Robot Teaching Pendant Mode Switching via Enable Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing teaching pendants (TPs) with simulator functions require users to manually switch between simulation and actual machine modes using buttons or switches, leading to decreased operability due to the risk of forgetting to switch modes, which can result in unintended operation of actual machines.

Innovation Solution

An operation apparatus that determines the pressed state of an enable switch to automatically switch between operating a virtual robot in simulation mode and an actual robot in actual machine mode, using the enable switch as a trigger to simplify mode changes and enhance user safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mode change switch is provided to switch between simulation mode and actual machine mode, then the simulator function can be used, but the operability deteriorates due to the risk of forgetting to switch modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulator functionVSAvoidoperability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the pressed state of the enable switch and autonomously issues switching instructions to change between simulation mode and actual machine mode, eliminating the need for manual mode switching by the user. The system serves itself by automatically managing the mode transitions based on enable switch status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mode change switch is provided to switch between simulation mode and actual machine mode, then the simulator function can be used, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulator functionVSAvoidmode switching mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mode switching function is merged with the enable switch functionality. The same enable switch that controls robot operation also triggers mode transitions between simulation and actual machine modes, consolidating multiple functions into a single control mechanism and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The determination unit automatically monitors the enable switch state and autonomously manages mode transitions without requiring a separate mode change switch or manual user intervention, simplifying the device architecture while maintaining simulator functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12515316B2Operation apparatus, robot system, manufacturing method, control method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 CANON KK

AI summary

An operation apparatus configured to communicate with a robot controller for controlling a robot, acquire a pressed state of an enable switch, display a virtual robot corresponding to the robot in a virtual environment, and operate the robot or the virtual robot by an operation of the operation apparatus, includes a determination unit configured to determine the pressed state of the enable switch, and a processing unit configured to issue a switching instruction to switch between a state in which the robot is operated and a state in which the virtual robot is operated, depending on a determination of the pressed state of the enable switch determined by the determination unit.