Buildability Analysis for Adaptive Robotic Task Sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated manufacturing processes face challenges in adapting to deviations from the intended product model during construction, leading to potential defects and inefficiencies, as existing systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust task sequences in real-time to ensure buildability and meet specifications.

Innovation Solution

A system that performs buildability analysis throughout the construction process, allowing for the generation of new task sequences if deviations occur, ensuring the product meets the model specifications by utilizing a tree structure to optimize task execution and resource allocation, thereby preserving work already done.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If automated manufacturing processes strictly follow the intended product model, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but the system cannot adapt to deviations occurring during construction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to deviationsVSAvoidconformity to model specifications
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the task sequence based on real-time buildability analysis. When deviations are detected during construction, the system generates alternative task sequences that accommodate the as-built conditions while striving to meet the original product specifications. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible without sacrificing precision goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs continuous buildability analysis during the construction process, comparing the as-built product against the intended model and adjusting the task sequence accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect deviations, evaluate their impact on buildability, and generate corrective task sequences that maintain manufacturing precision while adapting to actual conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system generates a new task sequence when deviations occur, then adaptability improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time task sequence adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of task sequence management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The task sequence is segmented into discrete, manageable tasks that can be independently analyzed and reorganized. The buildability analysis evaluates individual tasks and their prerequisites, allowing the system to generate alternative sequences by reordering or modifying specific task segments rather than redesigning the entire process, thus managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes multiple alternative task sequences and stores them for rapid deployment. When deviations occur, the system can quickly select and execute a pre-planned alternative sequence rather than generating a completely new sequence in real-time, reducing the computational complexity and response time required for adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the system continues building from the as-built portion, then productivity is maintained, but risk of defects increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous construction progressVSAvoidrisk of product defects
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous buildability analysis provides real-time feedback on the quality and compliance of the as-built portion against the intended model. This feedback enables the system to identify potential defect risks early and adjust subsequent tasks to correct or compensate for deviations, maintaining productivity while mitigating reliability risks through informed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary buildability analysis before executing each task to assess whether continuing from the current as-built state will lead to defects. This preliminary evaluation allows the system to proactively adjust the task sequence or alert operators to potential issues before they manifest as actual defects, balancing continuous production with quality assurance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3586207B1Planning and adapting projects based on a buildability analysis
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 INTRINSIC INNOVATION LLC
  • EP3586207B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3586207B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3586207B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a worksite automation process that involves: generating a first sequence of tasks to build the product according to a model. The process further involves causing one or more robotic devices to build the product by beginning to execute the first sequence of tasks. Further, during the execution of the first sequence of tasks, performing a buildability analysis to determine a feasibility of completing the product by executing the first sequence of tasks. Based on the analysis, determining that it is not feasible to complete the product by executing the first sequence of tasks, and in response, generating a second sequence of tasks to complete the product according to the model. Then, causing the one or more robotic devices to continue building the product by beginning to execute the second sequence of tasks.