Autonomous Robot Cell Positioning for Multi-Machine Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cells for machine tools and assembly machines require significant effort and are not versatile enough for use across different machines.
Innovation Solution
A robot cell with an optics device for positioning, a controller for autonomous operation and malfunction detection, and a manipulator that can handle workpieces without being linked to the machine, along with features like self-propulsion, autonomous power, and storage units for workpieces, simplifying setup and operation across various machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the robot cell is linked and connected to the machine tool or assembly machine, then the operation and control stability is improved, but the setup effort and complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent modules: the robot cell operates autonomously with its own controller, while the machine tool or assembly machine remains independent. They communicate through standardized interfaces rather than physical linkages, allowing each system to maintain its own operational integrity while still working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot cell is designed with universal compatibility to work with different machine tools and assembly machines through standardized communication interfaces. The optics device and reference markings system provide a universal positioning method that works across various machine types without requiring custom integration for each specific machine.
2Measurement precision
If the robot cell is designed for use on a specific machine tool or assembly machine, then the operational precision is improved, but the versatility and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses adjustable parameters in the optics device and reference markings to adapt to different machines. By changing the positioning parameters and reference point locations rather than the fundamental system architecture, the robot cell achieves precise positioning on each specific machine while maintaining the ability to be quickly reconfigured for different machine types.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot cell incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities through the optics device that can adapt to different machine positions and orientations. The system can dynamically adjust its reference frame and positioning parameters based on the specific machine it is working with, enabling both precision and versatility.
3Extent of automation
If the robot cell includes comprehensive control and detection capabilities, then the autonomous operation capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot cell is equipped with self-diagnostic and self-positioning capabilities through the optics device and reference markings system. The controller automatically detects its position and adjusts its operations without external intervention, and can identify malfunctions autonomously, reducing the need for complex external control systems while maintaining high automation levels.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a robot cell (1) provided for use on machine tools and/or assembly machines. The robot cell (1) includes a handling device, e.g. an industrial robot (2). By means of the robot cell (1), a workpiece (4) to be processed on the machine tool or the assembly machine can be removed from an incoming transport container, pre-processed, orientated, inserted into the machine tool or assembly machine, removed from the machine tool or the assembly machine, measured and placed or stacked in an outgoing transport container. The robot cell (1) can be used on different machine tools or assembly machines. In order to facilitate operation of a robot cell (1) of this kind, the robot cell (1) can be used on the machine tool or the assembly machine without being linked or connected to the machine tool or the assembly machine, the robot cell (1) has an optics device (5), by means of which, in conjunction with reference markings on the machine tool or assembly machine, the robot cell (1) can be positioned in its operating position on the machine tool or the assembly machine, wherein by means of a control apparatus (6) and the handling device connected thereto or the industrial robot (2) connected thereto of the robot cell (1), operating elements on the machine tool or assembly machine can be contacted, operated and controlled.