Collaborative Robot Palletizing with Radar Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot devices used for palletizing are prone to damage due to obstacles in the working area, and they often require safety fences, limiting their mobility and installation flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A palletizing system utilizing a multi-joint robot equipped with a vacuum suction-type lightweight gripper, radar sensors, and a collision prevention module, which allows for stable loading of box-type goods onto a pallet without a safety fence, enabling free movement and installation in various workspaces while preventing damage from obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional robot devices are used for palletizing, then automation is achieved, but the robot and goods can be damaged due to obstacles in the working area
Solution Approach 1:
The radar sensor detects obstacles in advance before the robot reaches them, allowing the control unit to pre-calculate alternative paths and adjust the robot's trajectory proactively, preventing collisions before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The radar sensor continuously provides feedback about obstacles in the working area, allowing the control unit to dynamically adjust the robot's path in real-time based on detected obstacle positions and movements
2Reliability
If safety fences are installed to protect conventional robots, then reliability is improved, but mobility and installation flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical safety fence is replaced with a radar-based detection and avoidance system that provides equivalent safety through active obstacle detection and dynamic path adjustment, eliminating the need for physical barriers
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from a static safety approach (fixed fences) to a dynamic safety approach where the robot's path parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time radar detection data, maintaining safety while enabling mobility
3Ease of operation
If a vacuum suction-type gripper is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to handle certain goods may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple suction units with different suction forces are arranged at different locations on the gripper, allowing selective application of vacuum force to different parts of the goods to accommodate various shapes and materials
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 system effectively prevents damage to robots and goods by using a vacuum suction-type gripper with a collision prevention module, allowing for stable and flexible palletizing operations without the need for safety fences, enhancing operational safety and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum suction-type gripper which is installed at the end of the collaborative robot, and fastens goods using vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
A palletizing system includes: a system casing which is positioned on one side of a pallet for loading goods; an actuator lift which is installed above the system casing, and extends or contracts in the vertical direction; a collaborative robot which is a multi-joint robot formed to load goods onto the pallet, is connected and installed on the top of the actuator lift to be vertically lifted and moved by the actuator lift; a vacuum suction-type gripper which is installed at the end of the collaborative robot, and fastens goods using vacuum; radar sensors, which are respectively installed on at least one side of the system casing, and sense objects within a predetermined distance of the system casing; and a main controller which controls the operations of the actuator lift, the collaborative robot, and the vacuum suction-type gripper to load goods onto the pallet.