Mobile Manipulator Accessory Interfaces for Flexible Warehouse Tasks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional warehouse robots, whether specialist or generalist, face inefficiencies and limitations in performing multiple tasks due to loose integration of mobile bases and robotic arms, leading to suboptimal operation speeds, inflexibility, and challenges in meeting safety regulations.
Innovation Solution
A highly integrated mobile manipulator robot with system-level mechanical design and holistic control strategies, featuring a mobile base and robotic arm, along with accessory interfaces for coupling to various accessories, enabling efficient and flexible task performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional warehouse robots use loose integration of mobile bases and robotic arms, then device complexity is reduced, but task efficiency and operational speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mobile base and robotic arm into a highly integrated mobile manipulator system with shared control architecture and coordinated motion planning, enabling complex tasks to be performed more efficiently through unified system operation rather than separate loose integration
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional robots lack accessory interfaces, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal accessory interfaces that can couple various accessories (carts, pendants, tools) to the mobile manipulator, enabling the system to perform multiple different tasks through a single platform with standardized coupling mechanisms and electrical connections
3Reliability
If coupling sensors are added to detect accessory attachment, then reliability of accessory coupling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling sensor system automatically detects accessory attachment and triggers appropriate control responses without manual intervention, with the sensor integrated into the accessory interface structure to minimize additional complexity while ensuring reliable detection
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated robot system allows for complex and dynamic motions, enhancing task efficiency, agility, and compliance with safety protocols, thereby improving warehouse operations.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling sensor is a magnetic sensor
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic sensor is a hall effect sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A robot comprises a mobile base, a robotic arm operatively coupled to the mobile base, and at least one interface configured to enable selective coupling to at least one accessory. The at least one interface comprises an electrical interface configured to transmit power and/or data between the robot and the at least one accessory, and a mechanical interface configured to enable physical coupling between the robot and the at least one accessory.