Robotic Gripper Tool Interchangeability and Autonomous Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic grippers and tools are often limited to specific tasks and require manual changes, which is time-consuming and costly, especially in commercial settings, as they may not be suitable for varied tasks such as picking up small or fragile objects.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with an interchangeable toolset and gripper that can autonomously select and swap tools based on task requirements, using a robotic arm with a gripper that can retrieve tools from a set of receptacles and adapt to different tasks by determining object attributes through sensors and machine learning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robotic gripper is configured for a specific task, then it can perform that task reliably, but it cannot perform other tasks without manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic gripper is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different tools and end-effectors. The gripper body includes a standardized mounting mechanism that allows various tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, grippers, etc.) to be attached and detached, enabling a single gripper to perform multiple different tasks reliably without manual reconfiguration
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gripper is manually changed to perform different tasks, then task versatility is achieved, but time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is equipped with sensors and control logic that enable it to autonomously determine when a tool change is needed and automatically exchange tools without human intervention. The system can identify the current tool, select the appropriate replacement tool from storage, and perform the exchange sequence automatically, eliminating the time and labor associated with manual tool changes
3Ease of manufacture
If a robotic arm uses a permanently affixed tool, then the setup is simple, but the tool cannot be changed for different tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The tool-system is divided into separate modular components: the gripper body, the tool interface, and interchangeable tool elements. This segmentation allows the gripper to maintain a permanent, simple base structure while enabling easy attachment and detachment of different tool elements through the standardized interface, combining manufacturing simplicity with operational versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A robot configured to use a gripper to grasp one or more tools is disclosed. In various embodiments, the robot comprises a robotic arm having a gripper disposed at a free moving end of the robotic arm, and a set of two or more tools configured to grasped or otherwise engaged by the gripper. Each tool in the set of two or more tools may be disposed in a corresponding tool holder, optionally attached to the robot or situated near the robot. The robot is configured to use the gripper to retrieve a selected tool from its tool holder to perform a task; use the tool to perform the task; and return the tool to its tool holder.