3D Scan Robot Teaching With Pointing Geometry for Accurate Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial robotics programming requires a rare combination of skills, including knowledge of industrial processes, programming, and robotics, making it challenging to create intuitive and accurate robot motion commands with a consistent user experience.

Innovation Solution

A robot programming system that uses 3D scanning and a process-agnostic pointing device to create robot programs by allowing users to input poses and generate robot motion commands, combining 3D scan data with user-guided pointing device positions to create accurate robot instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional robot programming methods are used, then programming accuracy can be maintained, but the complexity of operation increases significantly requiring rare combination of skills

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidprogramming accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a scanning device as an intermediary between the user and the robot programming system. The scanner captures 3D geometry data and process information, converting complex robotic tasks into simplified scanning operations that any user can perform, while maintaining high programming accuracy through automated processing of the captured data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual programming operations with automated scanning and processing systems. Instead of requiring users to manually program robot motions, the system uses scanners to capture workpiece geometry and automatically generates robot programs, substituting mechanical programming operations with automated optical/digital processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized devices are used for different processes, then process-specific accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess coverageVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal scanning device that can handle multiple industrial processes (welding, material removal, painting, etc.) through a single system. The scanner captures general 3D geometry and process information that can be processed to generate programs for various robotic operations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining process-specific accuracy through software configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive programming training is provided, then programming quality is improved, but training time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming qualityVSAvoidtraining time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to program robots through self-service scanning operations. The system automatically processes the scanned data and generates robot programs without requiring users to have extensive programming knowledge. The scanner and automated processing system serve themselves to convert raw scan data into executable robot programs, eliminating the need for lengthy training while maintaining programming quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11780080B2Robot teaching with scans and geometries

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 SCALABLE ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

A system that uses 3D scanning, a process agnostic pointing device used in conjunction with user input, and geometric analysis of the 3D information to create a robot program.