Robotic Data Flow APIs for Concurrent Application Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems often generate data from sensors that goes unused for purposes beyond real-time control, due to systems being designed with a focus on real-time, on-board control with non-interoperable networks, limiting the utilization of data for other applications.
Innovation Solution
A system architecture where primary control processes are executed on a single dedicated computer, while relevant data streams are made available via standardized APIs over high-bandwidth connections to secondary computing devices, allowing for concurrent processing and external application development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robotic systems are designed with a focus on real-time on-board control with non-interoperable networks, then real-time control reliability is improved, but data utilization for auxiliary applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates control functions from data processing functions by dividing the robotic system into multiple computing devices. The first computing device handles real-time control operations while the second computing device processes auxiliary data flows, allowing both real-time reliability and data versatility to coexist through functional segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized API acts as an intermediary layer between the robotic sensors and external computing devices. This mediator enables data to be consumed by multiple applications without affecting the core control system, resolving the contradiction by providing controlled access that maintains reliability while enabling versatility
2Speed
If sensor data is processed only by the onboard control system, then control responsiveness is improved, but data value for external applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates copies of sensor data flows and distributes them to multiple computing devices simultaneously. The first computing device receives copies for control processing while the second computing device receives copies for auxiliary applications, ensuring that data value is preserved for external uses without impacting control responsiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The architecture adds a new dimension to data processing by enabling parallel processing paths - one dimension for real-time control and another dimension for auxiliary applications. This dimensional expansion allows the system to maintain fast control response while simultaneously extracting value from the same data for other purposes
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system includes a first computing device and a second computing device. The first computing device is configured to control operation of the robot based on data flows received from a plurality of sensors of the robot, and the second computing system is configured to receive and process at least some of the data flows concurrently while the first computing system controls operation of the robot.