Mobile Robot Motion Sensing for Work Robot Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies require significant time and cost for motion analysis and programming of work robots, struggle to sufficiently sense worker motions due to fixed sensor placement, and face challenges in adjusting robot motions to match work content, leading to inefficient work performance and difficulty in clarifying abnormal situations and promoting worker proficiency.

Innovation Solution

A work robot adjustment method involving a mobile robot with multiple sensors that record and learn worker motions, adjust robot motions to match worker performance, and facilitate efficient work reproduction and proficiency through learning and sensor coordination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If motion analysis and programming are performed manually for each worker motion, then the robot can perform work accurately, but the time required and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures actual worker motions using sensors and creates digital motion data copies. These captured motions are then reproduced by the robot, eliminating the need for manual motion analysis and programming. The motion capture apparatus records real worker movements, and the robot reproduces these recorded motions, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual motion analysis and programming methods with an automated sensor-based motion capture and reproduction system. Sensors automatically record worker motions, and the system processes this data to generate robot control commands, substituting the mechanical process of manual observation and programming with an automated electronic measurement and control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If sensors are fixedly disposed to detect worker motion, then the sensing system is simple, but the worker motion cannot be sufficiently sensed depending on the relationship between worker and sensor position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing system complexityVSAvoidmotion sensing completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing system transitions from fixed sensor positions to dynamic sensor positioning. The mobile robot equipped with sensors moves to various positions around the worker, capturing motions from multiple angles and perspectives. This dynamic positioning ensures comprehensive motion detection regardless of the worker's position or movement pattern, improving measurement completeness without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile robot serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sensing platform and the work execution device. The same robot that captures worker motions also performs the actual work tasks, eliminating the need for separate fixed sensing systems and workstations. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive motion sensing through flexible positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the robot performs work based on learned motion data, then the work efficiency improves, but the robot motion may not match the appropriate work content without adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidmotion appropriateness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the robot's executed motions are monitored and compared against the original worker motions and work requirements. Based on this feedback, the robot adjusts its motions to ensure appropriateness for the specific work content. The control system processes sensor data and modifies robot commands in real-time to optimize both efficiency and motion appropriateness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4606530A1Work robot adjustment method, sensing system, sensing method, mobile robot, operation modification system, operation modification method, work robot, work reproduction system, work reproduction method, work mastering system, work mastering method, and work reproducing robot
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SOFTBANK GROUP CORP
  • EP4606530A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4606530A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4606530A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A work robot adjustment method includes processes of moving a mobile robot having a sensor to an environment in which a worker performs a motion, recording the motion of the worker by using the sensor, learning the motion of the worker on the basis of the record, causing a work robot to perform the same motion as the motion of the worker on the basis of the learning, and performing adjustment such that the motion of the worker matches the motion of the work robot.