Robotic Recipe Builder Interface for Low-Complexity Cell Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation systems for manufacturing are expensive, time-consuming to implement, and lack integration into a comprehensive workflow solution, requiring specialized expertise and leading to inefficient reuse across projects.
Innovation Solution
A unified environment for developing, deploying, and using robotic assembly recipes using a WYSIWYG editor that simplifies the process, allowing non-experts to create robotic assembly processes through a linear visual metaphor encapsulating non-linear logic, integrating cell configuration, station definition, device setup, robot lists, real-time logs, and error recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional automation systems are implemented, then manufacturing productivity is improved, but device complexity and implementation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The automation system is divided into modular functional blocks (IComponents) that can be independently configured and assembled. Each block represents a discrete automation element that can be combined to build complete manufacturing workflows, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining productivity benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal automation blocks that can serve multiple functions across different manufacturing contexts. These reusable components can be configured for various tasks through parameter settings rather than requiring custom programming, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom-tailored automation solutions are designed for specific projects, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Automation blocks are pre-configured with standard functions and parameters during system development. This preliminary setup allows rapid deployment for specific projects without requiring extensive custom engineering, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while significantly reducing project implementation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables customization of pre-built automation blocks through parameter adjustment rather than structural modification. Users can adapt standardized blocks to specific project requirements by changing operational parameters, preserving both precision and reducing engineering time.
3Reliability
If expert programmers configure robotic cells, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables non-expert users to configure and deploy automation solutions through intuitive block-based interfaces. The standardized components come with built-in validation and error handling, allowing users to achieve reliable configurations without requiring specialized programming expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The automation blocks serve as intermediaries between user intent and complex robotic operations. These blocks encapsulate sophisticated control logic while presenting simple configuration interfaces, thereby maintaining system reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional automation tools are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of time in deployment and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses template-based automation blocks that replicate proven manufacturing patterns. These pre-configured templates can be copied and adapted for new projects, ensuring consistent manufacturing precision while eliminating the time-consuming process of building automation logic from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple configuration tasks are merged into unified block components. Functions that traditionally required separate configuration steps are integrated within single automation blocks, maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing the overall time and steps required for deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
A recipe builder system, enabling control recipes for a robotic assembly system. The recipe builder system includes a visual interface for a recipe builder, and feedback on execution of the program on the visual interface.