Robot Object Selection for Uniform Conveyor Flow Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems handling objects on a conveyance path face inefficiencies, particularly with fluctuating flows, leading to uneven workload distribution and increased overflow risks due to the prioritization of downstream objects, which can result in clustered heaps and reduced handling performance.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines a value for each object based on the uniformity of flow distribution by calculating the variance of distances between objects, selecting the object whose exclusion would result in the most uniform flow, and prioritizing its handling to maintain a consistent workflow, thereby reducing overflow and enhancing handling rates across the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second kind of strategy (all objects assigned to all robots, prioritizing most downstream objects) is used to ensure 100% redundant flow handling, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to isolated heaps of clustered objects causing small time windows for handling and increased overflow risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter from simple downstream distance to a composite metric that includes both downstream distance and flow uniformity. By calculating a uniformity measure based on distance variance to neighboring objects, the system dynamically adjusts which object to select, transforming the selection criterion from static to adaptive based on real-time flow conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the distribution of objects on the conveyance path and using this information to adjust object selection. The uniformity measure calculation provides feedback about the current flow state, allowing the system to adapt its handling strategy to maintain optimal productivity while preserving redundancy
2Ease of operation
If objects are handled in the order they appear on the conveyance path, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to isolated heaps of clustered objects causing extra standstill time and increased overflow risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the object selection dynamic by introducing a uniformity measure that adapts to the current distribution of objects. Instead of a fixed selection rule, the system dynamically identifies which object to handle next based on real-time positioning data and calculated uniformity metrics, allowing the handling sequence to optimize itself according to flow conditions
3Productivity
If the first kind of strategy (fixed percentage of objects assigned to each robot) is used to improve productivity on fluctuating flow, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to loss of redundant object handling capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each robot universal by enabling all robots to potentially handle all objects based on the uniformity measure, rather than assigning fixed object sets. This multi-functionality allows robots to dynamically take on different roles based on current flow conditions, maintaining system redundancy while optimizing overall productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer implemented method and a system (11) including at least one industrial robot (1, 2, 3) arranged with a tool (1C, 2C, 3C), and a conveyance path (4, 6, 17) transferring a plurality of objects (5, 7) within a working area (b1, b2, b3) of the at least one robot (1, 2, 3). The computer implemented method includes obtaining position data indicating a position for each of the plurality of objects (5, 7) and applying a first strategy to the at least one robot (1, 2, 3) The first strategy includes: determining a value for each object (5, 7) within a certain area (a1, a2, a3, a11) of the at least one robot, wherein the determination is based on the position data, and the value indicates a uniformity measure of the flow distribution in the direction of the conveyance path (4, 6, 17) for the remaining objects (5, 7) within the certain area (a1, a2, a3, a11) if the object, for which the value is determined for, was excluded from the conveyance path(4, 6, 17); determining a selected object within the working area (b1, b2, b3) of the at least one robot based on the determined values; and controlling the at least one robot to handle the selected object.