Robot Programming Device for Multi-Robot Teaching Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for programming cooperative motion in multiple robots, such as those used in arc welding or trimming, are time-consuming and require extensive man-hours due to the need for manual teaching and simultaneous operation, especially when dealing with complex three-dimensional processes and more than two robots.
Innovation Solution
A robot programming device that automatically determines and adjusts the positions and motions of handling and processing robots based on three-dimensional models of workpieces, calculating positional relations and avoiding interference to generate efficient motion programs, thereby reducing the need for manual teaching and shortening the startup time of robot systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple robots are moved one-by-one for teaching, then the teaching operation can be carried out simply, but the operation takes a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the workpiece three-dimensional shape and pre-calculates optimal robot positions and motions before actual teaching execution. This preliminary action enables the teaching operation to be completed more efficiently by avoiding trial-and-error adjustments during the actual teaching process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model or digital representation of the workpiece and uses this copy to simulate and determine robot positions and motions. This copying approach allows multiple robots to be taught simultaneously based on the virtual model, significantly reducing teaching time while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Loss of time
If cooperative jog function is used to move two robots simultaneously, then the teaching time is reduced, but the operation requires high skill and still takes long time for complex processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-analysis of the workpiece geometry and automatically determines optimal robot positions and motions without requiring operator intervention or skill. The robot teaching system serves itself by autonomously calculating trajectories and positions based on the three-dimensional workpiece data, eliminating the need for highly skilled operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical teaching operations with automated computational methods. Instead of relying on operators to manually position and teach robots, the system uses computer-based algorithms to calculate optimal positions and generate teaching data automatically, substituting mechanical teaching processes with intelligent computation.
3Ease of operation
If cooperative jog function is applied to only two robots, then the teaching operation can be managed, but much more time is necessary if three or more robots are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a universal teaching approach that can handle any number of robots simultaneously, not limited to two robots as in traditional cooperative jog functions. The multi-functional system can teach two robots, three robots, or more robots in parallel using the same automated methodology, making the teaching operation scalable and efficient regardless of the number of robots involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sequential or pair-wise robot teaching to simultaneous multi-robot teaching by adding the dimension of parallel processing. Instead of teaching robots one after another or in pairs, the system operates in a higher-dimensional space where multiple robots are taught concurrently, dramatically reducing teaching time for systems with three or more robots.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robot programming device, in which the teaching of the cooperative motion of a plurality of robots may be carried out in a short time so as to reduce the number of man-hours for starting-up a robot system including the robots. The robot system includes two handling robots each having a hand for gripping a workpiece and a welding robot having a welding torch, a robot controller for controlling the robots, a personal computer with a robot programming device connected to the controller, and a teaching operation panel connected to the controller for teaching each robot.