Robotic Arm Laser Projector for Issue Location in Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems in logistics face downtime due to issues that require human intervention, but untrained or uncareful workers may not identify or resolve these issues effectively, leading to costly maintenance, missed deliveries, and damaged customer relationships.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a robotic arm-mounted laser or light projector to visually indicate the location and nature of issues to operators, providing visual cues and instructions through color, shape, or symbolic information, allowing workers to quickly understand and address problems without robotic vocabulary knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robotic systems operate autonomously without human intervention, then productivity is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when issues arise requiring human resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the robotic system automatically detects issues (such as package weight exceeding capacity, pneumatic hose failures, or mechanical jams) and projects visual indicators to communicate these problems to human operators. This feedback loop enables rapid response to maintain reliability while preserving autonomous operation during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual projection indicators as an intermediary between the robotic system and human operators. These projected symbols and icons serve as a communication bridge, translating complex robotic system states into easily understood visual cues that guide operator intervention without requiring operators to understand robotic terminology or systems deeply.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If detailed monitoring of robotic system states is implemented, then issue detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses color-coded visual projections to indicate different types of issues. For example, red might indicate critical failures requiring immediate attention, while yellow indicates warnings. This color-coding simplifies the communication of complex system states, making issue detection accessible without requiring complex monitoring interfaces or training.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicators are projected directly at the specific location of the issue within the robotic system. This localizes the information delivery to where it is most needed, allowing operators to quickly identify both the nature of the problem and its location without navigating through complex system diagrams or multiple monitoring screens.
3Ease of operation
If operators are trained extensively on robotic systems, then issue resolution effectiveness is improved, but loss of time increases due to training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates simplified visual copies or representations of the robotic system state through projected icons and symbols. These visual copies translate complex robotic conditions into intuitive representations that operators can understand instantly, eliminating the need for extensive training on robotic terminology or system architecture while maintaining effective issue resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual projection system provides preliminary information about system issues before operators need to take action. By displaying the nature and location of problems in advance with clear visual cues, the system enables operators to respond quickly and effectively without needing prior knowledge of the robotic system, thereby reducing training time requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Increases operator productivity and awareness, reducing downtime by enabling quick identification and resolution of issues, thus enhancing production uptime and maintaining robotic system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A system that uses a robotic arm-mounted laser or light projector to visually indicate the location and nature of issues to operators
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system is disclosed. The system includes a robotically-controlled equipment comprising a laser or other projector. An indication is received of an issue to be resolved by an intervening worker with respect to a target object. The robotically-controlled equipment is positioned to direct a projection emitted by the projector onto the target object.