Construction Robot Camera Alignment for Precise Work Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Construction robots face challenges in achieving high precision when performing construction tasks, especially with long-range robot arms, due to drift effects, environmental influences, and the need for precise positioning of tools and consumables.

Innovation Solution

A procedure that involves localizing a work position using a camera positioned vertically above the work area, with image recording and evaluation to ensure precise alignment, and regular calibration of the camera's offset to maintain accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a construction robot with a long reach (2m or more) is used, then the work area coverage is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to drift effects and environmental influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework area coverageVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system with an optical system. A camera is mounted on the robot arm to capture images of the work position, and image processing algorithms determine the precise location. This optical measurement system compensates for mechanical drift and positioning inaccuracies in long-reach robot arms, maintaining high positioning accuracy despite the extended work area coverage.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If a rigid and heavy robot arm is used to improve positioning accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidrobot arm structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on a rigid and heavy mechanical structure to ensure positioning accuracy, the patent uses an optical measurement system with a camera and image processing. This approach achieves high positioning precision without requiring an overly complex or heavy robot arm structure, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the required manufacturing precision.

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

3Device complexity

If the camera is positioned obliquely to the work position, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera positioningVSAvoidwork position localization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic image processing algorithms that can handle various camera angles and positions. Rather than requiring the camera to be positioned vertically above the work position, the system uses computational methods to accurately determine the work position from images captured at oblique angles, maintaining measurement precision while allowing flexibility in camera positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4549101A1Method for performing construction work with construction robot, and construction robot
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 HILTI AG
  • EP4549101A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4549101A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4549101A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (1000) for carrying out construction work at a work position (36) on a wall (32), a ceiling or a floor by a construction robot (10), comprising the phases (1000, 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050): - Locating a work position (36), wherein a camera (24) is positioned substantially perpendicularly, in particular with a viewing angle (alpha) of 70 to 110 degrees, above the work position (36) or at least above an expected work position (36) corresponding to the work position (36), - Taking at least one image of the work position (36) by the camera (24), - Moving at least one element from a group consisting of a machine tool (22), a tool (44) and/or a consumable to the work position (36) and - Carrying out the construction work at the work position (36) using the element. The invention further relates to a construction robot (10).It makes it possible to carry out construction work cost-effectively and at particularly precisely localized work positions (36).