Addressable Vacuum Multi-Gripper Assembly for Selective Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems face challenges in selectively gripping and holding objects, particularly irregularly shaped or sized items, and those adjacent to each other, due to a lack of sophistication in replicating human sensitivity and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A robotic multi-gripper assembly with addressable vacuum regions that can independently provide vacuum gripping, allowing for precise selection and handling of objects based on image data analysis, enabling the system to grip and transport multiple objects simultaneously or sequentially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single gripper is used to handle objects, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to selectively grip specific objects from a group and handle irregularly shaped items is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper assembly is divided into multiple independent vacuum grippers arranged in an array, where each gripper can be independently controlled to provide vacuum to selected regions. This segmentation allows selective gripping of specific objects or portions of objects from a group, enabling the system to handle irregularly shaped items and choose target objects based on image data analysis without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire gripper structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum distribution system dynamically controls which regions receive vacuum by selectively activating specific vacuum grippers based on real-time image data analysis. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different object configurations, shapes, and positions, enabling selective gripping capability while maintaining a relatively simple static gripper assembly structure.
2Productivity
If multiple vacuum grippers are used to handle multiple objects simultaneously, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple vacuum grippers are merged into a single integrated assembly that functions as one coordinated unit. The grippers share common structural support and control infrastructure, allowing them to handle multiple objects simultaneously or selectively based on image data analysis. This merging approach increases productivity by enabling parallel object handling while keeping the control system manageable through unified coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-gripper assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can grip multiple objects simultaneously, select and grip specific target objects from a group, handle irregularly shaped items, and operate in coordination with image data analysis. This multi-functionality increases productivity across various task types without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same hardware platform adapts to different operational requirements.
3Reliability
If vacuum is applied to all regions simultaneously, then the gripping reliability is high, but the ability to selectively grip target objects and avoid damaging adjacent objects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying vacuum uniformly across all regions, the system applies vacuum locally to specific regions where target objects are located, as determined by image data analysis. Each vacuum gripper can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing the system to maintain reliable gripping at the local level while adapting to different object configurations and avoiding adjacent non-target objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image data analysis to provide feedback on object positions, shapes, and configurations, which then controls which vacuum grippers are activated. This feedback loop ensures that vacuum is applied only where needed to securely grip target objects, maintaining grip stability while enabling selective object choice and preventing damage to adjacent objects that are not intended to be gripped.
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
The solution enables reliable gripping and transportation of various objects, including irregularly shaped items, without damaging them, by using vacuum grippers that can selectively apply suction, improving the robotic system's ability to handle complex tasks and reduce human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The robotic system can include a multi-gripper assembly with addressable vacuum regions configured to independently provide vacuum gripping
Implementation Method 2
The addressable vacuum regions can draw in air to grip the identified target object(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a transport robot includes receiving image data representative of a group of objects. One or more target objects are identified in the group based on the received image data. Addressable vacuum regions are selected based on the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot is command to cause the selected addressable vacuum regions to hold and transport the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot includes a multi-gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum. A vision sensor device can capture the image data, which is representative of the target objects adjacent to or held by the multi-gripper assembly.