Modular Robot Controller Architecture for Scalable Functionality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial robot systems face challenges in versatility and flexibility as existing robot controllers require adaptation and sometimes replacement due to varying robot functionalities, leading to inefficiencies in resource utilization and scalability.
Innovation Solution
An industrial robot system comprising a primary controller with primary functionality and secondary controllers for distributing additional functionalities, allowing for scalable and adaptable robot operations by allocating secondary functionalities as needed, with the primary controller focused on compact manipulator motion control and secondary controllers handling other functions externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the robot controller includes all functionalities (HMI, I/O system, fieldbus support, etc.), then the robot can perform diverse operations, but the controller size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the robot controller into two distinct parts: a compact primary controller integrated into the manipulator that handles only manipulator motion control, and external secondary controllers that provide additional functionalities such as HMI, I/O systems, and fieldbus support. This segmentation allows the primary controller to remain small and cost-effective while the system as a whole maintains full functionality through the secondary controllers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot controller includes all functionalities, then the robot can perform diverse operations, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the robot controller into two distinct parts: a compact primary controller integrated into the manipulator that handles only manipulator motion control, and external secondary controllers that provide additional functionalities such as HMI, I/O systems, and fieldbus support. This segmentation allows the primary controller to remain small and cost-effective while the system as a whole maintains full functionality through the secondary controllers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot controller is adapted for different functionalities, then the robot can change its purpose, but adaptation and sometimes replacement of the robot controller is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal primary controller that handles manipulator motion control for all robot applications, while additional functionalities are provided by separate secondary controllers. This allows the primary controller to remain unchanged across different robot applications, and adaptability is achieved by adding or removing secondary controllers rather than adapting the primary controller itself.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial robot system including a first robot. The first robot includes a first manipulator with a base and a tool movable in relation to the base about a plurality of axes, and a first primary controller having a primary robot functionality, the primary robot functionality including control of manipulator motion. The industrial robot system further includes a plurality of secondary controllers, each having a secondary robot functionality, wherein the primary robot functionality is different from all of the secondary robot functionalities, and wherein an overall robot functionality is defined by the primary robot functionality and one or more secondary robot functionalities.