Robotic Food Assembly With Vision Feedback for Precise Portioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food assembly systems in the industry face challenges in efficiently and consistently transferring bulk foodstuff into containers, particularly in high-throughput applications, where human labor is limited and variability in food types and quantities complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A robotic foodstuff assembly system comprising a robot arm, sensor suite, and computing system that determines pick and insert targets based on foodstuff models and assembly instructions, enabling precise and efficient transfer of bulk foodstuff into containers, adaptable to various conveyor systems and food types, with modular architecture for scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robotic systems are introduced to automate foodstuff assembly, then productivity and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic assembly system is divided into modular functional units including a robot arm module, sensor suite module, computing system module, and conveyor module. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently configured or replaced, allowing high productivity through automation while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed with universal components that can handle multiple foodstuff types and container configurations. The robot arm with interchangeable end effectors, combined with AI-driven vision systems, enables a single system to perform various assembly tasks across different product lines, maintaining high productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise control is implemented for accurate foodstuff placement, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensor suites with cameras and depth sensors that continuously monitor foodstuff placement in real-time. The computing system processes this visual feedback and adjusts robot arm movements dynamically to achieve precise placement accuracy, managing control complexity through intelligent algorithms rather than overly complex mechanical control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical control systems for achieving precise placement are replaced with AI-driven vision systems and software-based positioning algorithms. The computing system uses computer vision to identify target locations and calculates precise robot arm trajectories, substituting mechanical complexity with computational intelligence to achieve high manufacturing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed to handle various food types and quantities, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system features dynamic reconfigurability where the robot arm can adjust its motion parameters, grip force, and end effector selection based on the specific foodstuff type and quantity being handled. The computing system dynamically modifies assembly parameters in real-time, allowing high adaptability to various food types without requiring complex physical reconfiguration of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability to various food types and quantities by dynamically changing operational parameters such as robot arm speed, acceleration, grip force, and placement position through software control. The computing system adjusts these parameters based on sensor input about the specific foodstuff characteristics, maintaining versatility while avoiding the need for complex mechanical variations for each food type.
Data Source
AI summary
The foodstuff assembly system can include: a robot arm, a frame, a set of foodstuff bins, a sensor suite, a set of food utensils, and a computing system. The system can optionally include: a container management system, a human machine interface (HMI). However, the foodstuff assembly system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system functions to enable picking of foodstuff from a set of foodstuff bins and placement into a container (such as a bowl, tray, or other foodstuff receptacle). Additionally or alternatively, the system can function to facilitate transferal of bulk material (e.g., bulk foodstuff) into containers, such as containers moving along a conveyor line.