Robotic Grasp Planning for Random Object Sorting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Robots face challenges in grasping and sorting objects of varying sizes, orientations, and locations in uncontrolled environments, as existing systems are designed for repetitive tasks with predefined object shapes and orientations.

Innovation Solution

A robotic system that scores objects for grasping likelihood, orients the end effector, checks reachability, and implements crash recovery mechanisms to efficiently pick and place objects in a sorting system, even when objects are randomly sized and oriented.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If robots are used in highly controlled environments with predefined objects, then operational reliability is improved, but adaptability to varied environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to varied environments
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system employs dynamic algorithms that adapt in real-time to different object geometries, positions, and orientations. The grasp planning software dynamically adjusts grasping strategies based on sensor feedback and object characteristics, enabling the robot to handle varied objects reliably without predefined programming for each object type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as grasp force, approach velocity, and end effector orientation based on detected object properties. By dynamically adjusting these parameters according to object characteristics, the robot maintains high reliability across diverse object types and environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If robots perform repetitive tasks with minimal variation, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation in varied environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidease of operation in varied environments
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system performs self-adjustment through autonomous grasp planning and crash recovery algorithms. The system automatically adapts its operation to handle varied objects without human intervention, maintaining high productivity while simplifying operation in diverse environments through self-service capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensor feedback to continuously monitor object properties and adjust grasping parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables the robot to maintain high productivity across varied tasks by automatically adapting to different object characteristics without requiring complex manual reprogramming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If the system scores objects for grasping likelihood and checks reachability, then manufacturing precision of grasping is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrasping precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary scoring of objects for grasping likelihood and pre-checks reachability before attempting grasping operations. This preliminary analysis enables precise grasping planning while managing complexity by filtering out unreachable or difficult-to-grasp objects before committing to complex manipulation sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The grasp planning process is segmented into distinct computational stages: object scoring, reachability analysis, grasp site identification, and trajectory planning. This segmentation improves grasping precision by systematically addressing each aspect separately while managing overall system complexity through modular processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11007648B2Robotic system for grasping objects
Publication Date: 2021.05.18 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • US11007648B2 patent drawing
  • US11007648B2 patent drawing
  • US11007648B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is provided for grasping randomly sized and randomly located objects. The method may include assigning a score associated with the likelihood of successfully grasping an object. Other features of the method may include orientation of the end effector, a reachability check, and crash recovery.