Robotic Arm Motion Visualization for Collision-Aware Collaboration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Collisions between robot arms and humans occur due to unforeseen movements, disrupting collaborative operations and impacting cycle times, as humans involuntarily monitor the robotic arms to avoid unexpected actions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses visualization means to detect and visualize impending adjustments of the robot arm's axes, particularly the axis closest to the base, within its workspace, allowing humans to focus on their tasks without constant vigilance, by illuminating areas corresponding to predicted positions and movements, thereby reducing the risk of collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If humans constantly monitor the robot arm to avoid collisions, then safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to impaired concentration and operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by visualizing the robot arm's future position and movement trajectory before the actual movement occurs. This allows human operators to anticipate upcoming movements and prepare accordingly, eliminating the need for constant monitoring while maintaining safety. The visualization is generated in advance based on the control program, enabling proactive rather than reactive safety monitoring.
2Productivity
If the robot arm moves quickly to maintain cycle times, then productivity is improved, but the risk of collisions increases due to reduced reaction time
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates visualization data in advance based on the control program, showing the robot arm's upcoming position and trajectory before movement occurs. This preliminary visualization provides human operators with sufficient reaction time even when the robot moves quickly, as they can see the intended path and prepare to avoid potential collisions. The system thus enables high-speed operation without compromising safety.
3Productivity
If the robot arm operates at full speed without visualization aids, then productivity is maintained, but human operators experience increased stress and fatigue from constant vigilance
Solution Approach 1:
The visualization system acts as an intermediary between the robot arm's control system and human operators. It translates the robot's intended movements into visual information that operators can easily perceive and understand, reducing the cognitive load and stress associated with monitoring robot operations. This intermediary layer allows operators to work at full operational speed without experiencing increased fatigue or stress.
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
This approach reduces the risk of collisions and minimizes standstills and speed reductions by enabling humans to anticipate and adjust to the robot arm's movements, improving operational efficiency and safety in collaborative environments.
Implementation Method 1
an LED ring on the end effector of a robot, as well as ambient or external light strips on shelf containers and light stands
Implementation Method 2
a visualization means, which is also referred to herein without limitation of generality as the first visualization means, temporarily or permanently displays an impending adjustment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~6
AI summary
According to a method for operating a robotic arm (10-16) of the invention a first visualization means (21; 21') visualizes on said robotic arm and/or in the workspace of the robotic arm and/or on a work surface below the robotic arm an imminent adjustment of at least one axis (A1-A6) of the robotic arm, in particular of at least one axis (A1) closest to the robotic arm base. (Fig. 1)