Robotic Arm Security Lock with Dynamic Relocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for collaborative robots (co-bots) lack security features, allowing unauthorized access and misuse that can lead to harm to users and unintended operations.
Innovation Solution
A security system that includes a lock on a robotic arm's platform, a key at a predefined location, and a processing unit that initiates a lock to restrict power supply, relocates the lock to a random location, generates an encrypted code, and instructs the robotic arm to retrieve the key to release the lock, ensuring secure power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional systems allow co-bots to operate without security features, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unauthorized access and misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by relocating the lock to a random location and generating an encrypted code before the robotic arm can access power. This prevents unauthorized operation by ensuring security measures are already in place before the robot becomes operational
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary security system comprising a lock, key, and processing unit that mediates between the power source and the robotic arm. This intermediary layer prevents direct unauthorized access while allowing controlled operation through decryption and key insertion
2Ease of operation
If a fixed lock location is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to predictable access patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The lock location is made dynamic rather than fixed. The processing unit relocates the lock to a random location on the platform each time power is requested, creating an unpredictable security mechanism that prevents unauthorized access while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the lock relocation action in advance before the robotic arm can attempt access. By pre-randomizing the lock position and generating encrypted codes beforehand, the system ensures security is established before any power transfer occurs
3Reliability
If power supply is restricted by a lock, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional security steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-lock systems with an electronic/crypto-based system. The processing unit generates encrypted codes that are decrypted by the control unit, and the key contains encrypted information that substitutes for traditional mechanical keys, maintaining reliability while enabling automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the robotic arm can autonomously complete the security protocol. The arm picks up the key, inserts it into the lock, and the processing unit handles decryption automatically, allowing the system to serve itself without human intervention in the security process
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a security system for robots. The security system comprises a lock located on a platform, configured to restrict power supply to a plurality of actuators of a robotic arm, a key configured to release the lock for providing power supply to the plurality of actuators and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to restrict power supply to the robotic arm by initiating the lock, relocate the lock to a random location on the platform, generate an encrypted code based on the random location of the lock and a time-stamp and provide the encrypted code to the control unit for decryption. Upon decryption, the control unit configures the lock to supply power to the plurality of actuators. The plurality of actuators operates the robotic arm to pick the key and release the lock for supplying power to the plurality of actuators.