Robotic Torso Protrusion for Object Support and Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in fully automating tasks such as loading and unloading trailers and pallets, and picking and packing goods in distribution centers, which are labor-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The development of robots with innovative features, including a protrusion extending from the torso to support objects from below, allowing for more reliable, precise, and versatile object manipulation, while freeing up arms for other tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robots use only arms for object manipulation, then the arms can perform multiple tasks, but the reliability and precision of object support is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robot's object manipulation function is segmented between the arms and the protrusion. The arms are freed from support tasks and dedicated to manipulation, while the protrusion handles support functions. This segmentation allows each component to specialize, improving overall reliability without requiring the arms to perform conflicting functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion extends from the torso in a direction perpendicular to the arms' primary workspace, adding a new spatial dimension for object support. This allows simultaneous arm-based manipulation and protrusion-based support without interfering with each other's motion ranges or functional capabilities.
2Productivity
If robots use arms for both support and manipulation, then the device structure remains simple, but the productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the support and manipulation functions between two separate components (protrusion and arms), the system eliminates the time loss from repositioning arms between tasks. The arms can continuously manipulate objects while the protrusion provides stable support, significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion serves as a multi-functional element that provides object support while allowing the arms to perform their specialized manipulation tasks. This universal support structure benefits both support-reliability and productivity without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
3Productivity
If robots manually load and unload trailers and pallets, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs loading and unloading tasks autonomously using its integrated protrusion and arm system. The protrusion provides stable object support while the arms execute precise manipulation and transfer operations, enabling the robot to handle diverse goods without human intervention, thereby eliminating labor costs and reducing task completion time.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present technology includes a torso having a superior portion, an inferior portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween. The robot further includes two legs connected to the torso via the inferior portion of the torso, two arms connected to the torso via the superior portion of the torso, and a protrusion also connected to the torso via the inferior portion of the torso and extending anteriorly from the torso. The robot is configured to move an object toward the torso at least partially via contact between the object and at least one of the arms. The robot is further configured to support a weight of the object at least partially via the protrusion while the robot ambulates via the legs.