Palletizing HMI Pattern Editing for Robotic Multidrop Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material handling systems lack the capability for easy customization of palletizing patterns using human-machine interfaces (HMIs), leading to inefficiencies in robotic palletizing due to the need for operator training and time-consuming programming, which affects throughput and return on investment.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a user-friendly HMI allowing operators to define patterns by selecting and dragging items to desired locations, with a processor subsystem converting these inputs into robotic control operations for the palletizing arm, enabling multidrop placement of articles on a pallet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-loaded pallet pattern recipes are used, then palletizing operation is automated and efficient, but customization capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy or representation of the palletizing pattern on the HMI display, allowing operators to see and modify the pattern layout directly. This visual copying approach enables customization without requiring complex programming knowledge, as operators can interact with the visual representation rather than writing code.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMI serves as an intermediary between the operator and the robotic palletizing system. Instead of directly programming the robot, operators interact with the HMI which translates their selections and modifications into robotic control operations. This intermediary layer simplifies the interface and reduces programming complexity.
2Ease of operation
If extensive operator training is provided, then programming capability improves, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI is designed to be self-explanatory and intuitive, allowing operators to customize palletizing patterns without extensive external training. The interface presents visual representations and control options that operators can understand and use independently, reducing reliance on formal training programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern customization process is broken down into discrete, manageable steps or parameters that can be adjusted individually on the HMI. This segmentation allows operators to make small, controlled modifications without needing to understand the entire programming system, reducing the learning curve and training requirements.
3Productivity
If robotic arm speed is increased, then throughput improves, but precision and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow real-time monitoring and adjustment of robotic arm operations. The HMI enables operators to observe the robotic arm's movements and make adjustments to maintain precision even at higher speeds. This feedback loop ensures that throughput increases do not compromise placement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of a material handling system performs a method of creating a multidrop pattern of articles for robotic placement in layers on a pallet. A pattern is presented on a user interface of any currently positioned representations of articles on a pallet. A control affordance for inputting drag'n'drop and numeric inputs is presented on the user interface for robotic control operations to perform a multidrop of the more than one article in an end effector of a robotic arm for placement of the more than one article. User inputs are received that indicate placement position of a first subset of the more than one article. User inputs are received that indicate placement position of a second subset, which is mutually exclusive of the first subset, of the more than one article. The user inputs are converted into a place sequence of robotic control operations to perform a multidrop of the articles by the robotic arm.