Moving Workpiece Robot Interlock for Collision-Free Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems face challenges in efficiently coordinating the operations of multiple robots in a shared workspace, particularly in avoiding collisions and optimizing workpiece processing as the workpiece moves with the conveying device.
Innovation Solution
A robot system that includes a conveying device, robots capable of executing operations on workpieces, and circuitry for identifying the current position of workpieces and occupied areas, checking for overlaps between interlock areas and object areas, and controlling robot operations based on these determinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the robot stops operation before entering the interference area to avoid collision, then the safety is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to operation interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the interlock area move together with the workpiece on the conveying device. Instead of a static interference area, the system dynamically updates the interlock area position based on real-time workpiece location, allowing the robot to operate safely while maintaining continuous movement and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the workpiece position on the conveying device and updating the interlock area accordingly. This real-time feedback mechanism enables the robot to adapt its operation area dynamically, avoiding collisions while minimizing operation interruptions and maintaining high productivity
2Productivity
If the robot operates in a shared workspace with multiple robots, then the productivity is improved through parallel processing, but the complexity of coordinating operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the shared workspace into multiple interlock areas, each assigned to a specific robot. This segmentation allows each robot to operate independently within its designated area while preventing conflicts with other robots, thereby maintaining high productivity without increasing coordination complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary action by pre-defining interlock areas for each robot before operation begins. These areas are established based on robot positions and workpiece locations, allowing robots to operate autonomously within their assigned zones without requiring complex real-time coordination, thus improving productivity while keeping system complexity manageable
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system includes: a conveying device configured to convey a workpiece; a robot configured to execute an operation on the workpiece; and circuitry configured to: identify a current position of the workpiece and an object area occupied by an object; identify an interlock area that moves with the current position of the workpiece being conveyed by the conveying device; check an overlap between the interlock area and the object area; and control the robot to execute the operation based on the current position of the workpiece in response to determining that the interlock area does not overlap the object area.