Robot Path Prediction for Moving Reference Frame Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to effectively manage robot operations when following work paths relative to moving reference systems, such as conveyor belts, leading to potential overloading and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method and control system that predict and monitor the pose and temporal derivatives of a robot relative to a moving reference system, allowing for compliance with predefined limits and enabling smooth traversal of work paths by adjusting speed profiles and initiating countermeasures if limits are exceeded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the robot follows work paths relative to a moving reference system without prediction and monitoring, then the control system is simpler and real-time computation is reduced, but the robot may exceed specified limits for position and temporal derivatives leading to overloading and inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance with specified limitsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system predicts future poses of the reference system and future positions of the robot before they occur. This preliminary calculation allows the system to proactively identify and prevent potential limit exceedances, ensuring reliability without requiring complex real-time intervention mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the robot's speed profile based on predicted future states. By continuously updating predictions and recalculating speed profiles, the system adapts to changing conditions while maintaining compliance with specified limits, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the robot traverses work paths at maximum speed without prediction, then productivity is higher, but the robot may exceed specified limits for position and temporal derivatives causing overloading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot traversal speedVSAvoidcompliance with specified limits
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates future robot positions and reference system poses in advance, allowing it to identify upcoming sections where speed limits might be exceeded. This enables proactive speed adjustment before violations occur, maintaining both high productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically changes the speed parameter based on predicted future states. By adjusting the speed profile in response to predicted conditions, the system optimizes productivity while ensuring compliance with specified limits for position and temporal derivatives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the robot adjusts speed profile frequently to maintain compliance, then reliability is improved, but time loss increases due to repeated calculations and adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance with specified limitsVSAvoidcomputation and adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs predictions and calculations in advance during periods when the robot is traversing known sections. This preliminary computation reduces the need for frequent real-time adjustments, minimizing time loss while maintaining reliability through proactive limit compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3720663B1Operating a robot
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 KUKA DEUT GMBH
  • EP3720663B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a robot (20), said method comprising the steps: - specifying (S5), relative to a moving reference system ({10X, 10Y, 10Z}), at least one working path (B0→B1, B1→B2) of the robot to be travelled; - predicting (S30, S60) at least one pose of the reference system on the basis of a current pose and a speed (V10) of the reference system, and a time taken to reach said pose; - predicting (S30, S60), on the basis of the predicted pose of the reference system, at least one position of the robot and/or at least one temporal derivative of the position of the robot for the work path to be travelled; and - monitoring (S40, S70) a compliance with a predetermined limit at this position or temporal derivative.