Robot Collision Control Using Harmonic Radar Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems for robotic work environments fail to effectively prevent human-robot collisions and allow safe collaboration by accurately detecting human presence and movement in proximity to robots, leading to potential injuries and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a radar transmitter, harmonic receiver, and harmonic reflector to track the position, speed, and direction of objects within a robot's operative range, with a control unit regulating robot operation based on these parameters to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional safety systems (fencing, laser curtains, weight detecting mats) are used to prevent human-robot collisions, then safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to restricted workspace and complex infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the safety detection function from complex physical infrastructure (fences, mats, curtains) and implements it through a simplified radar-based detection system that uses existing robot sensors to track human presence and movement, eliminating the need for extensive external safety infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system serves multiple functions: it detects human presence for safety purposes while also providing positional and velocity information for collaborative operation control, allowing the same system to enable both safe interaction and productive workflow without requiring separate dedicated safety infrastructure
2Reliability
If line-of-sight imaging devices are used to detect human presence, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirements for unobstructed viewing paths and multiple cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical line-of-sight imaging systems with a radar-based detection system that uses electromagnetic waves to detect human presence, position, and velocity without requiring visual line-of-sight, thereby simplifying the system architecture and eliminating the need for complex camera positioning and calibration
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system acts as an intermediary that detects human presence through electromagnetic wave reflection rather than direct visual observation, allowing detection through obstacles and without requiring unobstructed viewing paths, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining safety
3Productivity
If robot mass and latency in data processing are reduced, then productivity is improved, but safety deteriorates because the robot cannot stop in time to avoid contacting a human
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of human presence and calculates predicted collision courses before the robot needs to stop, using radar tracking data to anticipate potential conflicts and trigger preventive stopping actions in advance, allowing adequate stopping distance even with high-speed robots
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors human position and robot motion, calculating real-time collision risk and providing feedback control signals to adjust robot velocity or stop operation when predicted collision courses are detected, creating a closed-loop safety system that responds dynamically to changing conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe human-robot collaboration by preventing collisions through precise tracking and prediction of object movement, allowing robots to adjust their operation accordingly, thus enhancing safety and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a radar transmitter configured to output a radar signal
Implementation Method 2
the harmonic reflector is configured to output the harmonic signal in response to the radar signal contacting the harmonic reflector
Implementation Method 3
a harmonic receiver configured to receive a harmonic signal. A harmonic reflector is configured to be coupled to an object. The harmonic reflector is configured to output the harmonic signal in response to the radar signal contacting the harmonic reflector
Implementation Method 4
The control unit is configured to determine a position, a speed, and a direction of the harmonic reflector based on the harmonic signal, and regulate operation of the robot based on the position, the speed, and direction of the harmonic reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method include a robot. A radar transmitter is configured to output a radar signal. A harmonic receiver is configured to receive a harmonic signal. A harmonic reflector is configured to be coupled to an object. The harmonic reflector is configured to output the harmonic signal in response to the radar signal contacting the harmonic reflector. A control unit is in communication with the robot, the radar transmitter, and the harmonic receiver. The control unit is configured to determine a position, a speed, and a direction of the harmonic reflector based on the harmonic signal, and regulate operation of the robot based on the position, the speed, and direction of the harmonic reflector.