Multi-Robot Task Handover for Lower-Complexity Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of large structures, such as aircraft components, is challenging due to the complexity and inefficiency of multiple robots working collectively, requiring high processing power and prolonged assembly times.
Innovation Solution
A robot arrangement where multiple robots sequentially perform tasks, sharing a single device or image capture system, with a mounting point for device transfer, reducing the need for multiple monitoring systems and trackers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple robots work collectively on the same component simultaneously, then the assembly speed increases, but the processing power and monitoring complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the assembly task into distinct portions, with different robots performing different portions of the same task sequentially or in coordinated fashion. This allows the system to maintain high productivity through parallel task portions while reducing monitoring complexity by dividing responsibility for monitoring among robots handling specific segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions where robots prepare components or positions in advance before the main assembly operation. This allows the primary assembly robots to focus on critical monitoring and execution, reducing overall system monitoring complexity while maintaining high assembly speed through pre-positioned elements.
2Device complexity
If multiple robots perform different portions of a task sequentially, then the processing power required decreases, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by coordinating robots to perform different portions of tasks in a continuous workflow rather than sequential completion. While processing complexity is reduced through division of labor, the system maintains high assembly speed by eliminating idle time and ensuring that as one robot completes its portion, another is ready to immediately take over or perform its portion in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic task allocation and coordination among robots, allowing the system to adaptively balance the workload and timing of different robots. This dynamic coordination enables reduced processing power requirements through task segmentation while maintaining short assembly times through optimized scheduling and parallel execution where possible.
3Productivity
If multiple image capture devices are used to monitor different sections of an object, then the monitoring coverage increases, but the image processing complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image capture devices into a coordinated imaging system where devices work together under unified control. This allows comprehensive monitoring coverage while reducing processing complexity through centralized image stitching and calibration management, rather than independent processing of multiple device outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal imaging protocols and calibration methods that can be applied across multiple image capture devices. This multi-functionality approach allows different devices to contribute to a unified monitoring system with standardized processing pipelines, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If each robot has its own end effector with integrated devices, then the operational flexibility increases, but the cost and complexity of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary mounting points as mediator structures between robots and end effectors. These mounting points serve as shared interfaces where devices can be attached and transferred between robots, reducing the need for each robot to have fully integrated end effectors with all necessary devices, thereby reducing equipment cost while maintaining operational flexibility through the intermediary interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robot arrangement for interacting with an object, comprising: a plurality of robots adjacent an object; the plurality of robots configured to interact with the object sequentially such that: a first robot of the plurality of robots is configured to perform a first portion of a first task on the object and then, whilst the first robot is not interacting with the object, a second robot of the plurality of robots is configured to perform a second portion of the first task on the object, and the plurality of robots are configured to simultaneously interact with the object, before or after completion of the first task, so as to collectively perform a second task on the object.