Process for automated handling of workpieces and automation module

A method for the automated handling of workpieces using an automation module with a base gantry, a removal area, a storage area, a robot device arranged on the base gantry and having a gripper that can be moved into a closed position and an open position, a camera device arranged on the base gantry and directed toward the removal area, and a control device, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

• a. providing a blank carrier equipped with an open top and outer sides in the removal area, wherein the blank carrier holds a plurality of workpieces, each of which has a gripping area, wherein the workpieces are each arranged with their gripping area facing the top side and are otherwise arranged randomly in relation to each other and in relation to the outer sides,
• b. capturing an image of the position of the blank carrier and the workpieces arranged in the blank carrier using the camera device,
• c. determining position information of the workpieces in relation to each other and in relation to the outer sides, taking into account the position image, wherein the position information comprises individual positions of the workpieces in the blank carrier,
• d. selecting a suitable workpiece to be gripped from the workpieces arranged in the blank carrier, taking into account the position information,
• e. controlling the robot device by means of the control device by transmitting the position of the selected workpiece, so that the gripper is moved toward the workpiece, the workpiece is gripped by means of the gripper, and the gripped workpiece is removed from the blank carrier,
• f. placing the gripped workpiece at a placement position selected from a group of predetermined placement positions in the placement area, wherein workpieces placed at the placement positions are aligned with each other according to a predetermined arrangement.