Mobile Robot Interface for Wireless Remote Programming Safety
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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 customized tasks, as commercial off-the-shelf robotic systems are not adaptable to leverage human expertise and often require close proximity for programming, posing safety and management issues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling a robot graphic user interface (RGUI) on a mobile device using wireless protocols such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or RFID, allowing the RGUI to change modes based on distance, position, or communication protocols, enabling greater mobility and interaction with robots while allowing for human-robot collaboration and adaptation to different tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the programmer and the robot. The mobile device transmits control commands and receives robot status information wirelessly, eliminating the need for the programmer to physically approach the robot while maintaining full control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection (wired teach pendant) with a wireless communication system. The physical tether connecting the programmer to the robot is substituted with wireless protocols, allowing remote operation without mechanical constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different teach pendants are used for each robot, then each robot can be controlled independently, but robot control and management becomes difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mobile device interface that can control multiple different robots through wireless communication. The system identifies the target robot and establishes appropriate communication protocols, allowing a single device to replace multiple dedicated teach pendants while maintaining individual robot control capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If commercial off-the-shelf robotic systems are used, then the system is ready to use immediately, but it cannot adapt to leverage human expertise and customize tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the robot control interface can adapt its behavior based on the situation. The mobile device interface changes its functionality based on the programmer's distance from the robot, the robot's current state, and the task being performed, allowing the system to be both ready-to-use and highly adaptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in communication parameters and interface configurations to enable customization. The system adjusts communication protocols, control modes, and interface displays based on the specific robot model and task requirements, allowing commercial systems to be customized without hardware changes.
Data Source
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.