Robotic Picking Override Control for Out-of-Bounds Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic picking systems are limited by pre-set configurations that prevent them from operating at maximum capability, leading to inefficiencies and delays when objects fall outside designated areas.
Innovation Solution
The system determines appropriate operational paradigms for robots based on pick interaction data, allowing for real-time adjustments and overrides to enable autonomous or semi-autonomous picking of objects outside standard operational boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-set operational configurations are imposed on the robot to ensure safety and compliance, then safety and regulatory compliance are improved, but the robot's operational capability and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between a default operational configuration (with safety limitations) and an override configuration (with expanded capabilities) based on real-time detection of objects outside the designated pick area. This allows the robot to adapt its operational boundaries dynamically rather than being statically constrained, resolving the contradiction between safety compliance and operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the robot by switching configurations. The default configuration has restricted pick areas and safety boundaries, while the override configuration expands these parameters to allow picking from the entire reachable area. This parameter switching enables the robot to operate safely within limits normally, but can expand capabilities when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the robot is restricted to a single operational paradigm with pre-loaded configurations, then system simplicity and ease of operation are improved, but the ability to handle diverse picking scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both a default operational configuration and an override configuration within a single system. The default configuration handles standard picking scenarios with safety constraints, while the override configuration handles edge cases where objects fall outside the designated area. This universal design allows the robot to adapt to multiple scenarios without requiring separate systems for each case.
3Adaptability or versatility
If technicians must make on-site adjustments to operational configurations, then system adaptability is improved, but technician idle time and operational delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when objects are located outside the designated pick area and autonomously switching from the default configuration to the override configuration. This eliminates the need for technicians to manually intervene and adjust operational configurations in real-time, reducing technician idle time while maintaining system adaptability to handle fallen objects.
4Reliability
If human intervention is required to handle fallen objects manually, then picking accuracy and safety are improved, but picking efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical intervention of human technicians with an automated control system that detects fallen objects and switches configurations electronically. The robotic system continues to operate autonomously under the override configuration to retrieve objects from outside the designated area, eliminating the need for human physical intervention while maintaining safety and improving efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is for systems and methods for adjusting operational configurations of robots in real-time. The invention pertains to overriding or replacing one operational configuration of a robot with another when appropriate circumstances arise and certain conditions have been met. In one aspect, the invention is applicable to robotic picking operations and serves to allow for unique robotic picking operations outside of the normal or standard limitations typically imposed on a robotic picking system. The invention provides the ability to remotely adjust robotic operational configurations in real-time, on-demand, in order to address various circumstances that may arise without requiring interruption of a picking session or requiring on-site human intervention.