Graphical Robot Process Authoring for Faster Manufacturing Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated manufacturing processes require complex programming of robotic devices for specific motion commands, which can be time-consuming and requires technical expertise, limiting user flexibility and efficiency in constructing output products.
Innovation Solution
A graphical interface is used to input motion paths and tool actions, generating digital nodes that include robot and tool command nodes, allowing users to configure robotic devices without specifying specific commands, enabling abstraction and easier control of manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If complex programming is used to control robotic devices for specific motion commands, then manufacturing precision and automation capability are improved, but programming time and technical expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical interface as an intermediary layer between the user and the robotic device control system. This interface allows users to define motion paths and tool actions through visual elements rather than writing complex programming code, thereby maintaining automation capability while significantly reducing programming time and technical expertise requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation (copy) of the manufacturing process through graphical elements that mirror the physical robotic operations. By working with these digital models and simulated motion paths, users can program and test processes without direct complex coding, then transfer the validated program to the actual robotic device
2Extent of automation
If complex programming is used to control robotic devices, then automation capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical interface serves as a mediating tool that translates simple user actions into complex robotic commands. Users interact with visual elements representing motion paths and tool actions, and the system automatically generates the necessary programming code, making the operation accessible to users without extensive programming knowledge while maintaining full automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of text-based programming with a visual/graphical system. Instead of requiring users to manually write and debug code, the system uses graphical elements and visual programming paradigms, substituting the complex mechanical process of code composition with a more intuitive visual interaction model
3Manufacturing precision
If specific motion commands are programmed for robotic devices, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and programming complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital model of the desired motion path through graphical representation. This digital copy allows for precise definition of motion trajectories and tool actions without requiring complex programming. The visual model can be simulated and validated before execution, ensuring manufacturing precision while keeping the programming approach simple and intuitive
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems and methods allow for use of a graphical interface to cause one or more robotic devices to construct an output product. One example method includes causing a graphical interface to be displayed on a display device, receiving input data corresponding to one or more interactions with the graphical interface indicating at least one motion path and at least one sequence of tool actions to execute at one or more points within the at least one motion path for use in construction of an output product, generating a plurality of digital nodes including at least one robot node, at least one motion command node, and at least one tool command node, and providing instructions for the at least one robot actor to move according to the sequence of robot motion commands determined by the at least one motion command node and execute the sequence of tool commands determined by the at least one tool command node to construct the output product.