Robotic Arm Label Printer for Faster Conveyor Label Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated labelling systems face delays in printing, retrieving, and applying labels, leading to waste of resources such as power, computing, and network resources due to the time required for label printing, retrieval, and positioning of robotic devices.
Innovation Solution
A label application system utilizing a robotic arm equipped with a label printer that prints and applies labels within a label application zone, eliminating the need for the robotic device to move and position the printer separately, by using image processing to determine object position and align the printer for efficient label application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the robotic device moves to retrieve labels from a printer and then positions the printer for label application, then the label application process can be completed, but the system experiences delays and wastes resources such as power, computing, and network resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the label printer with the robotic arm into an integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate movement between printer and application position. The printer is mounted on the robotic arm's end effector, allowing simultaneous positioning and printing operations, thus reducing cycle time and resource waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines object positions and prepares label content in advance using image processing and data communication before the robotic arm arrives at the application position. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time during the actual label application process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic device moves and repositions itself for each label application, then labels can be applied to objects in various positions, but the complexity of device control and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image processing to continuously monitor and determine object positions on the conveyor, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of the robotic arm's positioning and label application parameters, simplifying operation while maintaining high adaptability to various object configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system employs dynamic positioning and motion control capabilities, allowing real-time adjustment of speed, position, and orientation during label application. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to moving objects and varying configurations without complex manual intervention.
3Ease of manufacture
If the system uses separate components for label printing and application, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall system efficiency decreases due to coordination and positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the label printer as part of the robotic arm assembly, creating a unified system where printing and application occur in a single coordinated operation. This merger eliminates the coordination overhead and positioning delays inherent in separate component systems, significantly improving overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a system may receive, from a camera, an image that depicts an object on a conveyor. The system may cause, based on an image processing model indicating that the image depicts the object, a robotic arm to attach to a label printer. The system may determine, using the image processing model, an object position of the object on the conveyor. The system may cause the robotic arm to move the label printer into an application position that corresponds to the object position on the conveyor. The system may cause the label printer to print a label. The system may cause the label printer to apply the label to the object.