Conductor assembly workbench for robotic installation

By designing the base components, containers, and robot installation features in the workbench system, efficient and automated installation of conductor components was achieved, solving the problems of installation complexity and high cost in existing technologies.

CN113161844BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-21APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
Filing Date
2021-01-04
Publication Date
2026-04-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, the robotic installation process for conductor components is complex and costly, especially for the installation of multiple wires and connectors, where conventional vision scanning systems add additional complexity and cost.

Method used

A workbench system was designed, including a base component, a container, and robot mounting features, which enables the automated installation of wires, cables, and connectors through identifier identification and movable control.

Benefits of technology

It simplifies the robotic installation process for conductor components, reduces costs, improves installation efficiency, and avoids the additional overhead associated with complex vision scanning systems.

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Abstract

A workbench system for robotic mounting of conductor assemblies includes: a base member defining a base identifier identifiable by a robotic mounter; a set of containers attached to the base member and defining corresponding container identifiers, wherein each container is configured to receive and temporarily secure one or more connectors from a set of connectors of the conductor assembly; it also includes corresponding sets of wires for the set of connectors; and a set of robotic mounting features, each of which is at least temporarily attached to or defined by the set of connectors and defines a corresponding mounting identifier, wherein each robotic mounting feature is configured to temporarily interact with an end effector of the robotic mounter, thereby giving the robotic mounter movable control over the connector to remove the connector from its corresponding container and mount the connector to a corresponding electrical connector.
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Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 956,872, filed January 3, 2020. The disclosure of this application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to automotive electrical systems, and more specifically to staging conductor assemblies for robot mounting. Background Technology

[0004] Conductor assemblies typically comprise multiple wires and cables electrically connected to corresponding connectors. During installation, each wire / cable / connector is designed to connect to other corresponding electrical connectors / systems. Manual installation of wires / cables / connectors by human installers can be time-consuming and expensive, especially for inexperienced human installers and for more complex installation projects (e.g., conductor assemblies with a large number of wires / cables). Automated installation by robotic installers can be preferable to manual human installation due to increased speed and reduced costs. However, robotic installers must be able to accurately identify each wire / cable / connector and gain movable control over them to complete the robotic installation. In some cases, it may be necessary to move and install multiple wire / cable / connector pairs simultaneously, which further increases complexity. Robotic installers can use sophisticated vision scanning or viewing systems, but this can further increase cost and complexity. Therefore, while conventional conductor assemblies and conventional robotic installers perform well for their intended purposes, there are opportunities for improvement in the field of robotic installation of conductor assemblies.

[0005] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of presenting the overall context of this disclosure. The presently mentioned work of the inventors, and aspects described at the time of filing as prior art, to the extent described in this background section, are neither expressly nor implicitly acknowledged as prior art to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a workbench system for robotic mounting of a conductor assembly including a set of wires connected to a corresponding set of connectors is presented. In one exemplary implementation, the workbench system includes: a base member defining a base identifier identifiable by a robotic mounter; a set of receptacles attached to the base member and defining corresponding receptacle identifiers identifiable by the robotic mounter, wherein each receptacle is configured to receive and temporarily secure one or more connectors from a set of connectors of the conductor assembly; and a set of robotic mounting features respectively attached to or defined by the receptacles at least temporarily, and defining corresponding mounting identifiers identifiable by the robotic mounter, wherein each robotic mounting feature is configured to temporarily interact with an end effector of the robotic mounter, such that the robotic mounter gains movable control over the connector to remove the connector from its corresponding receptacle and mount the connector to a corresponding electrical connector.

[0007] In some implementations, the base identifier is a scannable identifier defined on the surface of the base member. In some implementations, the set of container identifiers is relative to a predefined location on the base member, which is known to the robot mounter without scanning. In some implementations, the set of container identifiers is a scannable identifier defined on the surface of the respective container or on a surface of the base member adjacent to the respective container. In some implementations, the mounting identifier is a scannable identifier defined on the surface of the respective connector, the surface of a set of wires corresponding to the respective connector, or the surface of a robot mounting feature corresponding to the respective connector. In some implementations, the correspondence between the container identifier and the mounting identifier together forms a single complementary scannable identifier.

[0008] In some implementations, the workbench system further includes one or more preliminary robot mounting features, at least temporarily attached to or defined by the base member, wherein the one or more preliminary robot mounting features are configured to interact with the end effector or another end effector of the robot mounter to position the base member, the set of containers, the conductor assembly, and the set of robot mounting features in the vehicle's mounting position. In some implementations, the base member is at least temporarily attached to the outer surface of the vehicle's controller. In some implementations, the one or more preliminary robot mounting features are removable from the base member when the controller, base member, set of containers, conductor assembly, and set of robot mounting features are positioned in the vehicle's mounting position. In some implementations, opposite ends of a set of wires of the conductor assembly are pre-connected to the controller, and a set of connectors of the conductor assembly is configured to be mounted together with corresponding electrical connectors associated with the vehicle's sensor system.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for robotically mounting a conductor assembly comprising a set of wires and cables and a corresponding set of connectors is presented. In one exemplary implementation, the method includes: identifying a base identifier defined by a base member of a workbench system by a robotic mounter, wherein the workbench system further includes a set of containers attached to the base member, and wherein each container is configured to receive and temporarily secure one or more connectors from the set of connectors of the conductor assembly; identifying a set of container identifiers defined by the set of containers by the robotic mounter in response to identifying the base identifier; identifying a set of mounting identifiers defined by a set of robotic mounting features by the robotic mounter in response to identifying the set of container identifiers, wherein the set of robotic mounting features are respectively at least temporarily attached to or defined by the set of connectors; and temporarily interacting with at least one of the set of robotic mounting features by an end effector of the robotic mounter in response to identifying the set of mounting identifiers to obtain movable control over a corresponding connector to remove the connector from its corresponding container, and subsequently mounting the connector to a corresponding electrical connector.

[0010] In some implementations, the base identifier is a scannable identifier defined on the surface of the base member, which is scanned by the robot mounter to identify the base identifier and the base member. In some implementations, the set of container identifiers is a predefined position of the set of containers relative to the base member, which is known to the robot mounter without scanning. In some implementations, the set of container identifiers is a scannable identifier defined on the surface of the respective container or on the surface of the base member adjacent to the respective container, and is scanned by the robot mounter to identify the set of container identifiers and the set of containers. In some implementations, the mounting identifier is a scannable identifier defined on the surface of the respective connector, the surface of a set of wires corresponding to the respective connector, or the surface of a robot mounting feature corresponding to the respective connector, and is scanned by the robot mounter to identify the set of mounting identifiers, the set of robot mounting features, and the set of connectors. In some implementations, the correspondence between the container identifier and the mounting identifier together forms a single complementary scannable identifier.

[0011] In some implementations, the workbench system further includes one or more preliminary robot mounting features that are at least temporarily attached to or defined by the base member, and the method further includes: identifying the one or more preliminary robot mounting features by a robot mounter; and, in response to the identification of the one or more preliminary robot mounting features, having the end effector of the robot mounter or another end effector interact with the one or more preliminary robot mounting features to position the workbench system in the vehicle's mounting location. In some implementations, the base member of the workbench system is at least temporarily attached to the outer surface of the vehicle's controller. In some implementations, the one or more preliminary robot mounting features are removable from the base member when the controller and the workbench system are positioned in the vehicle's mounting location, and opposite ends of a set of wires of a conductor assembly are pre-connected to the controller, and a set of connectors of the conductor assembly is configured to be mounted together with corresponding electrical connectors associated with the vehicle's sensor system.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a workbench system for robotic mounting of a conductor assembly including a set of wires connected to a corresponding set of connectors is presented. In one exemplary implementation, the workbench system includes: a base component device defining a base identifier device identifiable by a robotic mounter device; a set of container devices attached to the base component device and defining corresponding container identifier devices identifiable by the robotic mounter device, wherein each container device is configured to receive and temporarily secure one or more connectors from a set of connectors of the conductor assembly; and a set of robotic mounter feature devices respectively attached at least temporarily to or defined by the set of connectors, and defining corresponding mount identifier devices identifiable by the robotic mounter device, wherein each robotic mounter feature device is configured to temporarily interact with an end effector device of the robotic mounter device, such that the robotic mounter device gains movable control over the connector to remove the connector from its corresponding container device and mount the connector to a corresponding electrical connector.

[0013] Further applicability of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that the specific embodiments and examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0014] This disclosure will be more fully understood through detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 A view of a first example conductor assembly stage system according to some implementations of this disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 2A-2B A view of a second example conductor assembly stage system according to some implementations of this disclosure is shown; and

[0017] Figure 3 A flowchart is shown of a method for a robot to install conductor components according to some implementations of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Now for reference Figure 1A first example workbench system 100 for conductor assembly 102 is shown. As used herein, the term "conductor assembly" refers to a set of wires and cables electrically connected to a set of corresponding connectors. Workbench system 100 includes a base member 104 having a set of containers 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d (collectively referred to as "containers 112") attached thereto. Although four containers are shown, it will be understood that other numbers of containers can be implemented. In the example shown, containers 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d have received and secured connectors 108a, 108b, 108c, and 108d (collectively referred to as "connectors 108"), respectively. Although square or rectangular connectors of different sizes are shown, it will be understood that connectors of any suitable size, shape, or type can be used by providing a specially designed or generic construction for containers 112. At least temporarily attached to or defined by connector 108 are a corresponding set of robot mounting features 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d (collectively referred to as "robot mounting features 116"). In the example shown, these robot mounting features 116 are each grippable X-shaped members, but it will be understood that any suitable shape or type of robot mounting feature can be utilized. Robot mounting features 116 are temporarily interacted with by the end effector 124 (e.g., a gripping member) of robot mounter 128. As shown, end effector 124 has gripped robot mounting feature 116d, which provides movable control of connector 108d to end effector 124 and robot mounter 128 via robot mounting feature 116d.

[0019] It will be understood that the robot mounter 128 may include multiple different end effectors, such as four end effectors (i.e., one end effector for each robot mount feature 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d). Due to the unique wiring design (such as the wiring design shown), this may be necessary, for example, for the simultaneous removal of all connectors 108. As shown, the four portions 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d have different widths and / or lengths and are electrically connected to connectors 108. More specifically, portion 132a is the widest and shortest portion and is electrically connected only to connector 108d. Portion 132a then branches into three other portions 132b, 132c, 132d (from shortest to longest in length), which are then electrically connected to connectors 108c, 108b, and 108a, respectively. By simultaneously gaining movable control over all robot mounting features 116 and connectors 108, conductor assembly 102 is movable overall without potentially damaging conductor assembly 102 (e.g., tearing a portion of wire cable 132). Identification of the various components described above by the robot mounter 128 can be achieved in various ways. As previously mentioned, sophisticated high-precision viewing systems can be used, but these increase cost and / or complexity. In the example shown, base member 104 defines base identifier 136.

[0020] As used herein, the term "identifier" refers to any mark that can be identified by the robotic installer 128, including but not limited to barcodes, quick-read (QR) codes, numbers, letters, or alphanumeric strings, or symbols / shapes. As an example only, as shown, a base identifier can be laser-etched or engraved onto the surface of the base member 104. In some implementations, each container-connector pair may have one or more container identifiers 144, 148. For example, in the example shown, container 112c defines a first container identifier 144, and connector 108c defines a second complementary container identifier 148. By scanning these complementary container identifiers 144, 148 as a single identifier, the robotic installer 128 can be able to verify that connector 108c is correctly secured in container 112c. It will be understood that container identifiers 144, 148 may also be separate and not otherwise connected or complementary. In another implementation, container identifiers 144, 148 may be a predefined or known location of container 112 relative to base member 104 (i.e., not a physical identifier). In other words, after identifying the upper left corner of the base member 104 via the base identifier 136, the robot mounter 128 will know the xy coordinate positioning of the container 112. Mounting identifiers, such as those on the surface of the robot mounting feature 116a, can also be used. However, it will be understood that other suitable methods can also be used to identify the robot mounting feature 116 (such as predefined or known locations as described above, or by using a scanning system to identify shapes (e.g., X-shapes)).

[0021] Now for reference Figure 2A-2B This illustrates a second example workbench system 300 positioned in the mounting location of vehicle 200. Figure 2A The left rear (RL) quarter section 204 of vehicle 200 is shown, in which the platform system 300 is mounted. Vehicle 200 defines a base or bottom surface 208 on which the platform system 300 is located. Among other components not shown, vehicle 200 includes a drivetrain 212 (wheels, tires, axles, etc.) driven by an electric motor 216 or another suitable drive system. Controller 220 controls the operation of at least the RL quarter section 204 of vehicle 200. Controller 220 is electrically connected to and communicates with other modules (e.g., other vehicle controllers) via cables 224a, 224b. Figure 2BA more detailed view of the workbench system 300, including controller 220, is shown. Controller 220 is pre-connected via connector 228 to a plurality of flat or ribbon cables 232a and a plurality of round coaxial cables 232b. Although these specific cable types / configurations are shown, it will be understood that controller 220 can have any suitable pre-connected cables. Controller 220 can be mounted in a mounting location on the base or bottom surface 208 of vehicle 200 via bracket 236. The workbench system 300, including controller 220 and other aforementioned components, can be initially positioned in its mounting location by robot mounter 128, as described in more detail below.

[0022] The workbench system 300 further includes a base member 304 that is at least temporarily attached to the top of the controller 220. Attached to the base member are a plurality of containers 312 having a plurality of corresponding connectors 308 received and secured therein. As shown, some of the connectors 308 are connected to flat or ribbon cables 232a, while others are connected to round coaxial cables 232b. For example, these connectors 308 can be used to connect the controller 220 to corresponding electrical equipment or systems (e.g., radar, lidar, traction motors, etc.). As shown, the workbench system 300 further includes preliminary robot mounting features 316, 320, 324, and 328 that are at least temporarily attached to or defined by the base member 304. More specifically, the upper member 316 covers the connectors 308 secured in the containers 312 (e.g., and prevents damage to the connectors 308 secured in the containers 312). The upper component 316 is at least temporarily attached to the base component 304 via a corner post 320 and a corresponding container feature 324 attached to or defined by the base component 304. A robot mounting feature 328 (e.g., a grippable handle) is configured to interact with the gripping member 332 of the end effector 336 of the robot mounter 128. For example, the robot mounter may use corresponding identifiers 340, 344 to identify the upper component 316 and subsequently the robot mounting feature 328. After gaining movable control of the workbench system 300 via the end effector 336, the robot mounter 128 can position the workbench system 300 (including the controller 220) in the mounting position of the vehicle 200 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2A The initial robot mounting features can then be removed, and the connector 308 can be installed, which may involve using the same or different types of end effectors to interact with the robot mounting features 348 (lock slot, equal arm cross slot, T slot, etc.) of the connector 308.

[0023] Figure 3A flowchart of method 400 for robotic installation of conductor assemblies (a set of wires and cables and a set of corresponding connectors) performed in stages by a workbench system is shown. At option 404, the robotic installer (e.g., robotic installer 128) determines whether preliminary identifiers (multiples) of the workbench system have been identified. If true, method 400 proceeds to option 408. Otherwise, method 400 ends or returns. At option 408, the robotic installer gains movable control over the workbench system (e.g., workbench system 300 with controller 220) and positions the workbench system in an installation location (e.g., the installation location of vehicle 200). At 412, the robotic installer determines whether a base identifier of the base component of the workbench system has been detected. If true, method 400 proceeds to 416. Otherwise, method 400 returns to 412 or ends. At 416, the robotic installer determines whether container identifiers (multiples) of the workbench system have been identified. If true, method 400 proceeds to 420. Otherwise, method 400 ends or returns to 416. At 420, the robotic installer determines whether the installation features of the workbench system have been identified. If true, method 400 proceeds to 424. Otherwise, method 400 ends or returns to 420. At 424, the robotic installer gains movable control over at least some of the connectors via end effectors (multiple) and removes the connectors (multiple) from their respective containers. At 428, the robotic installer installs the connectors (multiple) with their corresponding electrical connectors via end effectors (multiple). At 432, the robotic installer determines whether more connectors need to be installed (e.g., according to a set of installation instructions). If true, method 400 returns to 420. However, if false, method 400 ends or returns to 404.

[0024] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of protection to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms without requiring the specific details, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “and / or” include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless expressly identified as an order of execution, the method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or shown. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0026] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0027] As used herein, the term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); electronic circuits; combinational logic circuits; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); storage of executable code or procedures in a processor or a distributed network of processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and a networked cluster or data center; other suitable components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the foregoing, such as in a system-on-a-chip. The term "module" may also include memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) storing code executed by one or more processors.

[0028] As used above, the term "code" can include software, firmware, bytecode, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. As used above, the term "shared" means that some or all of the code from multiple modules can be executed using a single (shared) processor. Additionally, some or all of the code from multiple modules can be stored in a single (shared) memory. As used above, the term "grouped" means that some or all of the code from a single module can be executed using a group of processors. Additionally, a set of memory can be used to store some or all of the code from a single module.

[0029] The techniques described herein can be implemented by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes computer-executable instructions stored on a non-transient tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include stored data. Non-limiting examples of non-transient tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0030] Certain parts of the above description present the techniques described herein based on the algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on information. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are means by which those skilled in the art of data processing effectively communicate the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. Although these operations are described functionally or logically, they should be understood as being implemented by computer programs. Furthermore, it has repeatedly proven convenient, without loss of generality, to arrange these operations as modules or to name them by function.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, as is apparent from the foregoing discussion, it should be understood that the discussion throughout the specification using terms such as “processing,” “calculating,” “calculating,” “determining,” and “displaying” refers to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulate and transform data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within computer system memory and registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0032] Certain aspects of the described technology include processing steps and instructions described herein in algorithmic form. It should be noted that the described processing steps and instructions may be embodied in software, firmware, or hardware, and when embodied in software, may be downloaded to reside on and be operated from different platforms used by a real-time network operating system.

[0033] This disclosure also relates to means for performing the operations described herein. Such means may be specifically configured for a desired purpose, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored on a computer-readable medium accessible to the computer. Such computer programs may be stored in tangible computer-readable storage media, such as, but not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards or optical cards, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, each coupled to a computer system bus. Furthermore, a computer referred to herein may include a single processor or may be an architecture employing multiple processors to enhance computing power.

[0034] The algorithms and operations presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various general-purpose systems may also be used with programs based on the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized devices to perform the required method steps. The necessary structures for various such systems, as well as equivalent variations, will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, this disclosure does not refer to any particular programming language. It should be understood that the teachings of this disclosure as described herein can be implemented using various programming languages, and any references to a particular language are provided for the purpose of disclosing implementations and best practices of the invention.

[0035] This disclosure is well-suited for various computer network systems on numerous topologies. Within this field, the configuration and management of large networks involves storage devices and computers communicatively coupled to different computers and storage devices via networks such as the Internet.

[0036] The foregoing description of embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable and may be used in selected embodiments where applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. The same parts may also be varied in various ways. Such variations are not considered to depart from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A workbench system for mounting conductor assemblies on a robot, the conductor assemblies comprising a set of wires connected to a corresponding set of connectors, the workbench system comprising: A base component, wherein the base component defines a base identifier that can be identified by a robotic installer; A set of containers, attached to the base member and defining corresponding container identifiers identifiable by the robotic mounter, wherein each container is configured to receive and temporarily secure one or more connectors from the set of connectors of the conductor assembly; and A set of robot mounting features, each of which is at least temporarily attached to or defined by a set of connectors, and which defines a corresponding mounting identifier identifiable by the robot mounter, wherein each robot mounting feature is configured to temporarily interact with an end effector of the robot mounter, thereby giving the robot mounter movable control over the connector to remove the connector from its corresponding container and mount the connector to a corresponding electrical connector. Wherein, at least one of the base identifier, the container identifier, and the mounting identifier is a physical mark defined on the corresponding surface.

2. The workbench system of claim 1, wherein the base identifier is a scannable identifier defined on the surface of the base member.

3. The workbench system as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the set of container identifiers are predefined positions relative to the base component, the predefined positions being known to the robot installer without scanning.

4. The workbench system of claim 2, characterized in that the set of container identifiers are scannable identifiers defined on the surface of the respective container or on the surface of the base member adjacent to the respective container.

5. The workbench system of claim 4, characterized in that the mounting identifier is a scannable identifier defined on the surface of: the surface of the corresponding connector, the surface of the set of wires and cables corresponding to the corresponding connector, or the surface of the robot mounting feature corresponding to the corresponding connector.

6. The workbench system of claim 5, characterized in that the correspondence between the container identifier and the installation identifier together forms a single complementary energy-scanning identifier.

7. The workbench system of claim 1, further comprising one or more preliminary robot mounting features, said one or more preliminary robot mounting features being at least temporarily attached to or defined by said base member, wherein said one or more preliminary robot mounting features are configured to interact with the end effector or another end effector of said robot mounter to position the base member, the set of containers, the conductor assembly, and the set of robot mounting features in the mounting position of the vehicle.

8. The workbench system of claim 7, wherein the base member is at least temporarily attached to the outer surface of the vehicle's controller.

9. The workbench system of claim 8, characterized in that the one or more preliminary robot mounting features are removable from the base member when the controller, the base member, the set of containers, the conductor assembly, and the set of robot mounting features are positioned in the mounting position of the vehicle.

10. The workbench system of claim 9, wherein the opposite ends of the set of wires of the conductor assembly are pre-connected to the controller, and wherein the set of connectors of the conductor assembly are configured to be mounted together with corresponding electrical connectors associated with the sensor system of the vehicle.

11. A method for a robot to install a conductor assembly, the conductor assembly comprising a set of wires and cables and a corresponding set of connectors, the method comprising: A base identifier defined by a robot installer and defined by a base component of a workbench system, wherein the workbench system further includes a set of containers attached to the base component, and wherein each container is configured to receive and temporarily secure one or more connectors of the set of connectors of the conductor assembly. In response to identifying the base identifier, the robot installer identifies a set of container identifiers defined by the set of containers; In response to identifying the set of container identifiers, the robot mounter identifies a set of mounting identifiers defined by a set of robot mounting features, which are at least temporarily attached to or defined by the set of connectors. as well as In response to the identification of the set of installation identifiers, the end effector of the robotic installer temporarily interacts with at least one of the set of robotic installation features to obtain movable control over the corresponding connector, thereby removing the corresponding connector from its corresponding container and subsequently installing the corresponding connector with its corresponding electrical connector. Wherein, at least one of the base identifier, the container identifier, and the mounting identifier is a physical mark defined on the corresponding surface.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The base identifier is a scannable identifier defined on the surface of the base member, which is scanned by the robot installer to identify the base identifier and the base member.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The set of container identifiers is the predefined position of the set of containers relative to the base component, and the predefined position is known to the robot installer without scanning.

14. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The set of container identifiers are scannable identifiers defined on the surface of the respective container or on the surface of the base member adjacent to the respective container, and the set of container identifiers are scanned by the robot installer to identify the set of container identifiers and the set of containers.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The mounting identifier is a scannable identifier defined on the surface of the corresponding connector, the surface of the set of wires and cables corresponding to the corresponding connector, or the surface of the robot mounting feature corresponding to the corresponding connector, and the mounting identifier is scanned by the robot mounter to identify the set of mounting identifiers, the set of robot mounting features, and the set of connectors.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the correspondence between the container identifier and the installation identifier shall together form a single complementary energy-scanning identifier.

17. The method of claim 11, characterized in that the workbench system further includes one or more preliminary robot mounting features, said one or more preliminary robot mounting features being at least temporarily attached to or defined by said base member, and the method further includes: The robot installer identifies the one or more preliminary robot installation features; as well as In response to the identification of one or more preliminary robot mounting features, the end effector or another end effector of the robot mounter interacts with the one or more preliminary robot mounting features to position the workbench system in the mounting location of the vehicle.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the base member of the workbench system is at least temporarily attached to the outer surface of the vehicle's controller.

19. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that: The one or more preliminary robot mounting features are removable from the base member when the controller and the workbench system are positioned in the mounting location of the vehicle; and The opposite ends of the set of wires of the conductor assembly are pre-connected to the controller, and the set of connectors of the conductor assembly are configured to be mounted together with corresponding electrical connectors associated with the sensor system of the vehicle.

20. A workbench system for mounting a conductor assembly to a robot, the conductor assembly including a set of wires connected to a corresponding set of connectors, the workbench system comprising: A base component device, wherein the base component device defines a base identifier device that can be identified by a robot mounter device; A set of container devices, the set of container devices being attached to the base component device and defining a corresponding container identifier device identifiable by the robot mounter device, wherein each container device is configured to receive and temporarily secure one or more connectors from the set of connectors of the conductor assembly; and A set of robot mounting feature devices, each of which is at least temporarily attached to or defined by a set of connectors, and which defines a corresponding mounting identifier device identifiable by the robot mounter device, wherein each robot mounting feature device is configured to temporarily interact with an end effector device of the robot mounter device, thereby giving the robot mounter device movable control over the connector to remove the connector from its corresponding container device and mount the connector to a corresponding electrical connector. Wherein, at least one of the base identifier, the container identifier, and the mounting identifier is a physical mark defined on the corresponding surface.

Citation Information

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