Robot Operating Mode Selection for Automatic Manual Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing hand guiding systems require operators to manually switch between automatic and collaborative modes frequently, leading to increased workload and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A robot system that includes a manipulator, a slave arm, an output device, and a control device, which inquires about and stores the selected operating mode after a process, automatically switching to the most frequently selected mode once a threshold is met, reducing the need for manual mode switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual mode switching is implemented through operation panel manipulation, then mode switching capability is achieved, but operator workload increases and work efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching operationVSAvoidtime for mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device stores the selection history of operating modes in advance. When the same work conditions are detected again, the system automatically retrieves and applies the previously selected mode without requiring operator intervention, thus performing the mode selection action beforehand

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by automatically selecting operating modes based on stored historical data and current work conditions. The control device monitors its own operation state and autonomously switches modes without external manual input, making the system self-sufficient in mode management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automatic mode switching is implemented based on stored selection history, then operator workload is reduced and work efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs multiple functions: it not only controls the operating modes but also stores selection history, detects work conditions, and automatically retrieves appropriate modes. This multi-functionality is achieved within the existing control device without adding separate dedicated systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where the control device monitors current work conditions, compares them with stored historical data, and automatically adjusts mode selection based on this feedback. The state display device also provides visual feedback to confirm the selected mode to the operator

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent mode switching is required, then system adaptability to different work requirements is achieved, but operator burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mode adaptabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device stores the selection history of operating modes in advance. When the same work conditions are detected again, the system automatically retrieves and applies the previously selected mode without requiring operator intervention, thus performing the mode selection action beforehand

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by automatically selecting operating modes based on stored historical data and current work conditions. The control device monitors its own operation state and autonomously switches modes without external manual input, making the system self-sufficient in mode management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3342554B1Robot system and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP3342554B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3342554B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3342554B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A robot system according to the present disclosure includes a manipulator (2), a slave arm (1), an output device (3), a storage device (5) and a control device (4). The control device (4) is configured, after a given first process, to output to the output device (3) an inquiry of asking which operating mode among three operating modes of an automatic operation mode, a manual operation mode, and a hybrid operation mode the slave arm is to be operated in a second process, and execute first operation processing in which, when selected information for instructing the operating mode selected from the three operating modes is inputted, the selected information is stored in the storage device (5), and second operation processing in which, when the number of times that first selected information is stored in the storage device (5) becomes equal to or more than a first threshold number of times, the selected operating mode is outputted to the output device (3) after the first process is ended.