Mobile Robot Hazard Detection Using Onboard SLAM Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the position of subjects in industrial plant zones and controlling mobile robots like AMRs require complex sensor infrastructures, which can be obstructed by metallic objects and necessitate dense networks, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A system using sensors attached to mobile robots to acquire data for continuous tracking of subject positions, employing SLAM for dynamic mapping, and a processing apparatus to recognize hazardous states, allowing robots to switch control modes without stationary sensors, thereby ensuring safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radio anchor-based or camera-based solutions are used to determine subject positions, then position determination capability is provided, but device complexity increases due to elaborate infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot carries its own sensor (e.g., camera) and uses it to determine positions of subjects autonomously while moving through the monitored zone, eliminating the need for stationary sensors or complex infrastructure. The robot serves itself by providing both the detection capability and the mobility required for comprehensive monitoring.
2Productivity
If metallic objects are present in the monitored zone, then industrial productivity is maintained, but detection reliability deteriorates due to shielding of sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static stationary sensors to a dynamic mobile robot that moves through the monitored zone. This mobility allows the robot to change its detection angle and position relative to metallic objects, avoiding permanent shielding zones and maintaining reliable subject detection throughout the industrial environment.
3Measurement precision
If marker-based solutions with dense sensor networks are deployed, then position tracking capability is enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sensor from the stationary infrastructure and attaches it to the mobile robot. This single movable sensor replaces the need for dense networks of stationary sensors or anchors, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining position tracking capability through the robot's movement and data processing.
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
Enables precise, uninterrupted tracking of subject positions and reliable hazardous state recognition, reducing downtimes and enhancing safety without the need for elaborate stationary sensor setups.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is configured to acquire data of an environment of the robot
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a position of at least one subject in a monitored zone of an industrial plant and/or for recognizing a hazardous state for the safeguarded control of at least one robot in the monitored zone of the industrial plant, said system comprising the robot, wherein the robot is mobile, wherein the robot preferably comprises an automated guided vehicle or an autonomous mobile robot; at least one sensor, wherein the sensor is attached to the robot and can be moved along with the robot, wherein the sensor is configured to acquire data of the environment of the robot; and a processing apparatus, wherein the processing apparatus comprises a processor with an associated memory, is connected to the robot and to the sensor and is configured to receive the data acquired by the sensor; based on the acquired data, to determine an absolute position of the robot in the monitored zone, to determine a relative position of the at least one subject, in particular a person, wherein the subject can be present in the monitored zone, relative to the robot and/or to determine an absolute position of the subject in the monitored zone; to recognize a hazardous state based at least on the determined relative position of the subject relative to the robot and/or the determined absolute position of the subject; and to set the robot into a safeguarded control mode when the hazardous state is recognized.