Mobile Robot Cell Interfaces for Reconfigurable Workpiece Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile robot applications are limited by low load capacity, high costs, and inflexibility, making them unsuitable for handling and processing furniture parts, and lack the ability to be easily reconfigured or expanded with additional devices.
Innovation Solution
A modular and reconfigurable system comprising a central control device and a mobile guiding machine with a 6-axis industrial robot that can be quickly relocated and reused, featuring a base with multiple interfaces for connecting and aligning additional devices, enabling autonomous operation and data exchange, and an end effector adaptable for various tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an industrial robot is screwed firmly to the floor to load a machine, then the robot's positioning stability is improved, but the flexibility and reconfigurability of the system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static floor-mounted robot to a dynamic mobile robot platform that can be relocated and repositioned as needed. The mobile base allows the robot to adapt to different workstations and production layouts while maintaining operational stability through controlled movement and positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separable components: the mobile robot platform, the base unit with interfaces, and the workstation. This segmentation allows the robot to be detached from any specific location and reconfigured with different workstations or tools, providing both stability during operation and flexibility for reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If a mobile robot application is designed for continuous operation with complex positioning systems, then the operational reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot platform is designed as a universal system that can perform multiple functions across different workstations and tasks. By using standardized interfaces and a versatile base unit, the system achieves continuous operational reliability without requiring expensive, task-specific customizations for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses adjustable and reconfigurable parameters in its positioning and control systems rather than fixed, over-engineered solutions. This allows the robot to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining reliability, avoiding the need for expensive complex positioning systems in every scenario.
3Force
If a mobile platform with high payload capacity is used, then the load-bearing capability is improved, but the platform size and positioning flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile platform is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities that allow it to navigate and position itself accurately despite its size and weight. The base unit incorporates movement and positioning systems that enable the high-payload platform to be relocated and aligned with different workstations, maintaining positioning flexibility despite the increased mass.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning of mobile robots is required, then the handling accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit serves as an intermediary between the mobile robot and the workstation, providing standardized mechanical and data interfaces. This intermediary layer simplifies the positioning and alignment process by offering reference points and connection standards, reducing the need for complex sensor systems and expert intervention while maintaining handling accuracy.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A mobile guidance machine, preferably an industrial robot, for handling and/or processing workpieces, for example, furniture parts, which preferably consist at least partially of wood, wood-based materials, plastic, or the like, is disclosed. The mobile guidance machine comprises: at least one actuating arm, which extends movably in at least two axes, preferably at least three axes, and particularly preferably six axes, from a base of the mobile guidance machine, and at least one interface, which is arranged at the base of the mobile guidance machine. The mobile guidance machine is designed such that it can be mounted and dismounted on a surface without anchoring and is preferably autonomously movable. The at least one interface is designed to enable connection, referencing, alignment, and/or data exchange with an additional device.Furthermore, a cell for handling and/or processing workpieces, as well as a method for handling and/or processing workpieces, is disclosed.