Method and system for programming a cobot for a plurality of industrial cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for programming collaborative robots (cobots) in multi-cell industrial facilities are cumbersome, tedious, and error-prone, requiring extensive manual programming for each cell with varying obstacles, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a virtual simulation system that connects a physical cobot with a virtual representation, allowing for the creation of a superimposed meta-cell to visualize and minimize collisions across multiple cells, enabling the generation of a single robotic program valid for multiple cells without the need for new sensors, using a user interface to guide the cobot and detect potential collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual programming is performed for each industrial cell independently, then the cobot can be programmed to handle cell-specific obstacles, but the programming process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the industrial cell environment including obstacles and cobot paths. This virtual model allows programmers to simulate and validate paths without physical trial-and-error, significantly reducing programming time while maintaining adaptability to cell-specific conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary path validation in the virtual environment before actual deployment. By pre-checking for collisions and optimizing paths in simulation, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site adjustments and testing
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cobot programs are created for different industrial cells, then each cell's specific requirements are met, but program management becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal virtual simulation platform that can model multiple different industrial cells with varying obstacles and configurations. This single system handles diverse cell types, reducing the need for separate programming environments and simplifying management
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual simulation system acts as an intermediary between the programmer and multiple physical cells. It provides a unified interface for creating and managing programs that can be deployed to different cells, reducing management complexity while maintaining cell-specific customization
3Reliability
If physical trial-and-error programming is used to avoid collisions, then collision-free paths are achieved, but the process is tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a precise virtual copy of the physical cell with all obstacles and boundaries, the system enables virtual trial-and-error programming. This allows extensive path testing and validation without physical risks, improving reliability while making the programming process more intuitive and less error-prone
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual simulation system provides immediate visual feedback about potential collisions and path validity. Programmers can see collision risks before executing paths physically, allowing for intuitive adjustments and reducing errors while maintaining high reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and a method are provided for programming a cobot for a plurality of cells of an industrial environment. A physical cobot is provided within a lab cell comprising physical lab objects. A virtual simulation system receives information inputs on a virtual cobot representing the physical cobot, regarding a virtual lab cell comprising virtual lab objects, and on a plurality of virtual industrial cells comprising virtual industrial objects. Inputs are received from the physical cobot's movement during teaching whereby the physical cobot is moved in the lab cell to the desired position(s) while providing, via a user interface, a visualization of the virtual cobot's movement within a meta cell generated by superimposing the plurality of virtual industrial cells with the virtual lab cell, so that collisions with any object are minimized. A robotic program is generated based on the received inputs of the physical cobot's movement.