OPC UA-ROS Interconnection for Industrial Robot Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of interoperation between devices supporting the OPC UA and ROS protocols, hindering seamless communication and integration in industrial automation systems.
Innovation Solution
An interconnection device with OPC UA and ROS interface units, including ROS node modules, client library modules, and core modules, facilitates protocol conversion and communication between OPC UA and ROS devices, enabling access to standardized services and data exchange across different networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented between OPC UA and ROS, then interoperability between devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an intermediary gateway device that mediates between OPC UA devices and ROS devices. This gateway contains protocol conversion modules that translate messages between the two protocols, enabling interoperability without requiring changes to the endpoint devices. The gateway acts as a bridge that handles the complexity of protocol translation centrally rather than distributing it across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protocol conversion functionality into separate, modular components within the gateway device. The conversion module is divided into distinct parts: an OPC UA message reception module, a protocol conversion module, and a ROS message transmission module. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, maintained, and optimized independently, managing the overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous network integration is achieved, then adaptability is improved, but information loss may occur during protocol conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism in the protocol conversion process. The conversion module continuously monitors the translation between OPC UA and ROS protocols, comparing incoming messages with outgoing messages to detect any information loss or distortion. When discrepancies are detected, the system can adjust the conversion parameters or notify operators to maintain data integrity across the heterogeneous network.
Data Source
AI summary
An interconnection device, a communication method, and a system including a robot are disclosed. In an embodiment, the interconnection device includes a first OPC UA interface, configured to establish connection between the interconnection device and an OPC UA device; and an ROS interface, in communication with the first OPC UA interface. The ROS interface includes: at least one ROS node module, configured to perform communication between the OPC UA device and an ROS device; an ROS client library module, configured to provide a function library to be called when the ROS node module performs the communication; and an ROS core module, configured to manage the ROS node module in the ROS interface unit and a node module in the ROS device. Communication between the OPC UA device and the ROS device is achieved via the interconnection device and the communication method.