Manipulator-Guided Free Cart Robot Movement Without AGVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The introduction of collaborative robots that involve movement is hindered by the need for manual pushing of hand-push free carts, which limits labor savings and requires significant investment in self-propelled AGV systems for automated movement, along with the need for extensive maintenance of movement paths.
Innovation Solution
A robot system comprising a free cart with a manipulator and a control device that uses an overhead camera and trajectory calculation processing to guide the manipulator in moving the robot between task locations, eliminating the need for manual pushing by utilizing the manipulator to grasp and move the robot, thereby eliminating the need for AGVs and reducing maintenance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hand-push free cart is used for robot movement, then the robot can be moved to different locations, but the worker must push the cart each time, preventing labor savings
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator is controlled to automatically grasp the free cart and move it to target positions. The system performs its own movement task without external human intervention, transforming the manual pushing operation into an automated self-service process that saves labor while maintaining operational capability.
2Productivity
If a self-propelled AGV system is introduced for automated robot movement, then labor savings are achieved, but the system becomes expensive and requires extensive movement path maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator, originally designed for task execution, is made multi-functional by adding the capability to grasp and move the free cart. This eliminates the need for a separate AGV system, reducing device complexity and investment costs while maintaining automated movement functionality and labor savings.
3Device complexity
If the manipulator is used to move the robot, then automated movement is achieved without AGV systems, but the manipulator must perform both task execution and movement functions
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator alternates between performing task operations and movement operations in a continuous cycle. After completing a task at one position, it automatically transitions to moving the free cart to the next target position, then returns to task execution. This continuous alternation of functions maximizes the utility of the manipulator's versatility without interrupting overall system productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system is provided with a robot including a free cart and a manipulator mounted on the free cart, and a control device for controlling the manipulator. The control device controls the manipulator to execute a predetermined task, and also controls the manipulator to move the robot itself.