Remote Cobot Interface for Real-Time Manual Task Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collaborative robots (cobots) lack the ability to be controlled remotely, which limits their operational flexibility, efficiency, and safety, especially in environments unsuitable for human control.
Innovation Solution
A remote control system that utilizes a human-machine interface (HMI) similar to video game systems, allowing operators to control cobots intuitively and remotely through an interface that provides real-time audio-visual feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cobots are designed to operate autonomously with basic controls, then they are easy to use and implement, but they cannot be controlled remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote interface as an intermediary between the operator and the cobot. This interface communicates with the cobot's control system via TCP/IP protocol, allowing operators to control cobots remotely without requiring direct physical presence or complex programming knowledge. The intermediary layer translates user-friendly interface commands into robot control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control system is designed to work with multiple cobot brands and models through a universal interface. The system can adapt to different robot types (articulated arms, SCARA robots, delta robots) and provides consistent control functionality across various platforms, making it versatile while maintaining ease of use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote control via TCP/IP is implemented, then remote operation becomes possible, but it requires programming skills that make it difficult to find candidates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pre-configured remote control interface that requires no programming by the end user. The interface is designed as a ready-to-use solution where all complex communication protocols and robot-specific commands are already established, allowing operators to simply interact through a user-friendly interface without needing to understand underlying programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically handles connection establishment, protocol negotiation, and command translation between the remote interface and the cobot. The interface self-configures upon connection, eliminating the need for manual programming setup by the operator.
3Ease of manufacture
If different brands of cobots use different control interfaces, then each brand can optimize for its specific robot, but it makes it difficult for an operator to excel across all of them
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control interface is designed as a universal platform that can connect to and control multiple brands and types of cobots. It provides a consistent control paradigm across different robot models while maintaining the ability to access brand-specific features when needed, allowing operators to work with various robots using the same interface skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into a universal interface layer and robot-specific implementation layers. The universal layer handles common control functions consistently across all robots, while the implementation layer adapts to specific brand requirements, allowing operators to interact with all robots through a unified interface.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If cobots operate in hazardous environments, then safety is improved, but the ability to monitor and control them in real-time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control interface implements real-time feedback loops that continuously stream robot status, sensor data, and operational information from hazardous environments to the remote operator. This allows operators to monitor and control cobots in real-time despite physical separation, maintaining situational awareness and enabling immediate intervention when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for controlling a robotic unit, the method including operating the robotic unit to autonomously perform at least one task, identifying a portion of the task to be manually executed or supervised, and selecting an offsite target handler for manually executing or supervising the portion of the task. A request is then sent to the target handler selected. Upon receiving an indication of acceptance from the target handler, the method provides a remote control interface by which the portion of the task may be manually executed or supervised. The method may then receive, at the remote control interface, control inputs for the robotic unit. The method may then provide an information feed including real time status information for the robotic unit. The method may then confirm that the portion of the task has been completed and terminate the remote control interface.