Multi-Robot Teleoperation With Autonomous Following and Object Handling

Solution Overview

Problem

Current 1:1 remote control methods for robot teleoperation are limited in performing complex tasks, leading to operator fatigue, increased labor costs, and safety concerns, especially when handling large or heavy objects, and are inadequate for unstructured and dynamic environments.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows multiple field robots to be remotely controlled in cooperation, using an interface unit, work command generator, autonomous command generator, and communication unit to receive and transmit operation commands, enabling adaptive operation and reducing operator workload through modes like monopoly, following, object, and reproduction modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If one operator controls multiple field robots using 1:N remote control method, then productivity and task complexity handling are improved, but interface and communication complexity between operators increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask completion capabilityVSAvoidinterface and communication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple robot control functions into a single integrated control device. The control device can simultaneously send commands to multiple field robots and receive feedback from all of them, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate control systems and operators into one unified interface, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various operation modes (monopoly mode, following mode, object mode, reproduction mode) and control multiple different types of field robots through a single interface. This universal design eliminates the need for specialized control interfaces for each robot, reducing communication complexity while enabling high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If one operator controls one field robot using 1:1 remote control method, then control precision and safety are improved, but operator fatigue increases and labor costs increase for complex tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidoperator fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates autonomous operation capabilities where field robots can perform certain tasks independently without continuous operator intervention. The robots can autonomously navigate, avoid obstacles, and execute pre-programmed sequences, reducing the operational burden on the operator while maintaining control precision through centralized monitoring and command capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control device stores operation command histories and can replay recorded sequences automatically. This preliminary recording of operations allows complex tasks to be executed with minimal real-time operator input, reducing fatigue while maintaining the precision of the original controlled actions through automated reproduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple 1:1 remote control systems are employed to handle complex tasks, then task capability is improved, but the number of operators increases leading to increased labor costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask capabilityVSAvoidnumber of operators

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple robot control functions into a single integrated control device. The control device can simultaneously send commands to multiple field robots and receive feedback from all of them, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate control systems and operators into one unified interface, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various operation modes (monopoly mode, following mode, object mode, reproduction mode) and control multiple different types of field robots through a single interface. This universal design eliminates the need for specialized control interfaces for each robot, reducing communication complexity while enabling high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10967515B2Apparatus for remotely controlling robots and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 DAEGU GYEONGBUK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

AI summary

An apparatus for remotely controlling field robots, includes: an interface unit; a work command generator generating a work command signal for operating field robots; an autonomous command generator which generates an autonomous operation command signal for controlling an operation of a second field robot when a user selects a following mode and the work command generator generates a work command signal for a first field robot to correspond to the following mode, or generates an autonomous operation command signal for controlling operations of the first field robot and the second field robot in order to operate an object of work when the user selects an object mode and the work command generator generates a work command signal for the object of work to correspond to the object mode; and a communication unit transmitting the generated autonomous operation command signal to the first field robot and the second field robots.