Robotic Protocol Modification for Reproducible Bioengineering Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies in the field of engineering related to living organisms face challenges in achieving consistent and reproducible results due to the subtlety of manipulation and action required in protocols, which are often difficult to translate into robotic operations.

Innovation Solution

A processed product production system that includes a robot, a robot controller, and a host controller, which executes a series of operations according to protocols. The system modifies protocols using basic actions and complementary actions, such as changing fixed values, adding new actions, and performing actions beyond normal human capabilities, to achieve the desired outcomes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protocols are manually executed by human operators, then flexibility and adaptability in handling subtle manipulations are maintained, but consistency and reproducibility of results deteriorate due to human variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of resultsVSAvoiddifficulty of translating protocols to robotic operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameters of protocol execution by introducing robotic automation with controlled movement parameters, force parameters, and timing parameters. The robot controller translates manual protocol steps into quantified robotic actions with specific parameters such as movement speed, positioning accuracy, and manipulation force, thereby achieving consistent reproduction of subtle manipulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual human manipulation with a robotic mechanical system. The robot controller acts as an intermediary that translates high-level protocol instructions into low-level robotic control commands, substituting human motor skills with automated robotic actuators that can precisely reproduce the same manipulations with consistent parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If protocols are automated using basic robotic actions, then reproducibility improves, but the ability to perform subtle and complex manipulations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereproducibility of operationsVSAvoidcapability to perform subtle manipulations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by making the robotic system adaptable and flexible in its movements. The robot controller can dynamically adjust movement parameters, speeds, and forces based on the specific protocol requirements. This allows the robot to perform both routine actions with high precision and subtle manipulations that require adaptive response, thereby maintaining both reproducibility and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the protocol execution into two distinct layers: basic robotic actions that ensure reproducibility, and complementary actions that handle subtle manipulations. The robot controller manages the coordination between these segmented functions, allowing each to specialize in its strength while working together to achieve complete protocol execution with both consistency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed protocol steps are strictly followed, then standardization and ease of execution are maintained, but the ability to optimize for specific outcomes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of protocol executionVSAvoidyield of processed product

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the robot controller receives information about protocol execution results and adjusts subsequent actions accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain standardized execution while optimizing for specific outcomes by making real-time adjustments based on measured parameters such as product yield, quality metrics, or process conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes within the protocol execution framework. While the overall protocol structure remains standardized for ease of execution, the robot controller can modify specific parameters such as timing, temperature, force, or movement speed to optimize outcomes for different product types or conditions, thereby maintaining standardization while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12203952B2Processed product production apparatus, processed product production method, computer-readable storage medium, and processed product production system

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 YASKAWA DENKI KK

AI summary

A protocol created in such a format that a series of operations for process targets in the fields of engineering related to living organisms are executable by a robot 10 is acquired (S1). The robot 10 is controlled to implement the operations for the process targets according to the protocol (S2). In order to modify the protocol after the implementation of the operations, modification information on at least one action among basic actions which serve as bases for implementing the operations and is performed on an instrument used by the robot 10 in the operations, and complementary actions which complement the basic actions is acquired (S5). The robot 10 is controlled to produce processed products from the process targets by using the protocol modified based on the modification information (S7).