Robot-Human Cooperation via Simulation-Based Fault Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems face challenges in effectively communicating with humans, interpreting ambiguous phrases, and detecting faults in real-time, which hinders their ability to operate reliably and safely in human-centric environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a robotics system that includes an interface, processors, and a computer-readable storage device with instructions to provide a Ubiquitous Simulation Model (USM) for simulating robotic operations, receiving commands, and determining appropriate effects based on coherent conduct and self-presentation, enabling fault detection and diagnosis, and facilitating communication with humans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robot operates autonomously in human-centric environments, then productivity and operational capability are improved, but reliability and safety deteriorate due to inability to detect faults in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the robot continuously monitors its own operational parameters and communicates status information to human operators. The system provides real-time feedback about robot condition, enabling detection of faults as they develop and allowing for corrective action before safety incidents occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system that bridges the robot and human operators. This intermediary layer translates robot sensor data and operational status into human-understandable information, enabling humans to monitor robot health and intervene when necessary, thus improving reliability without reducing productivity.
2Ease of operation
If a robot communicates effectively with humans, then ease of operation and trust are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple communication channels and interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication interface that handles multiple functions through a single system. The interface can convey operational status, request human input, provide explanations of robot actions, and receive commands all through one unified channel, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot employs self-service communication strategies where it automatically formats and transmits relevant information to humans based on its operational needs. The system determines what information humans need to know and communicates it proactively, reducing the burden on humans to interpret complex data streams while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If a robot continues operating with faulty components, then productivity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to potential harm to users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing the robot to continue operating with degraded but still acceptable functionality. When faults are detected, the system maintains core productive functions while limiting or shutting down specific compromised subsystems, enabling continued productivity while managing safety risks through selective operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by preparing compensating adjustments in advance. When faults are detected, pre-programmed compensatory actions are activated to maintain safe operation. The system has predetermined safety protocols and adjustment mechanisms ready to deploy, cushioning against potential harm while allowing continued operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, employed within a robotics system. In one aspect, a robotics system includes an interface; an output; a processor; and a computer-readable storage device coupled to the processor and having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause processor to perform operations comprising: providing, through the interface, a simulation of the robotics system described by a Ubiquitous Simulation Model (USM) and depicted within a simulated environment; receiving a command through the interface; determining an applicable module configured to operate skills and knowledge for the command based on the USM and the simulated environment; processing the command with the module and the USM to determine an appropriate action, wherein the action is determined based on a coherent mode of conduct and self-presentation modeled for the robotics system; and performing the action with the output.