Networked Robot Teaching Control for Multi-Robot Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot systems require multiple teaching devices for each robot controller, leading to low work efficiency and an inability to synchronize operation timings across multiple robots, with hardware limitations restricting the number of connected robots and their models.
Innovation Solution
A control system that allows a single teaching device to communicate with and teach multiple robot controllers and servo drivers simultaneously via a network, using a field network for data exchange and synchronization, enabling synchronized operation and model flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If one teaching device is used for each robot controller, then each robot can be taught independently, but work efficiency is low and multiple teaching devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple teaching device functions into a single teaching device by enabling it to communicate with multiple robot controllers simultaneously through a network. The teaching device can select different communication destinations (robot controllers) and transmit teaching commands to multiple robots at once, eliminating the need for multiple separate teaching devices while maintaining independent teaching capability for each robot.
Solution Approach 2:
The teaching device is designed with universal communication capabilities that allow it to interface with multiple types of robot controllers through a network. It can dynamically switch communication destinations and adapt to different robot models, making a single device capable of performing the functions previously requiring multiple specialized teaching devices.
2Productivity
If communication destination is switched for each teaching target, then multiple robots can be taught, but teaching must be performed repeatedly and work efficiency remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous teaching action by allowing the single teaching device to communicate with multiple robot controllers simultaneously through networked communication. Instead of switching between robots sequentially, the system maintains continuous teaching operations across multiple robots at the same time, eliminating idle time and repeated setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of communication routes and destinations before teaching begins. The teaching device can pre-set multiple communication destinations and select appropriate routes in advance, so that when teaching multiple robots is required, the device can immediately begin simultaneous teaching without time-consuming switching operations.
3Reliability
If only one robot controller can be taught at a time, then teaching is simple, but it is impossible to synchronize operation timings across multiple robots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the teaching device receives status information from multiple robot controllers simultaneously through the network. By monitoring communication status, teaching progress, and operational states of multiple robots in real-time, the system can synchronize teaching operations and ensure coordinated operation timings across all taught robots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sequential one-dimensional teaching (one robot at a time) to parallel multi-dimensional teaching by utilizing network communication routes. This allows the teaching device to operate in multiple communication dimensions simultaneously, teaching multiple robots in parallel while maintaining the ability to synchronize their operations through coordinated command transmission.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hardware restrictions limit the number of connected robots, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical hardware connections with network-based communication. Instead of requiring direct hardware interfaces between the teaching device and each robot controller, the system uses a network infrastructure to transmit teaching commands and data. This substitution eliminates hardware connection limits and allows any number of robots to be connected and taught through the single teaching device.
Solution Approach 2:
The teaching device is designed with universal network communication capabilities that allow it to interface with multiple types and numbers of robot controllers without hardware modifications. The system can adapt to different robot models and connection configurations through software-based communication protocols, providing versatility without increasing physical hardware complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system (1) includes a plurality of driving devices (500, 520, 530, 530A to 530C) that are connected to a network (2) and drive a plurality of control targets (522, 532 to 534), a control device (100) that controls the plurality of driving devices (500, 520, 530, 530A to 530C) via the network (2), and a teaching device (200) for teaching operations of corresponding control targets to the plurality of driving devices (500, 520, 530, 530A to 530C). The teaching device (200) transmits a command for driving the corresponding control target to at least one driving device among the plurality of driving devices (500, 520, 530, 530A to 530C) via the network (2).