A position detection apparatus that illuminates light from a light source unit onto an object and that receives reflected light from the object on a light receiver to detect position information of the object, includes a detector (10) and a signal processor (102), the detector includes a first grating (15) in an optical path between the light source unit and the object, a second grating (16) in an optical path between the object and the light receiver, and a third grating (17) in an optical path between the second grating and the light receiver, the signal processor acquires the position information of the object based on a phase variation of the second periodic image detected by the light receiver, and the position information of the object is information related to a distance from the detector to the object.

An inspection station identifies irregularities of surfaces of an object and a finishing station corrects irregularities identified. The inspection station includes a plurality of cameras configured to detect the irregularities under a light having a wavelength of ≥ about 380 nm to ≤ about 740 nm. The finishing station includes at least one robot, and the robot includes a light source configured to emit light having a wavelength of ≥ about 380 nm to ≤ about 740 nm, a camera, and an abrasive tool for correcting detected irregularities of the surfaces of the object.

Methods and apparatus for the positioning of a feature of a tray such that a robot may place a component in the feature are disclosed.

One embodiment provides a method, including: determining a light profile of light falling onto a solar module, wherein the light profile identifies (i) a position of the light with respect to the solar module and (ii) the intensity of the light with respect to solar panels within the solar module; identifying at least one solar panel within the solar module having partial light coverage; and changing the light profile by shaping the reflection of the light onto the solar module created by a flexible curved reflector in proximity to the solar module, thereby increasing the amount of light falling onto said at least one solar panel within the solar module; the changing the light profile comprising modifying the geometry of the flexible curved reflector by activating at least one actuator to move at least a portion of the flexible curved reflector.

Methods and apparatus for the positioning of a feature of a tray such that a robot may place a component in the feature are disclosed.

A modular LED line light, the modular LED line light comprising: at least one line light module, the at least one line light module comprising: a U-shaped body comprising a base and two opposing side walls extending from the base, the base comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface; at least one LED array disposed on the interior surface of the U-shaped body; a rail for receiving the at least one line light module, the rail comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is configured to receive the exterior surface of the base of the U-shaped body of the at least one light module; and a cooling tube for receiving a cooling fluid for removing heat from the at least one line light module, the cooling tube being disposed between the exterior surface of the base of the U-shaped body and the first surface of the rail.

A position detection apparatus that illuminates light from a light source unit onto an object and that receives reflected light from the object on a light receiver to detect position information of the object, includes a detector (10) and a signal processor (102), the detector includes a first grating (15) in an optical path between the light source unit and the object, a second grating (16) in an optical path between the object and the light receiver, and a third grating (17) in an optical path between the second grating and the light receiver, the signal processor acquires the position information of the object based on a phase variation of the second periodic image detected by the light receiver, and the position information of the object is information related to a distance from the detector to the object.

One embodiment provides a method, including: determining a light profile of light falling onto a solar module, wherein the light profile identifies (i) a position of the light with respect to the solar module and (ii) the intensity of the light with respect to solar panels within the solar module; identifying at least one solar panel within the solar module having partial light coverage; and changing the light profile by shaping the reflection of the light onto the solar module created by a flexible curved reflector in proximity to the solar module, thereby increasing the amount of light falling onto said at least one solar panel within the solar module; the changing the light profile comprising modifying the geometry of the flexible curved reflector by activating at least one actuator to move at least a portion of the flexible curved reflector.

A Cartesian numerically controlled machine tool for high-precision machining includes a footing, a first part with first movement elements for the movement of a second part with respect to a first controlled axis, a second part with second movement elements for the movement of a third part with respect to a second controlled axis, and a third part with third movement elements for the movement of a machining head with respect to a third controlled axis. The Cartesian machine tool further includes a machining head, and, on board, optical elements for detecting and monitoring the position of at least one reference nodal point for each of one or more of the controlled axes with respect to a reference that is integral with a part of the machine tool.

A modular LED line light, the modular LED line light comprising: at least one line light module, the at least one line light module comprising: a U-shaped body comprising a base and two opposing side walls extending from the base, the base comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface; at least one LED array disposed on the interior surface of the U-shaped body; a rail for receiving the at least one line light module, the rail comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is configured to receive the exterior surface of the base of the U-shaped body of the at least one light module; and a cooling tube for receiving a cooling fluid for removing heat from the at least one line light module, the cooling tube being disposed between the exterior surface of the base of the U-shaped body and the first surface of the rail.