Robot Welding Sequence Pausing for Human Operator Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot welding systems lack the ability to effectively integrate human operations, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in collaborative human-robot welding sequences.
Innovation Solution
A robotic welding system that dynamically generates instructions for pausing robot operations to allow human intervention, determines when human operations are necessary, and adjusts the sequence accordingly, using sensors and user interfaces to monitor and manage human participation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robot welding systems operate continuously without human intervention, then productivity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because robots cannot perform operations requiring human judgment or flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The welding sequence is made dynamic by allowing real-time transitions between robot-performed operations and human-performed operations. The system can pause robot execution and invite human operator intervention based on detected conditions or operator input, making the originally static robot program adaptable to changing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system automatically detects when human intervention may be beneficial and autonomously pauses execution to invite human operator participation. The system self-manages the transition between autonomous robot operation and human-assisted operation without requiring external control system intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If robot welding sequences are strictly automated, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because human operators cannot intervene when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The welding sequence is segmented into discrete operations that can be independently assigned to either robot or human performer. Each operation can be evaluated separately, and the system can determine which operator type should perform each segment based on requirements for precision versus flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the automated robot system and human operators. It manages the pause/resume functionality and determines when human intervention should occur, facilitating smooth collaboration between human and machine.
3Adaptability or versatility
If robot operations pause for human intervention, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to interruptions in the welding sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows partial human intervention only when beneficial, rather than requiring complete human oversight of all operations. Human operators intervene in specific operations where their skills add value, while the robot continues autonomously for operations where it excels, minimizing overall interruption time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from operation detection and operator input to dynamically adjust the welding sequence. When human intervention is detected or requested, the system pauses and restructures the sequence accordingly, then resumes automatically after human completion, optimizing the balance between collaboration and time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a robotic welding system comprises a robot configured pause execution of a robot welding sequence while a human operator performs some human operation related to the robot welding sequence. In some examples, the robot instructions that instruct the robot to pause may be generated dynamically, such as during execution of the robot welding sequence. In some examples, the robot instructions that instruct the robot to pause may be generated at the same time as the rest of the robot instructions of the robot welding sequence. The ability of a robotic welding system to anticipate and/or accommodate human participation and/or human operations during a robot welding sequence opens numerous possibilities for increased human/robot collaboration