Multi-Robot Trajectory Control for Autonomous Collision Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional control systems for robots require users to create robot-specific programs for region declaration, which is burdensome and inefficient, especially when considering collision avoidance between multiple robots.

Innovation Solution

A control system where multiple robots with multiple joints are connected to the same network, enabling a second robot to acquire control data, determine potential collisions with a first robot, and correct its own trajectory to avoid collisions, thereby reducing user burden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users create robot-specific programs for region declaration to avoid collision, then collision avoidance is achieved, but user burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoiduser burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robot autonomously performs collision avoidance by acquiring trajectory information of other robots via network, determining potential collisions, and correcting its own trajectory without requiring user-created region declaration programs. This self-service mechanism eliminates the burden of manual programming while ensuring reliable collision avoidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The robot continuously monitors the trajectories of other robots through network communication, uses this feedback information to determine potential collisions, and dynamically adjusts its trajectory accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system replaces static user-programmed region declarations with dynamic autonomous collision avoidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If robot-specific region declaration programs are created for each robot, then interlocking is appropriately performed, but programming complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterlocking performanceVSAvoidprogramming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collision avoidance function is implemented as a universal capability across all robots through standardized network communication protocols. Each robot can acquire trajectory information of others and perform autonomous collision avoidance without requiring robot-specific region declaration programs, simplifying programming while maintaining reliable interlocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The network serves as an intermediary that enables robots to share trajectory information without requiring complex point-to-point communication setups. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the programming interface while ensuring reliable interlocking through automated trajectory coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional collision avoidance methods are used, then safety is ensured, but system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidproduction line size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Each robot independently performs collision avoidance calculations and trajectory corrections using its own control unit, eliminating the need for additional external safety systems or infrastructure. This self-service approach ensures safety while minimizing the physical footprint of the production line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3919236B1Control system and control method of control system
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 OMRON CORP
  • EP3919236B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3919236B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3919236B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A control system is achieved which reduces the burden on the user by rendering unnecessary updates of a program for avoiding robot collision. A second robot (32) in this control system (1) has a trajectory calculation unit (23S) which calculates a trajectory of the second robot (32) so as to avoid a first robot (31) if it is determined that the first robot (31) and the second robot (32) will collide.