Robot Path Generation Using Vision and Process Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial robot systems require manual updates of robot programs after path generation, as they do not utilize part geometry and process information simultaneously to automatically generate robot paths, leading to inefficiencies in complex applications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a computing device with program code and a vision system that scans a workpiece to obtain geometric information, combining it with process-related parameters to generate optimized robot program code for path execution, including motion instructions, which can automatically update and optimize the robot path based on scanned geometry and process parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If vision systems are used to determine part geometry and generate robot paths, then path generation automation is improved, but the robot program still requires manual updates because part geometry and process information are not integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges part geometry data from vision systems with process information from process templates to automatically generate complete robot programs. The computing device integrates these two data sources through a unified processing framework that combines geometric features with process parameters, eliminating the need for separate manual program updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The process templates serve as universal structures that can accommodate different part geometries and process types. The system uses a standardized template format that can be applied across various manufacturing processes (painting, polishing, etc.), allowing the same integration framework to handle diverse applications without requiring custom manual programming for each case.
2Reliability
If manual updates are performed after path generation, then process information can be added, but productivity is reduced due to the need for manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating complete robot programs without requiring manual intervention. The computing device autonomously integrates vision system data with process templates to produce ready-to-execute robot programs, eliminating the manual update step entirely while maintaining information accuracy through structured data integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical process of program updating with an automated computational process. Instead of operators manually editing programs after path generation, the computing device automatically synthesizes complete programs by processing vision data and applying process templates, substituting human labor with automated information processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If robot programs are manually updated, then adaptability to different parts is achieved, but device complexity increases due to manual programming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves adaptability through parameter-based process templates that can be configured for different part geometries and processes. Instead of requiring manual reprogramming, the system adjusts program parameters automatically based on vision system measurements and selected process templates, allowing the same robot system to handle various parts by changing parameters rather than rewriting programs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for generating a path to be followed by a robot used to perform a process on a workpiece has a computing device that has program code for operating the robot and obtaining information related to the workpiece and a vision system that scans the workpiece to obtain images thereof that are provided to the computing device. The computing device processes the images to obtain geometric information about the workpiece that the computing device uses in combination with process related reference parameters stored in the computing device to generate program code for a path to be followed by the robot to perform the process on the workpiece. The computing device also includes code configured to verify for quality the generated program code for the path to be followed by the robot to perform the process on the workpiece.