Robot Loading Interface for Small-Batch Workpiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet metal and woodworking machines face inefficiencies in loading and unloading processes, particularly for small batches, due to high setup and calibration requirements, and manual intervention, which hinders automation and increases error susceptibility.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a sensor interface, display unit, operator interface, evaluation unit, and control interface to automate the loading process by integrating machine operator input, enabling efficient and low-error automation through sensor data and operator-defined workpiece positions and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If full automation with sensor data processing and robot calibration is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity and setup effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the machine operator to perform simple self-calibration by manually indicating workpiece positions on the display, and the system automatically determines the revised representation and control commands without requiring external calibration services or complex setup procedures
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implementing complete automated calibration and training of the robot system, the patent uses partial automation where the operator provides minimal input (workpiece positions on display) and the system handles the rest, achieving sufficient automation without the full complexity of complete automation
2Productivity
If automated loading with robot calibration is implemented, then productivity increases, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring workpiece positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit acts as an intermediary between the sensor data and the operator, visually representing workpiece positions and allowing the operator to easily indicate positions through the operator interface, simplifying the detection and measurement process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement and calibration systems with an optical display system and software-based position determination, where the evaluation unit automatically calculates revised representations based on operator input without requiring physical measurement devices
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive robot training and calibration are performed, then manufacturing precision improves, but loss of time during setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor interface captures workpiece position information in advance, and the display unit prepares the visual representation before the operator provides input, allowing quick setup without time-consuming real-time calibration during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic determination of revised representations and control commands based on minimal operator input, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual calibration procedures while maintaining positioning accuracy
4Device complexity
If manual loading and unloading is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial automation where the robot executes the loading operation automatically based on simplified operator input, achieving productivity improvement without the full complexity of complete automation
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit and evaluation unit serve as intermediaries that translate simple operator actions into automated robot control commands, bridging the gap between manual operation and automated execution to improve productivity while keeping the interface simple
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (26) for loading or unloading a sheet metal or woodworking machine (12), comprising: a sensor interface (38) for receiving a sensor signal with information about workpieces (16) in a loading area (24) of the sheet metal or woodworking machine; a display unit (40) for generating a representation of the workpieces and the loading area based on the sensor signal; an operator interface (42) for providing the representation to a machine operator (28) and for receiving operator input from the machine operator with information about the position of the workpieces in the representation;an evaluation unit (44) for determining a revised representation of the workpieces and the loading area based on the sensor signal and the operator input, wherein the operator interface is configured to provide the revised representation to the machine operator and to receive further operator input with information on a loading operation of the workpiece to be carried out; a planning unit (46) for determining control commands for a loading robot (14) to execute the loading operation to be carried out based on the sensor signal and the further operator input; and a control interface (48) for controlling the loading robot to execute the loading operation based on the control commands. The present invention further relates to a system (10), a method, and a computer program product.