3D Scan Robot Teaching for Accurate Process-Agnostic Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial robotics programming requires a rare combination of skills, including knowledge of industrial processes, programming, and robotics, making it challenging to create intuitive and accurate robot motion commands with a consistent user experience.

Innovation Solution

A robot programming method using 3D scanning and a process-agnostic pointing device that allows users to create robot programs by indicating poses, which are then used to generate robot motion commands, enabling intuitive and accurate programming without extensive technical knowledge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional robot programming methods are used, then programming accuracy can be achieved, but the complexity of operation increases significantly due to requiring multiple specialized skills

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera and computer vision algorithms that mediates between the user and the robot programming interface. The camera captures images of the workpiece, and the system automatically identifies features and generates robot motion commands, eliminating the need for users to directly program complex robot trajectories while maintaining high precision through visual feedback and automated feature recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical teaching methods (where operators physically guide robot arms through motions) with an optical system. Instead of manually positioning robot joints, the system uses camera imaging and computer vision to capture workpiece geometry and automatically generate motion commands, substituting optical measurement and digital processing for mechanical teaching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If comprehensive robot programming training is provided, then programming capability improves, but training time and resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming capabilityVSAvoidtraining time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables operators to program robot operations without requiring specialized training by allowing them to simply capture images of the workpiece with a camera. The computer vision system automatically performs feature identification, coordinate system establishment, and motion command generation, making the programming process self-service oriented and accessible to operators regardless of their programming expertise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual copying where the camera captures an image of the workpiece and the system creates a digital representation that is then used to generate robot motion commands. This copying approach allows operators to program by visually referencing the workpiece image rather than by understanding complex programming concepts, dramatically reducing training requirements while maintaining programming reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If multiple specialized skills are required for programming, then programming precision can be maintained, but the versatility of the programming system decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming precisionVSAvoidsystem versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal programming interface where a single camera-based system can handle multiple robot programming tasks across different workpieces and operations. The computer vision system automatically adapts to different workpiece geometries, features, and coordinate systems, allowing the same interface to program welding, machining, inspection, and other robot operations without requiring operation-specific programming expertise, thereby maintaining both precision and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for highly accurate and consistent robot motion programming, reducing the training burden and enabling users to program various processes with a single device, maintaining high accuracy and flexibility, regardless of the user's programming expertise.

Implementation Method 1

collecting one or more pieces of three-dimensional (3D) information about the workpiece (15) using a scanning device (11)

Methodology Applied

Scientific Effect3D scanning: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentUS11826908B2Process agnostic robot teaching using 3D scans

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 SCALABLE ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

A system that uses 3D scanning and a process agnostic pointing device that is used in conjunction with user input to create a robot program.