Robot Manipulator Risk Visualization for Human-Robot Cooperation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooperation systems between humans and robots in factory automation lack support for operator training to minimize interference, which can lead to inefficient production and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A cooperation system that calculates a risk value for interference between a robot's manipulator and objects, generates commands to avoid interference, and provides visualized information to operators to understand and mitigate risks, allowing for effective training and improved production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the robot trajectory is changed in accordance with possible interference between the robot and an object, then the safety and reliability of the cooperation system is improved, but the operator training support is insufficient and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates a risk value that indicates possible interference between the manipulator and objects, then provides this information to operators. This feedback mechanism enables operators to understand the interference risk and adjust their behavior accordingly, improving safety without requiring complex trajectory changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary risk value calculation and information provision mechanism between the manipulator and objects. This mediator calculates interference risk and communicates it to operators, avoiding the need for direct complex trajectory adjustments while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If the robot trajectory is changed in accordance with possible interference between the robot and an object, then the reliability is improved, but the operator behavior affects robot motion and operation requiring extensive training
Solution Approach 1:
The providing unit provides information about the risk value to the operator, creating a feedback loop that guides operator behavior. Operators can see the interference risk and naturally adjust their actions to minimize it, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables operators to self-regulate their behavior by providing them with risk information. Operators independently adjust their actions based on the displayed risk values, eliminating the need for extensive external training while maintaining safety.
3Ease of operation
If visualized information about risk value and manipulator position is provided to operators, then the operator training support is improved and ease of operation increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The providing unit acts as an intermediary that calculates and displays risk values based on manipulator position and object locations. This mediator handles the complexity of risk assessment internally while presenting simple visual information to operators, improving ease of operation without exposing operators to system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy or representation of the risk state through displayed information about risk values and manipulator positions. This visual copy allows operators to understand interference risks without directly interacting with the complex calculation mechanisms, enhancing training support while containing complexity within the system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cooperation system (1) that allows a robot (200) and one or more operators (400) to work together in cooperation, the cooperation system (1) includes a calculator (10, 101), a generator (12, 112), and a providing unit (53, 501). The calculator (10, 101) calculates a risk value that indicates a risk of interference between a manipulator (202) of the robot (200) and an object (400) around the manipulator (202). The generator (12, 112) generates, depending on the risk value, a command that causes the manipulator (202) to operate so as to avoid the interference between the manipulator (202) and the object (400). The providing unit (53, 501) provides information (70, 71) in which a relationship between the risk value and a position of the manipulator (202) is visualized.