Modular Robot Assembly Verification With Virtual Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robots lack functional scalability and reconfigurability, requiring separate development for each application, and users face difficulties in verifying correct assembly of modular robots, leading to inefficient use and high development costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling modular robots that involves providing module units, assembling them into an initial entity structure, acquiring virtual configuration information, generating action control information, and transmitting it to the robot for execution, allowing for flexible configuration and programming of actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modular robot basic modules are combined without verification mechanism, then assembly process becomes simple, but assembly correctness cannot be verified leading to repetitive work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by equipping basic modules with identification markers (RFID tags, barcodes, or visual markers) that allow the control system to verify assembly correctness. The control system acquires position information of each module, compares it with expected configuration, and provides feedback to confirm proper assembly or guide correction, thus ensuring reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical verification with automated identification and position detection systems. Instead of physically checking connections, the system uses RFID readers, cameras, or sensors to automatically acquire module position information and verify assembly correctness, substituting mechanical inspection with electronic/digital verification methods.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional robot design with fixed configuration is used, then development cost for specific applications is high, but functional reliability is ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the robot into independent basic modules that can be assembled in different configurations. Each module is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing the robot to be segmented and reconfigured for different applications. This segmentation enables cost-effective development by reusing the same basic modules across multiple applications rather than developing dedicated robots for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal basic modules with standardized connecting surfaces and identification systems that can serve multiple functions. These modules are designed to be interchangeable and reconfigurable, allowing a single set of basic modules to fulfill various operational requirements across different applications, thus achieving multi-functionality and reducing development costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular robot allows free assembly of basic modules, then functional versatility increases, but position determination accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces identification markers and position detection systems as intermediaries between the modular components and the control system. These markers (RFID tags, barcodes, visual fiducial markers) serve as mediators that enable the control system to accurately determine module positions and orientations despite the flexible reconfigurable nature of the assembly, thus maintaining measurement precision while allowing configuration flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of modular robot control, and more particularly to a method for controlling a modular robot and a system thereof. The method includes the following steps: T1: providing a plurality of module units; T2: assembling the plurality of module units into an initial entity structure; T3: acquiring initial virtual configuration information of the initial entity structure; T4: generating an initial virtual configuration based on the initial virtual configuration information; T5: setting an action frame to generate preset action control information; and T6: transmitting the preset action control information to the modular robot which executes a motion according to the preset action control information.