Cloud Robot Motion Simulation Using BIM Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

The preparation of parameters, actions, and motion paths for robotic devices in construction is highly complicated and requires repetitive scheduling, planning, and validation, making it impractical to be done using actual devices before the construction process begins, especially in off-site robotic construction.

Innovation Solution

A cloud-based computer-implemented system with a built-in physics engine that allows for the planning, simulation, and rehearsal of robot motions using a visualization interface, intelligent algorithms, and building information modeling data to generate predetermined motion command sets for robotic devices to prefabricate construction components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If actual robotic devices are used for preparation and testing of motion paths, then reliability of construction process is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of construction processVSAvoidcomplexity of robotic device preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the construction site and robotic devices through Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology. This virtual model allows for complete preparation, validation, and rehearsal of robotic motion paths without using actual physical devices. The virtual environment replicates all geometric, spatial, and operational characteristics of the real construction site, enabling thorough testing and optimization of robotic sequences before deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs all preparation actions in advance within the virtual environment. Motion paths, sequences, and parameters are planned, validated, and rehearsed multiple times before the actual construction process begins. This preliminary action in the virtual model eliminates the need for complex on-site setup and testing with actual robotic devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If repetitive scheduling and validation of robot motions is performed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of robot motion executionVSAvoidtime for motion planning and validation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By creating a virtual replica of the construction environment using BIM, the system enables unlimited repetitive validation of motion paths without consuming physical time. Multiple simulations and rehearsals can be performed instantly in the virtual model, allowing thorough precision validation without the time penalties of physical setup and testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical robotic device setup and testing with an information-based virtual simulation system. All motion planning, validation, and rehearsal operations are performed through computer algorithms processing BIM data, eliminating the time-consuming mechanical setup and physical testing processes while maintaining or improving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If cloud-based simulation system is used instead of on-site preparation, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of robot motion planningVSAvoidaccuracy of construction data
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex on-site mechanical preparation operations with cloud-based information processing. The BIM model serves as a digital twin containing all construction information, allowing operators to plan and simulate robotic motions remotely through web browsers without being present at the construction site, greatly simplifying operation while preserving complete information through the digital model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12011836B2Cloud based computer-implemented system and method for computer-assisted planning and simulation of robot motions in construction
Publication Date: 2024.06.18 ROBIM TECH INC OF CANADA
  • US12011836B2 patent drawing
  • US12011836B2 patent drawing
  • US12011836B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented system. The system includes: an internet capable device installed with a web browser to enable web browsing to access an internet; and a cloud computing server system available on the internet and configured to: cause a visualization interface to be displayed on the web browser; receive a user instruction corresponding to a user interaction with the visualization interface inputted through the web browser; import an extracted building information modelling data from external; plan and simulate a robot motion path and a sequence of motions partly based on the extracted building information modelling data by selectively performing intelligent algorithms according to the user instruction; and generate a predetermined motion command set including the determined robot motion path and sequence of motions for a robotic device to move accordingly to prefabricate a plurality of construction components.