AI Vision Rebar Tying Robot Automation

Solution Overview

Problem

The process of reinforcement bar tying is labor-intensive, hazardous, and time-consuming, especially in large-scale projects, requiring manual identification and tying of intersections, which is repetitive and physically demanding, and poses safety risks due to workers walking on steel mesh.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus using artificial intelligence vision with a rebar tying tool attached to a micro manipulator, controlled by a system processor and macro manipulator, equipped with sensors and AI algorithms to identify and automate the tying of rebar intersections, reducing the need for manual labor and improving safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual rebar tying is used, then workers can perform the task with simple tools, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverebar tying speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical rebar tying operations with an automated robotic system equipped with AI vision. The robotic system uses cameras and machine learning algorithms to automatically locate and identify rebar intersections, eliminating the need for workers to manually scan and mark each intersection point, thereby significantly increasing tying speed without requiring complex manual coordination systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic rebar tying system performs self-navigation and self-operation by using AI vision to autonomously locate rebar intersections and automatically execute tying operations. The system independently identifies work locations, calculates positions, and performs the tying action without human intervention, transforming a labor-intensive process into an autonomous operation that maintains high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If workers walk on steel mesh to tie rebar, then they can access all intersections, but safety risks increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworker safetyVSAvoidaccess to rebar intersections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary robotic system that mediates between the operator and the rebar intersections. Instead of workers directly walking on the steel mesh to access intersections, the robotic system serves as an intermediary that can safely navigate the steel mesh structure, position itself at intersections, and perform tying operations without human exposure to the hazardous environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces human mechanical movement and positioning with an automated robotic mechanism equipped with AI vision. The robotic system uses computer vision to detect rebar intersections and automatically positions itself at each location, eliminating the need for workers to physically walk on the steel mesh while maintaining full access to all intersections for safe and efficient operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If workers manually identify and tie each intersection, then precision can be maintained, but the process becomes repetitive and physically demanding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetying efficiencyVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic rebar tying system performs self-navigation and self-operation by using AI vision to autonomously locate rebar intersections and automatically execute tying operations. The system independently identifies work locations, calculates positions, and performs the tying action without human intervention, transforming a labor-intensive process into an autonomous operation that maintains high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical rebar tying operations with an automated robotic system equipped with AI vision. The robotic system uses cameras and machine learning algorithms to automatically locate and identify rebar intersections, eliminating the need for workers to manually scan and mark each intersection point, thereby significantly increasing tying speed without requiring complex manual coordination systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10864638B2Reinforcement bar joint recognition using artificial intelligence vision

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN MULTITECH R&D CENT LTD

AI summary

An apparatus or system for reinforcement bar (rebar) joint recognition using artificial intelligence vision includes a rebar tying tool attached to a micro manipulator; and a macro manipulator for moving the position of the micro manipulator; wherein the macro manipulator is adapted to move the micro manipulator on a first plane; the micro manipulator is adapted to move the rebar tying tool on a second plane parallel to the first plane and at a first axis vertical to the second plane.