

3D Vision is used when components need to be spatially captured and handled flexibly—especially in cases involving complex geometries, unordered components, or variable positions and orientations in space. Typical applications include, for example, bin picking and precise position determination in 3D space.

This makes 3D vision particularly well-suited for complex and unstructured scenarios in which the exact position and orientation of a component is critical for a safe and reproducible process.

Typical applications of 3D vision:
  • Bin picking (unordered, stacked components)
  • Depalletizing and handling mixed parts
  • Gripping complex geometries
  • Applications with variable position, height, or orientation
  • Precise positioning and robot-assisted assembly

 

 When is 3D vision absolutely necessary?
  • Components are scattered or stacked
  • Height, position, or angle are relevant to the process
  • A safe grasping position in space (including orientation) must be determined

How long does it take to implement a Vision application?

Implementation depends on the application and its complexity. Thanks to visual configuration, templates, and guided workflows, start-up can be carried out efficiently and with reduced engineering effort.

Is iiQKA.AI Vision also suitable for beginners without any experience of Vision?

Yes, the solution is specifically designed to enable the implementation of Vision applications even without in-depth specialized knowledge – through visual configuration in a graphical engineering environment, guided processes, and pre-built templates.

Can iiQKA.AI Vision be integrated into existing systems?

Yes, the solution can be integrated into existing robotics and automation environments and enables seamless connectivity between Vision, the controller, and the application.

Are data processed locally or externally?

Image processing and data processing are carried out via edge computing directly in the controller. This means no cloud connection is required, latencies are low, and secure, local processing is guaranteed.

Software solutions for efficient automation