Robotic Communicative Lighting Using RGB LEDs for Worker Guidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems struggle to effectively communicate with human workers in sortation environments, particularly in conveying information about object placement and system state, which is crucial for safety and efficiency, as lighting-based systems are not well-suited for automated systems and may confuse human workers with preconceived expectations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an RGB LED lighting system on shelves and an end effector, allowing for the conveyance of information through color and flashing modes to indicate object placement, system state, and robotic actions, facilitating communication between human workers and automated systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional monochromatic lights or display systems are used to indicate target locations, then workers can quickly identify placement locations, but the system cannot effectively communicate complex system states and robotic actions to human workers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using RGB LEDs that can display different colors (red, yellow, green, blue, etc.) to represent different system states, robotic actions, and target location types. For example, green indicates a successful placement location, yellow indicates a target location awaiting items, red indicates system alerts or errors, and blue indicates the robotic system is actively moving to a location. This color-coding system enables rich information communication without increasing physical system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through various flashing modes of the LEDs to convey different types of information and urgency levels. Different flash patterns (e.g., rapid flashing vs. slow blinking) communicate different system states and require different worker responses. This temporal variation in light output allows the system to encode multiple layers of information using the same physical LED infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If lighting systems are used to indicate target locations in automated systems, then visual cues can guide workers, but the system may confuse human workers with preconceived expectations about lighting roles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the LED lighting system to serve multiple communication purposes simultaneously: indicating target locations, displaying system states, communicating robotic actions, alerting workers to safety conditions, and providing feedback on sortation progress. Each LED can independently or collectively perform different functions based on the current operational context, making the lighting system a universal communication interface rather than a single-purpose indicator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the lighting provides real-time information about robotic system status, target location availability, and sortation progress. The LEDs respond dynamically to system events and worker actions, creating a continuous feedback loop that enhances worker-robot collaboration. For example, when a worker places an item, the lighting immediately updates to reflect the new system state, providing instant confirmation and guidance.
3Loss of information
If simple visual indicators are used, then the system is easy to understand, but complex system states and robotic actions cannot be communicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the communication task across multiple independent LEDs arranged in arrays at different locations (workcells, shelves, robotic units). Each LED can independently display specific information, and workers can process multiple light signals simultaneously. This segmentation allows complex system states to be broken down into discrete, easily detectable visual cues distributed throughout the workspace.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color changes to encode different categories of information, making complex system states more easily distinguishable. Different colors represent different information types (e.g., green for successful operations, yellow for warnings or pending actions, red for errors or alerts, blue for robotic movement). This color-coding system allows workers to quickly categorize and interpret multiple simultaneous light signals without cognitive overload.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The RGB LED lighting system enhances communication and collaboration between human workers and robots, providing clear and accessible information about robotic actions and system states, improving safety and efficiency in sortation tasks.
Implementation Method 1
an array of RGB LEDs mounted on an end effector or manipulator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A robotic system is disclosed that includes an articulated arm with an end effector. The robotic system is for use in a robotic environment requiring interaction with persons in the robotic environment, and includes a plurality of lights that are illuminated responsive to known near-future movements of the articulated arm to convey the known near-future movements of the articulated arm to the persons in the robot environment