Modular Robotic Workcell Tiered Programming

Solution Overview

Problem

The integration and reconfiguration of robotic systems are time-consuming and costly, as they are often customized for specific tasks, making modifications and swaps of components undesirable due to high costs and the inability to easily reconfigure systems.

Innovation Solution

A modular reconfigurable workcell system with a computing device that breaks down tasks into subtasks, allows for plug-and-play attachment of peripherals, and provides a tiered programming model for task execution, enabling quick configuration and reconfiguration without the need for extensive recalibration or rewiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If robotic systems are customized for specific tasks with traditional integration methods, then task performance capability is improved, but reconfiguration time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask performance capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system is divided into modular components (robotic arms, end effectors, sensors, controllers) that can be independently selected, configured, and recombined. Each module has standardized interfaces that enable quick connection and disconnection without requiring full system reintegration, thus reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining task performance capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs universal standardized interfaces and communication protocols that allow the same robotic platform to perform multiple different tasks by simply changing modules or programming parameters. This multi-functionality enables rapid reconfiguration between tasks without requiring custom integration work, addressing both reliability and time loss concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If robotic systems are customized for specific tasks with traditional integration methods, then task performance capability is improved, but modification cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask performance capabilityVSAvoidmodification cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal standardized interfaces and communication protocols that allow the same robotic platform to perform multiple different tasks by simply changing modules or programming parameters. This multi-functionality enables rapid reconfiguration between tasks without requiring custom integration work, addressing both reliability and time loss concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows task-specific customization through programmable parameters and software configuration rather than physical reintegration. By changing control parameters, task definitions, and software settings, the same hardware platform can adapt to different tasks, significantly reducing modification costs while maintaining optimal task performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If robotic systems use fixed configuration for specific tasks, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to new tasks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidtask adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system is divided into modular components (robotic arms, end effectors, sensors, controllers) that can be independently selected, configured, and recombined. Each module has standardized interfaces that enable quick connection and disconnection without requiring full system reintegration, thus reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining task performance capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from fixed configuration to dynamic reconfigurability through standardized mechanical and communication interfaces. Modules can be dynamically added, removed, or repositioned based on task requirements, while the controller dynamically adjusts parameters and programming to accommodate changes, achieving both stability during operation and adaptability for new tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10245726B1Methods and systems for tiered programming of robotic device

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 X DEVELOPMENT LLC

AI summary

A method operable by a computing device is provided. The method may include receiving a request for a given task to be performed by a robotic system. The method may also determining one or more subtasks required to perform the given task, where the one or more subtasks include one or more parameters used to define the one or more subtasks. The method may also include determining an arrangement of the one or more subtasks to perform the given task, and providing for display an indication of the one or more undefined parameters for the given task. The method may also include receiving an input defining the one or more undefined parameters for the given task, and executing the one or more subtasks in the determined arrangement and in accordance with the one or more defined parameters to cause the robotic system to perform the given task.