Robotic Item Identification With Adaptive End Effector Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems face challenges in efficiently performing kitting and singulation tasks due to mobility restrictions and difficulties in designing end effectors that can handle items of arbitrary size, fragility, and consistency, leading to labor-intensive processes.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system comprising a kitting machine with a robotically controlled unit that positions items for picking and placing, integrated with sensors and a robotic arm with a modular end effector, allowing for autonomous operation and adaptation to various item types and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional robotic systems are used for kitting and singulation, then automation is achieved, but mobility restrictions and difficulty in handling arbitrary items reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system employs dynamic end effectors that can adapt their configuration in real-time to accommodate items of varying sizes, shapes, and fragilities. The end effector includes movable components that can adjust their position and orientation to optimally grasp and manipulate arbitrary items, thereby maintaining high productivity while fully automated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes sensors to detect item parameters such as size, shape, and material properties, then dynamically adjusts end effector parameters including grip force, jaw opening width, and positioning coordinates. This parameter adaptation enables the robotic system to efficiently handle diverse items without sacrificing automation or productivity.
2Device complexity
If fixed end effectors are used on robotic arms, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various item types and sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into multiple independent segments or modules, each capable of independent movement and adjustment. This segmentation allows the end effector to adapt to different item geometries while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each segment can be independently controlled to accommodate various item types without requiring a completely complex design.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system employs a universal end effector design that can perform multiple functions including grasping, manipulating, and positioning various types of items. The end effector incorporates adjustable components that enable it to handle different item types and sizes with a single device, reducing the need for multiple specialized end effectors while maintaining adaptability.
3Strength
If robotic arms with large end effectors are used, then grasping capability is improved, but ability to reach into bins and shelves deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector incorporates nested or telescopic components that allow it to compact into a smaller configuration when reaching into confined spaces like bins and shelves. The grasping elements can be retracted or folded during approach, then extended or deployed when grasping the item, thereby maintaining both strong grasping capability and reachability into tight spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for obtaining an identifier from an item is disclosed. The method includes autonomously operating a robotic structure having a robotic arm to pick an item using an end effector of the robotic arm along a predetermined path from a source location to a destination location according to a plan. The picked item is moved according to the plan. An active measure is determined to be performed at least in part to obtain an identifier determined to be missing based on information received via the communication interface from one or more sensors. The robotic structure is autonomously operated to place the item at the destination location based at least in part on the plan.