Automated Robot Programming via Shape Feature Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot programming devices require significant operator time and skill to manually designate processed portions on CAD models for offline teaching of robot programs, especially when dealing with multiple workpieces or processing areas, and the task of moving a robot between these portions is cumbersome and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A robot programming device that uses a three-dimensional model locating part to position a robot and workpiece in a virtual space, extracts shape features, sets reference positions, determines movement orders, and generates a motion program to automate the movement of the robot between these features, while also detecting and avoiding interference with peripheral equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual designation of processed portions on CAD models is used, then robot program can be generated, but operator time and skill requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically extracting shape features from CAD models and generating robot programs without operator intervention. The shape feature extraction unit autonomously identifies processed portions by detecting geometric features such as circles, polygons, and combined shapes, eliminating the need for manual designation and significantly reducing operator time and skill requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual operation of designating processed portions with an automated computational system. The shape feature extraction unit uses algorithms to automatically detect and extract geometric features from CAD models, substituting the manual mechanical process with an automated information processing system that reduces operator involvement and time consumption.
2Reliability
If manual teaching of robot movement between processed portions is performed, then robot program can be generated, but operation becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the movement sequence between extracted shape features. The robot program generation unit autonomously creates the optimized path and movement order based on the extracted geometric features, eliminating manual teaching operations and reducing errors while improving reliability of the robot movement sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by analyzing the spatial relationships and geometric features of processed portions to automatically determine the optimal movement sequence. The robot program generation unit receives information about the extracted shape features and their positions, then generates an optimized path that ensures accurate and efficient robot movement between processed portions without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If manual designation of processed portions is used, then robot program can be generated, but operation time increases when there are many workpieces or processed portions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically extracting shape features from multiple CAD models and generating robot programs without operator intervention. The shape feature extraction unit autonomously identifies processed portions by detecting geometric features such as circles, polygons, and combined shapes, eliminating the need for manual designation and significantly reducing operator time and skill requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-extracting shape features from CAD models before robot program generation. The shape feature extraction unit identifies and stores geometric features of processed portions in advance, creating a database that can be quickly processed to generate robot programs, thereby reducing the time required when dealing with multiple workpieces or processed portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot programming device capable of significantly reducing operation time by an operator required for designating processed portions, and generating a robot program for moving a robot between each processed portion in an appropriate order, without depending on skill or experience of the operator. The programming device is configured to: locate three-dimensional models of a robot and a workpiece in a virtual space; extract shape features from the three-dimensional model of the workpiece; set reference positions of the shape features and the robot; determine a movement order for moving the robot between the shape features based on the reference positions, based on the reference positions of the shape features and the robot; and generate a motion program so that the robot moves the tool along the shape feature and the robot is moved between the shape features according to the determined movement order.