Shared Human-Robot Tool with Usage Mode Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies require separate tools for human and robotic use in vehicle servicing, leading to increased costs and limited flexibility, with a need for enhanced safety and automation in environments where both humans and robots operate.
Innovation Solution
A device that is interchangeably usable by both humans and robots, equipped with a base unit, processor, energy storage, and sensors, allowing wireless communication and control, which detects its usage mode to adapt operations and ensure safe transitions between human and robotic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate tools are provided for human and robotic use, then safety and specialized functionality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with dual functionality to be used by both humans and robots. The base unit includes a robot connector for robotic attachment and a grippable surface for human handling. A detection means identifies whether a human or robot is using the device, allowing the processor to adapt control modes accordingly. This universal design eliminates the need for separate human-specific and robot-specific tools, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety through mode-specific control protocols.
2Reliability
If separate tools are provided for human and robotic use, then operational safety is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device serves as a universal tool that can be operated by both humans and robots through its dual-interface design. By consolidating what would otherwise require two separate tools into one device, the quantity of equipment needed is reduced, directly lowering procurement and maintenance costs while preserving operational safety through intelligent mode detection and adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of human-operated tools and robot-operated tools into a single integrated device. The base unit combines robotic connector interfaces with human-grippable surfaces, and the processor integrates control logic for both operation modes. This consolidation reduces the total number of tools required in the system, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining safety through mode-specific control protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a device is made interchangeably usable by human and robot, then flexibility and cost reduction are improved, but detection precision and safety control become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a detection means that provides feedback to the processor about whether a human or robot is currently using the device. This feedback mechanism enables the processor to automatically adapt its control mode and operational parameters based on the detected user type, ensuring precise detection and appropriate safety control while maintaining the flexibility of universal usability.
4Productivity
If automation level is increased through robotic use, then productivity is improved, but safety risks in mixed human-robot environments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic control mode switching based on real-time detection of the operating entity. When a robot is detected via the robot connector, the processor activates automated high-productivity modes. When human use is detected through the grippable surface interface, the processor switches to human-safe operational modes. This dynamic adaptation allows maximum productivity during robotic operation while automatically mitigating safety risks when humans are present, enabling safe mixed human-robot work environments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) interchangeably usable by a robot (12) and a human (14). The present invention also relates to a system (100) comprising such a device, a method of operating such a device (10), and a computer readable medium (46). The invention can for example be applied in servicing of heavy-duty vehicles.