Create customizable QR codes for ARC, display/scan via Camera Control, trigger scripts on recognition and save decoded text to variables.
How to add the QR Code Generator robot skill
- Load the most recent release of ARC (Get ARC).
- Press the Project tab from the top menu bar in ARC.
- Press Add Robot Skill from the button ribbon bar in ARC.
- Choose the Camera category tab.
- Press the QR Code Generator icon to add the robot skill to your project.
Don't have a robot yet?
Follow the Getting Started Guide to build a robot and use the QR Code Generator robot skill.
How to use the QR Code Generator robot skill
The QR Code Generator will create a QR Code using the text you enter. By default, the text is "Synthiam", and the generated QR Code image will encode that same word. If you scan the QR image with a phone QR scanner app, it will decode and display Synthiam.
What is a QR Code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode made of black squares on a white background. Unlike older “1D” barcodes, QR codes can store many types of data such as letters, numbers, punctuation, and even full web links. Devices (phones, tablets, and robot cameras) can scan the pattern and turn it back into readable text.
Why QR Codes are useful in robotics
In robotics, QR codes are a simple way to pass information between humans, robots, and software. Because they’re fast to scan and can include error correction, they’re reliable even if the code is slightly dirty or partially covered.
1) Data transfer & robot configuration
QR codes can store setup values (WiFi info, an IP address, a robot mode name, a command keyword, etc.). Instead of typing values manually, you scan a QR code and the robot can automatically load the text into a variable or run a script.
2) Instructional material & documentation
A QR code on a robot or part can link to a webpage, video, or maintenance instructions. This is helpful for troubleshooting and training.
3) Human–robot interaction
A robot can display a QR code on a screen so a person can scan it to open a form, visit a help page, or send feedback.
4) Inventory & asset tracking
QR codes can represent a unique ID for a robot or component, allowing you to track serial numbers, service history, or locations.
5) Error correction (more reliable scanning)
QR codes are designed to still decode even if part of the image is damaged or blocked. This is useful in real-world environments.
6) Navigation & localization
Some robots use QR codes placed around a room/warehouse to help identify positions or guide movement along routes.
How this skill works with the Camera Control
The QR Code Generator creates the QR image. The Camera Control is what can detect and decode QR codes from a camera feed. You can use them together like this:
- Create a QR code in the QR Code Generator (for example:
MOVE_FORWARDorhttps://synthiam.com). - Show that QR code to a camera (webcam, laptop camera, or robot camera).
- Camera Control reads the QR code text.
- ARC can store that text in a variable and/or run scripts based on what was detected.
Scripts (Camera Control)
The Camera Control can be set to recognize QR codes and run scripts when specific QR codes are seen.
- Open the Camera Control configuration and go to the Scripts tab.
- Look for the QR Code Scripts section. You can assign a different script to execute for each recognized QR code.
- You can also create a “catch-all” script that runs when a QR code is detected but not found in your recognized list. This is useful if you want to handle new/unknown codes.
- A common beginner project is detecting a web URL and opening it in a browser (see the QR Code example under ARC’s Examples menu).
Variables (Camera Control)
In the Camera Control configuration, the Scripts tab also provides QR-related variables. When a QR code is detected, the decoded text can be stored in the variable you specify. Your scripts can then read that variable to decide what to do next.
Tips for easy detection
- Keep QR text short. The more characters you store in a QR code, the more “dense” it becomes, and the higher resolution the camera needs to read it reliably.
-
Short codes scan faster. For example, a QR code containing just
Ais much easier to detect than one containingApple. -
Recommended for robots: use a single letter/number or a short keyword (examples:
1,STOP,DOCK). - Practical setup: ensure good lighting, keep the QR code steady, and make the code large enough in the camera view.
Had some questions for this skill I realize that it is setting up a variable for each QR code but is it possible to encode a x,y,z location in in the variable. Say you have a wall full of products and you want to find a certain item, you could move the camera close to the xyz location then the Qr tracking could kick in to retrieve the item. Rather than making multiple variables for each x y z location of an item possibly just make a long number and then decode the number. Example x=12 y=18 z=45 so item "oil can"=33 could be turned into a number also. 33121845 and a script could decode the number. I've asked for spreadsheets but for some reason -probably really slows it down- it was never made but now you can see why I'm asking. How could you do that in Blockly? Thanks, Don
I reside in Tennessee now - from NY
Yesterday we went downtown and saw may bands.
I noticed everyone had QR codes for their websites or whatever,
Also all the places we parked used QR codes.
Good thing to know
I'm finding that it's so convenient to pull out my cell phone and (after pulling up the QR code reader) scan a displayed code to go to do something connected in whatever you are there taking part in. For example there has been a few times when I needed to pay for parking at an airport or a city parking space. There would be a QR Code displayed on a big sign. I simply scan that code and go to the website, enter my car license plate number and pay for my parking. They even give me the option to send me texts when my paid for time is getting close to expiring. Now this is good use of technology that benefits us.
I wouldn't be to quick to scan codes Dave unless you want to go to my parking pay website that I just created 5 minutes ago and stuck a QR code for it on the parking sign and give me $20 every time you want to park your car.
This is a common one for bitcoin as well. People replace the QR code on signs for a new QR code and all your coins are belong to us.
big professional QR signs would be pretty hard to replace.
I know we always need to watch what we are doing.
Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep an eye open when doing this. So far I've only come across professional signs that is very clear that they are placed there by the original vendor.
This is a really common scam. All you need is a printer and some sticker paper. https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/28996-bbb-scam-alert-double-check-that-qr-code-before-you-pay-for-parking
great info Nink
I as talking about large professional QR signs at parking places - put up high.