Robot Workpiece Placement Detection with Depth Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems face malfunctions due to workpieces remaining at unintended locations, leading to interference and suspension of production cycles during workpiece handling.
Innovation Solution
A controller equipped with an image acquisition unit to capture depth maps and a determination unit to detect the presence of objects within specified ranges using visual sensors, preventing workpiece interference by ensuring safe placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robot systems perform workpiece handling operations without object detection, then productivity is maintained, but malfunctions occur due to workpiece interference and placement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs object presence detection at the target location before the robot places the workpiece. This preliminary detection prevents placement errors and interference by identifying occupied locations in advance, allowing the robot to adjust its placement position or wait for the location to become available, thereby maintaining both reliability and productivity
2Reliability
If robot systems implement continuous object detection during workpiece handling, then malfunction prevention is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a visual sensor as an intermediary detection device that independently monitors the workpiece handling environment. The sensor captures images of the target location, and the control unit processes these images to detect object presence. This intermediary approach provides reliable detection without requiring complex modifications to the robot's core control system
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical detection mechanisms with optical detection using visual sensors. Instead of using mechanical switches, proximity sensors, or physical detectors that would increase system complexity, the system uses image processing to detect object presence, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining detection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A control device comprising an image acquisition unit which acquires a distance image captured by a visual sensor; and a determination unit which, on the basis of the distance image, determines whether or not an object has been placed within a range specified by predetermined input information.