Robot Safety Zoning by Actor Type in Shared Workspaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments where both human and robotic actors operate, existing safety systems fail to dynamically adjust safety modes and rules based on the presence and type of actors, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety risks due to static safety classifications.
Innovation Solution
A computing device uses sensors to determine presence and actor type information, classifying areas into low, medium, or high safety classifications and providing corresponding safety rules to robotic devices, allowing for dynamic adjustment of safety modes and rules based on the presence and type of actors in the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static safety classifications are used in environments with both human and robotic actors, then safety rules remain consistent and easy to manage, but safety efficiency deteriorates because the system cannot dynamically respond to changing actor presence and types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic safety classifications that automatically adjust based on real-time detection of actor presence and types. The system transitions from static safety zones to dynamic safety classifications (low, medium, high) that change according to environmental conditions, allowing robotic devices to adapt their operation modes dynamically while maintaining manageable complexity through automated sensor-based detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor the environment and provide feedback about actor presence and types to the computing device. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically update safety classifications and communicate appropriate safety rules to robotic devices, resolving the contradiction by making the system adaptive through automated information feedback rather than manual reconfiguration
2Reliability
If dynamic safety classifications are implemented based on actor presence and type, then safety efficiency improves through adaptive response, but system complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operational environment into multiple safety classifications (low, medium, high) based on actor presence and types. This segmentation allows the system to apply appropriate safety levels to different zones dynamically, improving reliability by matching safety measures to actual risk levels while managing complexity through modular classification rather than a single complex safety system
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes safety classification parameters dynamically based on detected actor presence and types. By adjusting safety parameters (classification level, corresponding safety rules) in response to environmental conditions, the system improves reliability without requiring permanently complex hardware, as the complexity is managed through software-based parameter adjustment rather than fixed complex infrastructure
3Productivity
If robotic devices operate at maximum speed in all areas, then productivity is maximized, but safety risks increase when human actors are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different safety requirements to different spatial zones based on actor presence. Robotic devices can operate at maximum speed in low safety classification areas (no actors present) while automatically reducing speed and applying stricter safety protocols in medium and high safety classification areas (actors present). This local differentiation maintains productivity in safe zones while ensuring safety in zones with human actors
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of robotic devices based on real-time safety classifications. Rather than maintaining a fixed speed limit, the robotic device's speed and safety protocols change dynamically according to the detected presence and types of actors, allowing maximum productivity when safe and appropriate safety measures when needed
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for specifying safety rules for robotic devices. A computing device can determine information about any actors present within a predetermined area of an environment. The computing device can determine a safety classification for the predetermined area based on the information. The safety classification can include: a low safety classification if the information indicates zero actors are present within the predetermined area, a medium safety classification if the information indicates any actors are present within the predetermined area all are of a predetermined first type, and a high safety classification if the information indicates at least one actor present within the predetermined area is of a predetermined second type. After determining the safety classification for the predetermined area, the computing device can provide a safety rule for operating within the predetermined area to a robotic device operating in the environment.