Mesh-Networked Utility Robots for Fast Task Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility robots require substantial downtime for reconfiguration and redeployment across different industrial processes due to the need for manual disengagement, reprogramming, and reconfiguration for each new task.
Innovation Solution
A mesh network controller system that establishes a network of beacons around an industrial environment, enabling wireless communication and automatic reconfiguration of collaborative robots by transmitting process-specific instructions via a mesh network protocol such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee, allowing robots to be redeployed efficiently without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration and reprogramming is performed for each new process, then the robot can be deployed to different industrial processes, but substantial downtime is required for each additional process
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple process-specific instruction sets and robot configurations in advance within the mesh network controller. When a robot needs to be redeployed to a different process, the appropriate pre-prepared instructions and configuration data are already available in the network, eliminating the need for manual reprogramming and reducing downtime significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network controller acts as an intermediary between the robot and the various industrial processes. Instead of manually reconfiguring the robot for each process, the controller receives process requirements, automatically retrieves or generates appropriate instruction sets, and transmits them to the robot through the mesh network, streamlining the redeployment process.
2Quantity of substance
If a smaller number of utility robots are disposed around an industrial environment, then resource utilization is improved, but the robots require frequent redeployment between processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal robot system where a single robot can perform multiple different industrial processes by dynamically loading different instruction sets from the mesh network. The robot is designed with universal end-effectors and reconfigurable components that can be quickly adjusted based on the process requirements received through the wireless network, allowing one robot to replace multiple dedicated robots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of the robot's functionality and behavior through real-time wireless communication. The robot can dynamically switch between different task programs, adjust its operational parameters, and adapt its end-effector configuration based on current process needs, allowing flexible redeployment without physical repositioning or extensive reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration procedures are used for each new task, then the robot can be reprogrammed for different processes, but substantial downtime is required
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system performs self-reconfiguration by automatically receiving and loading new instruction sets from the mesh network controller. The robot's control system autonomously manages the transition between different tasks by retrieving appropriate programs, updating its configuration parameters, and preparing for the next task without requiring manual intervention, thereby minimizing downtime and maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mesh network controller for a plurality of collaborative utility robots disposed around an industrial environment monitors and controls the utility robots for movement and redeployment around the industrial environment for engaging with industrial processes and receiving a process specific control program or instruction set for performing a utilization task required by the industrial process and gathering analytics from attached sensors. Upon completion or demand, the engaged utility robot may be reconfigured for receiving a different process specific instruction set for performing and data gathering of a different utilization task.