Adaptive Workbench and Robot Control for Collision-Aware Tasks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current workbenches with collaborative robots lack adaptive capabilities to tailor their operations based on user identity and task requirements, leading to inefficiencies and potential collisions between humans and robots.
Innovation Solution
A workbench system equipped with a multi-axis robot, visible light projector, and sensor system that identifies users and determines tasks, controlling the robot and projector to adjust workbench properties and provide user-specific instructions, ensuring safe and task-optimized operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the workbench system controls robot movements and workbench properties based on user identity and task requirements, then task efficiency and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments functionality by identifying different user roles (e.g., operator, supervisor, maintenance personnel) and assigning specific task profiles to each. The controller divides the control process into distinct stages: user identification, task determination, and property adjustment. This segmentation allows the complex system to manage multiple functions through modular, role-based control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The workbench system dynamically adjusts its properties (e.g., height, lighting, display configurations) based on real-time identification of user identity and current task requirements. The controller continuously monitors sensor data and modifies workbench parameters accordingly, enabling the system to adapt its behavior and configuration dynamically rather than remaining static.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor system identifies users and the controller adjusts workbench properties accordingly, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it receives sensor data, identifies users, determines task requirements, and adjusts various workbench properties. The sensor system is designed to detect multiple types of information (user presence, identity, task type) using a unified detection framework. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The workbench system automatically identifies users through sensors and adjusts its own properties without requiring manual intervention. The controller self-regulates workbench configurations based on the identified user's profile and current task, enabling the system to serve itself by making adaptive adjustments autonomously.
3Reliability
If the visible light projector provides real-time spatial indications to users, then safety is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light projector operates periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, activating only when the sensor system detects user presence or when task requirements indicate a need for spatial indications. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining safety functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback to control projector activation. When sensors detect that a user is present in the workspace or approaching the robot's operational area, the projector activates to provide visual spatial indications. When no users are detected, the projector remains inactive, creating a feedback-based energy management system that balances safety with energy efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A workbench system (100) comprising: two workbenches (102), wherein each workbench comprises a benchtop (108) and a display (114) coupled to the upper surface of the benchtop (108); a multi-axis robot (104) proximate to a workbench and located between the two workbenches; a visible light projector (124); a sensor system comprising one or more sensors (120, 126), the sensor system configured to identify a user (122) in a workspace in which a workbench (106) is located; and a controller (106) configured to: based on the identity of the user (122), determine a task to be performed by the user using the workbench system (100); and based on the identity of the user (122) and/or the determined task, control one or more properties of a workbench (102); control the multi-axis robot (104) to move the robot through a space; control the visible light projector (124) to project a visible light indication of the space onto at least one of a surface of a workbench (102) and a surface of the workspace in which a workbench is located; and contact a further user to attend to the user performing the task.