Robot Arm Automation for Deep-Frying Safety and Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation systems, particularly in restaurants, face challenges in automating complex and dangerous tasks such as deep-frying due to the need for precise robot arm positioning and safety considerations in high-temperature environments, as well as the integration of automated systems with human workers.
Innovation Solution
An automated food preparation system with a robot arm mounted to a moveable base, using locators to define a fixed horizontal position relative to processing devices, and safety zones to adjust movement speed based on human proximity, along with integrated transport mechanisms for food ingredients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robot arm is used to automate deep-frying tasks, then productivity and safety are improved, but precise positioning and integration with existing kitchen equipment become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the kitchen workspace into discrete zones with defined boundaries, allowing the robot arm to operate independently in each zone while maintaining coordination with other processing devices. The workspace is segmented into safe and unsafe areas, enabling modular integration without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller serves as an intermediary between the robot arm and existing processing devices, facilitating communication and coordination. The controller manages the robot arm's movements and ensures proper integration with fryers and other equipment without requiring direct complex connections between all components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If safety zones are implemented to protect human workers, then safety is improved, but system complexity and monitoring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm's speed is dynamically adjusted based on its proximity to human workers and the presence of objects in unsafe zones. When approaching boundaries or detecting potential hazards, the system automatically reduces speed or halts movement, providing adaptive safety without requiring complex physical barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the workspace for objects or humans in unsafe zones and provides real-time feedback to adjust robot arm behavior. Sensors detect intrusions into safety zones and trigger appropriate responses, creating a closed-loop safety system that responds to actual conditions rather than relying on predetermined fixed protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are directed to automated preparation of food or consumable items, such as for preparation of fried foods. An example cooking apparatus may include processing devices for the consumable items. In some examples, a robot arm is provided that extends from a moveable base. Locators may define a relative position of the moveable base relative to processing device(s) of the cooking apparatus, such that the robot arm is configured to determine robot arm movements to move the consumable items to and from the processing device(s). In some examples, one or more zones may be used to detect movement near a robot arm, with one or more restrictions being placed upon robot arm and/or base movement in response. In some examples, a cooking apparatus provides automated transport of food ingredients for preparation of food or other consumable items.