Mobile Robot GUI for Remote Collaborative Robot Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises face challenges in integrating robotic automation due to high production variability and the need for customization, as commercial off-the-shelf robotic systems are not adaptable to leverage human skill and judgment, and existing teach pendants limit mobility and safety in robot programming.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device-based robot graphic user interface (RGUI) that uses wireless protocols to determine distance and position relative to robots, allowing for dynamic adaptation of user interaction modes and enabling remote control of robots with enhanced mobility and safety features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a teach pendant is used to control the robot, then the robot can be programmed and controlled, but the programmer must be in close proximity to the robot which creates safety risks and limits mobility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobot control accessibilityVSAvoidsafety risks from close proximity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A mobile computing device serves as an intermediary between the operator and the robot. The device receives control inputs from the user and transmits them wirelessly to the robot, eliminating the need for a wired teach pendant that requires close proximity. This mediator approach allows the operator to control the robot from a safe distance while maintaining full programming and control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/wired connection of traditional teach pendants with wireless communication protocols. Instead of being physically tethered to the robot through cables, the control interface is transmitted via wireless signals, enabling remote operation and eliminating the physical constraint that forces operators into hazardous proximity zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If commercial off-the-shelf robotic systems are deployed, then automation capability is provided, but the systems are not adaptable to leverage human skill and judgment in customized manufacturing tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobotic automation capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to human skill and judgment

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile computing device serves multiple functions: it acts as a remote teach pendant for programming, a monitoring station for observing robot operations, and a control interface for real-time adjustments. This multi-functional platform adapts to various manufacturing scenarios and can leverage different human skills depending on the task requirements, making the system versatile enough for customized manufacturing while maintaining automation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11100791B2Method, device, and computer-readable medium for mobile device management of collaborative industrial robot

Publication Date: 2021.08.24 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Provided is a method, device, and computer-readable medium for controlling a robot graphic user interface (“RGUI”) on a mobile device. The method can include determining a distance, a position, or both of the mobile device with respect to a first robot; and causing, by a processor, a first RGUI to be displayed on a display of the mobile device based on the determining.