Robot Operation Mode Switching for Restricted-Area Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in preventing robots from making unexpected motions when operators or assistants enter or leave restricted areas, which can lead to collisions or interference with human activities.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that acquires motion information from operators and assistants, and controls a robot to switch between operation and non-operation modes based on predetermined conditions, ensuring the robot does not move unexpectedly when individuals enter or leave restricted areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the robot operates in restricted areas, then productivity and task completion are improved, but the risk of collision or interference with persons entering or leaving the area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of persons in the restricted area before the robot executes motion. The detection unit continuously monitors for persons, and if a person is detected, the robot preemptively stops or suspends operation before movement occurs, preventing potential collisions while maintaining productivity when the area is clear
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the detection unit continuously provides information about person presence to the control unit, which then adjusts robot operation in real-time. This feedback loop enables dynamic adaptation of robot behavior based on current environmental conditions, balancing productivity and safety
2Reliability
If the robot stops operation when persons are detected, then safety is improved, but productivity and task efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robot's operational state is made dynamic rather than static. The control unit continuously adjusts the operation state based on real-time detection results, transitioning between operation and stop states as conditions change. This dynamic approach allows the robot to maintain high productivity when safe while ensuring safety when persons are present, optimizing the balance between the two conflicting requirements
3Reliability
If motion detection sensitivity is increased, then collision prevention is improved, but false positives and unnecessary stops increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system applies different detection criteria or sensitivity levels to different spatial zones or operational contexts. The control unit can adjust detection parameters based on the robot's current state, the location of detected persons, and the urgency of tasks, allowing high sensitivity in critical zones while maintaining operation continuity in less critical situations, reducing false positives while preventing actual collisions
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system including at least one processor, wherein the processor is configured to: acquire motion information indicating a motion of an operator who operates a movable unit of a robot; and control the robot such that the robot is switched from an operation mode in which the movable unit is in an operable state to a non-operation mode in which the movable unit is in an inoperable state in a case where the motion information satisfies a predetermined first condition.