Robot Teleoperation Capability Tiers Based on Network Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic teleoperation over low bandwidth and high latency network connections poses challenges, including delayed sensor data and control inputs, which can hinder human operators' ability to control robots effectively in environments like warehouses.
Innovation Solution
The system adjusts robot capabilities based on network strength by enabling or disabling operations such as navigation and sensor data gathering, using network latency and packet loss rate to determine operation tiers, and implementing failsafe modes and operator overrides to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If robot teleoperation is enabled over low bandwidth and high latency network connections, then robot functionality and operational capability are improved, but control precision and response time deteriorate due to delayed sensor data and control inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments robot operations into multiple tiers of capabilities based on network strength requirements. High-precision operations (e.g., robot arm control) are separated from basic operations (e.g., navigation, sensor data gathering). This segmentation allows the system to selectively enable or disable specific operation tiers based on current network conditions, maintaining control precision for enabled operations while preserving overall robot functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the set of enabled robot capabilities based on real-time network strength measurements. When network strength is high, more operation tiers are enabled including high-precision control. When network strength degrades, the system dynamically disables lower-tier operations to maintain acceptable control precision and response time for remaining enabled operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high-precision robot capabilities are enabled during low network strength, then robot functionality is improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to delayed feedback and control inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments robot operations into multiple tiers where higher tiers represent higher-risk, higher-precision operations that require stronger network connections. This segmentation enables the system to restrict access to high-risk operations during low network strength conditions while maintaining lower-risk operations, thereby preserving robot functionality within safe boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively disables high-risk robot capabilities before network failures can compromise safety. By monitoring network strength and disabling vulnerable operations in advance, the system prevents potential safety incidents rather than reacting after problems occur.
3Productivity
If all robot operations are enabled regardless of network strength, then robot productivity is improved, but system complexity increases due to need for capability management and override handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments robot capabilities into hierarchical tiers with clearly defined network strength requirements. This structured segmentation simplifies capability management by providing a systematic framework for enabling and disabling operations based on network conditions, reducing the complexity of managing individual capability states.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system automatically monitors its own network connection strength and autonomously adjusts enabled capabilities without requiring constant human intervention. The system serves itself by making real-time decisions about which operations to enable or disable based on current network conditions, reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems and methods are disclosed for limiting capabilities of a robot during teleoperation based on a network connection strength. The method may include determining tiers of operations that can be performed by a robot. One or more network strength thresholds corresponding to one or more of the tiers of operations of the robot may also be determined. The robot may then measure the network strength for the communication network between the robot and a remote control system. Based on the measured network strength and the determined network strength thresholds, one or more of the tiers of operations may be enabled for selection by the remote control system. The robot may determine network strength based on network latency and/or packet loss rate. The robot may provide a notification to the remote control system about the disabling of a previously enabled tier of operations due to decreased network strength.