Multi-Robot Control System with Automatic and Manual Mode Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot control systems face challenges in allowing a single operator to efficiently manage multiple robots, as they struggle to determine which robot is being operated and achieve effective control.
Innovation Solution
A robot control system that includes a communication unit, acquisition unit, task determining unit, and motion control unit to manage multiple robots, with features such as automatic and input-requiring processes, proposal units for efficient task arrangement, and presentation units to display robot positions, enabling one operator to easily control multiple end effectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If one operator controls multiple robots simultaneously, then operator productivity increases, but control complexity and operator workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments robot control into two distinct modes: automatic control mode where robots execute pre-programmed tasks independently, and manual control mode where the operator directly controls specific robots. This segmentation allows the operator to manage multiple robots by switching between modes rather than continuously controlling all robots, thereby increasing productivity while managing control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between automatic and manual control modes based on operational requirements. The control system can transition robots between these modes as needed, allowing flexible adaptation to different task requirements. This dynamic capability enables efficient multi-robot management by automating routine tasks while maintaining operator control when needed.
2Productivity
If automatic control process is used for robot tasks, then operational efficiency increases, but flexibility and operator intervention capability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements dynamic switching between automatic and manual control modes. During automatic control, robots execute pre-programmed tasks efficiently. When operational flexibility is needed, the system can switch to manual control mode, allowing the operator to intervene and adjust robot behavior. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both high operational efficiency during automatic execution and flexibility when operator intervention is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the operator to monitor automatic control processes and intervene when necessary. The feedback loop enables the operator to assess the performance of automatic control and switch to manual control mode when adaptability is needed, thus maintaining both operational efficiency and flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual control is used for all robot operations, then operational flexibility is maintained, but operator workload and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control tasks by assigning routine, predictable tasks to automatic control mode and reserve manual control mode for complex or unpredictable situations. This segmentation reduces operator time consumption by eliminating the need for continuous manual control while maintaining operational flexibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables robots to perform tasks autonomously through automatic control mode, effectively making them self-service for routine operations. This reduces the operator's workload and time consumption significantly, as the robots can execute pre-programmed tasks without continuous human intervention, while still allowing manual control when flexibility is required.
4Productivity
If multiple robots are operated by one operator, then labor efficiency improves, but operator situational awareness and control precision decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments robot control into automatic and manual modes, allowing the operator to maintain precision when needed by switching to manual control for specific robots or tasks. During automatic control, precision is maintained through pre-programmed accurate motion paths and control parameters. This segmentation enables efficient management of multiple robots while preserving control precision through selective manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide the operator with real-time information about robot states and positions. This feedback enables the operator to maintain situational awareness when managing multiple robots, allowing for precise manual intervention when needed while relying on automatic control for routine precision tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot control system includes: a communication unit configured to input and output information from and to one or more operation terminals remotely operating at least one of one or more robots; an acquisition unit configured to acquire operation input information which is input by the operation terminal; a task determining unit configured to set a task of the robot on the basis of operation details acquired by the acquisition unit and to determine which of an automatic control process and an input-requiring process requiring an input from an operator the task is; and a motion control unit configured to control a motion of the robot on the basis of automatic control data of the automatic control process and the operation input information input for the input-requiring process determined by the task determining unit.