Robot 1 I feel like a need a picture for a little more context to envision the application.
As far as Robot 2, a simple laser from Banner Or Keyence could solve this issue of part detection. Or you could get into something more complex like another vision system. Completely up to the amount of money you want to spend, and the consistency.
Robot 2 - Do it right and put a part present sensor on the screw and get rid of the timers (or make them very short). Then your cycle time will at least be as close to what the bowl feeder can provide.
The logic for the part present sensor will have to be either added to the robot or cell PLC. When done "correctly" the PLC will monitor the part present, the output track/chute high level, the bowl level, control the bowl vibrator, and output faults if conditions don't look correct. When not faulted and a part is present, it can give the robot the signal its OK to pick.
