Robot Insertion Scheduling With Vision-Based Conveyor Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic assembly systems face challenges in efficiently scheduling ingredient insertion on conveyor lines, particularly in high-throughput settings, due to variability in container arrangement, labor constraints, and the need for centralized control, which can lead to inefficiencies and single points of failure.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic insertion scheduling system that allows robotic assembly modules to operate independently, using computer vision and scheduling algorithms to identify and classify containers, enabling flexible labor utilization and dynamic scheduling without centralized control, and allowing modules to communicate and coordinate without cross calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If centralized control is used to coordinate robotic assembly modules, then scheduling precision is improved, but system complexity and single point of failure risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized control system into multiple independent robotic assembly modules, each capable of autonomous decision-making. Each module has its own controller that can independently schedule and execute insertion operations without requiring coordination from a central controller, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining scheduling precision through local intelligence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each robotic assembly module is equipped with computer vision systems and scheduling algorithms that enable it to autonomously identify containers, determine insertion targets, and coordinate its own operations. This self-service capability eliminates the need for centralized control while maintaining efficient scheduling, reducing both system complexity and single points of failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If robotic assembly modules operate independently without cross calibration, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidinsertion precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each robotic assembly module uses computer vision systems to create digital copies or representations of containers and their contents. These visual copies allow independently operating modules to accurately identify and target insertion locations without physical calibration, maintaining precision through optical information while preserving operational independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If dynamic scheduling is implemented to adjust to line speed and labor changes, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidscheduling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling system is designed to be dynamic, with each robotic assembly module capable of adjusting its operations in real-time based on conveyor line speed variations and labor availability. The system continuously monitors conditions and adapts scheduling decisions accordingly, maintaining high throughput while managing complexity through distributed rather than centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If computer vision and scheduling algorithms are used for container identification, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer identification precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual container identification methods with computer vision systems. This substitution enables precise container identification and classification without physical contact or manual intervention, improving measurement precision while the energy consumption is managed through efficient algorithm implementation and distributed processing across multiple modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250319606A1Method of cooperative dynamic insertion scheduling of robots

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 CHEF ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

A method can include: receiving imaging data; identifying containers using an object detector; scheduling insertion based on the identified containers; and optionally performing an action based on a scheduled insertion. However, the method can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements. The method functions to schedule insertion for a robotic system (e.g., ingredient insertion of a robotic foodstuff assembly module). Additionally or alternatively, the method can function to facilitate execution of a dynamic insertion strategy; and/or facilitate independent operation of a plurality of robotic assembly modules along a conveyor line.