Robot Tool Alignment Control for Lead-Through Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning a tool with a specified axis during robot programming require manual activation at each target point, causing disturbances and loss of focus for the operator, which complicates the programming process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically aligns the tool with a specified axis upon detecting that the robot movement has stopped, allowing the alignment function to be activated once and maintained until the robot resumes movement, without the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual activation of alignment function is used at each target point, then tool alignment accuracy is improved, but programming time and operator workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is activated in advance and remains active throughout the programming process. The control unit continuously monitors robot movement status and automatically performs alignment when movement stops, eliminating the need for repeated manual activation at each target point while maintaining alignment accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual activation of alignment function is used at each target point, then tool alignment accuracy is improved, but operator focus and programming flow are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically detects when robot movement has stopped and autonomously activates the alignment function without requiring operator intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains alignment accuracy while allowing the operator to maintain continuous focus on the programming process without repeated hand movements to the HMI/TPU.
3Productivity
If automatic alignment upon movement stop is implemented, then programming efficiency is improved, but risk of unintended alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors robot movement status through feedback signals from the robot system. Alignment is automatically activated only when the feedback indicates that movement has stopped, creating a reliable conditional trigger that improves programming efficiency while preventing unintended alignment during active movement through continuous status verification.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an industrial robot (1) comprising a movable robot arm (5) for supporting a tool (8), and a control unit (2) configured to control the movement of the robot. The control unit is provided with an alignment function for aligning the tool with at least one specified axis Xw, Yw, Zw. The control unit is configured to supervise the movement of the robot, and to automatically adjust the orientation of the tool so that the tool is aligned with the specified axis upon detecting that the movement of the robot has been stopped and the alignment function is activated. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the industrial robot, and to the use of the method for teaching a robot a path (10) including a plurality of target points (12) by lead-through programming.