Collaborative Robot Conveyor Speed Control for Human Proximity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot control systems face efficiency losses when collaborative robots must slow down to accommodate human presence, leading to conveyor speed adjustments that disrupt workflow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A robot control apparatus that dynamically adjusts the operating speeds of collaborative robots and conveyors based on human proximity, setting upper speed limits and controlling operations to maintain efficiency by ensuring the collaborative robot can keep up with conveyor speed regardless of human presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operating speed of the collaborative robot is lowered to ensure worker safety when a human is present, then safety is improved, but work efficiency deteriorates because the robot cannot keep up with the conveyor speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the conveyor speed adjustable based on real-time detection of human presence. The system dynamically transitions between a first speed (when humans are detected) and a second speed (when no humans are detected), allowing the system to adapt its operating characteristics to current conditions rather than maintaining a fixed speed limit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the detection device that continuously monitors for human presence and provides information to the control device. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust conveyor speed based on detected conditions, creating a responsive control mechanism that balances safety and efficiency
2Reliability
If the operating speed of the conveyor is lowered to match the collaborative robot speed, then safety is maintained, but work efficiency deteriorates due to disrupted workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor speed is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to change between first and second speeds based on human presence detection. This dynamic adjustment prevents permanent workflow disruption by restoring full speed when the area is clear
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic detection and adjustment cycles where the detection device continuously monitors for humans and the control device periodically adjusts conveyor speed accordingly. This periodic action allows the system to maintain safety during critical periods while preserving efficiency during normal operation periods
Data Source
AI summary
A robot control apparatus includes: a speed setter configured to control a collaborative robot that processes a workpiece flowing on a conveyor according to whether a human is or is not detected from a detection result from a detection device that detects a human present within a certain range from the collaborative robot, and sets an upper limit value on the operating speed of the conveyor such that the value is different depending on the detection result from the detection device; and a conveyor controller configured to control the operating speed of the conveyor to be an operating speed less than or equal to the upper limit value set by the speed setter.