Multi-Robot Console Control for Mixed Work Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems are limited to performing a single type of work, hindering their applicability to a wide variety of tasks and impeding the efficient robotization of human work across different industries.
Innovation Solution
A robot system comprising multiple self-propelled robots with autonomously travelable carriages and robotic arms, each capable of performing different types of work, and a single manipulation console for operator control, allowing selective manual or automatic operation of these robots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robot is designed to perform a single type of work, then the robot can be optimized for that specific task, but the robot cannot be applied to a wide variety of works
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a robot system where a single robot can perform multiple different types of work through interchangeable end effectors. The robot base unit remains universal while the end effectors are swapped depending on the specific task requirements, allowing one robot to handle picking, cleaning, nursing, and other diverse functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the robot system into a base unit and interchangeable end effectors. This segmentation allows the core robot platform to remain standardized while the functional components (end effectors) are divided into specialized modules that can be attached or detached based on task requirements, resolving the contradiction between specialization and versatility.
2Reliability
If multiple specialized robots are deployed for different tasks, then each robot can be optimized for its specific function, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying multiple specialized robots, the patent uses a universal robot base that can be configured for different tasks by attaching appropriate end effectors. This reduces system complexity while maintaining task-specific optimization through modular attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the common functional elements (mobility, control, power) into a single robot base unit that serves all tasks, while only the task-specific end effectors are separated. This combining approach reduces the total number of robot systems needed while maintaining specialized performance.
3Ease of operation
If multiple manipulation consoles are provided for controlling different robots, then each robot can be controlled independently, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple robot control functions into a single manipulation console. The console is designed to control the robot base unit and can be reconfigured or adapted when different end effectors are attached, eliminating the need for multiple separate control systems while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation console is designed as a universal control interface that can operate the robot base unit across different task configurations. This universal console reduces operational complexity by providing a consistent control experience regardless of which end effector is attached.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system includes a plurality of self-propelled robots, each including an autonomously travelable carriage and a robotic arm mounted on the carriage, and a single manipulation console that is operated by an operator to allow the operator to manually operate the plurality of self-propelled robots. The plurality of self-propelled robots include a first self-propelled robot that performs a given first work, and a second self-propelled robot that performs a given second work different in kind from the first work.