Modular Robotic Workcell Reconfiguration via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration and modification of robot workcells are time-consuming and expensive, often customized for specific tasks, making reconfiguration difficult and costly, with limited support for remote operation and data exchange, and untapped value in operational data.
Innovation Solution
A system with modular reconfigurable workcells, servers, and software applications for programming and managing robotic systems, enabling plug-and-play attachment of peripherals, data collection, and visualization of operational performance metrics, allowing for remote operation and efficient reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workcells are customized for specific tasks, then task performance capability is improved, but reconfiguration flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The workcell is divided into modular components (robotic peripherals, sensors, actuators, computing devices) that can be independently configured and reconfigured. Each module can be attached to standardized mounting structures, allowing the system to maintain specialized functionality while enabling flexible reconfiguration through module replacement or repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized mounting structures and interfaces are implemented across the workcell, creating universal attachment points that work with multiple types of robotic peripherals. This allows the same physical infrastructure to support different task configurations, enabling the workcell to adapt to new tasks without complete redesign.
2Reliability
If workcells are customized for specific tasks, then task performance capability is improved, but modification cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the workcell into standardized modules with common mounting interfaces, the patent enables cost-effective modifications. Instead of custom-building entire workcells for each task, users can selectively replace or reposition individual modules, significantly reducing modification costs while maintaining specialized task performance.
3Ease of operation
If system management is performed directly at the unit, then operational control is maintained, but management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces remote computing devices and communication interfaces as intermediaries between operators and robotic workcells. These intermediaries enable centralized management and monitoring of multiple workcells from remote locations, improving management efficiency by eliminating the need for physical presence at each unit while maintaining full operational control through networked communication.
4Loss of information
If operational data is collected during workcell operation, then data value is generated, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates data collection, storage, and analysis functions into integrated computing devices that work in conjunction with the robotic workcells. By merging these data management functions into a unified system rather than distributing them across multiple separate components, the patent reduces overall data management complexity while capturing and utilizing operational data value.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided, including one or more servers in communication with a robotic system. The one or more servers may be configured to receive operational data from the robotic system, and determine one or more operational performance metrics based on the received operational data. The system may also include a first computing device in communication with the robotic system including a workstation authoring software application configured to program the given task to be completed by the robotic system, and determine one or more subtasks required for the robotic system to perform the given task. The system may also include a second computing device in communication with the robotic system including an operational dashboard software application configured to control various operations of the robotic system, and provide for display a visual representation of the operational data and the operational performance metrics on an interface of the second computing device.