Runtime Robot Control Interface for Flexible Manufacturing Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated manufacturing processes lack real-time control capabilities, limiting the flexibility and adaptability of robotic devices during construction processes, as they are typically programmed with fixed sequences of motion commands without the ability to adjust parameters or operations dynamically.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computing device with a digital interface allows users to override and modify robot parameters and tool parameters in real-time, enabling runtime control of robotic devices through touch input, including adjusting operation rates, skipping or repeating steps, and changing tools, thereby allowing for dynamic adaptation during the building process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robotic devices are programmed with fixed sequences of motion commands for automated manufacturing, then automation and productivity are improved, but real-time control flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by allowing operators to modify robot operation parameters (speed, position, tool selection) during runtime through a graphical user interface. The system transitions from static pre-programmed sequences to dynamic adjustable operations, enabling real-time adaptation while maintaining automated productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing operators to override default robot parameters (motion speed, acceleration, tool center points) during execution. The graphical interface provides controls for modifying operational parameters without stopping the manufacturing process, thus maintaining productivity while improving adaptability.
2Productivity
If robotic devices execute pre-programmed sequences without interruption, then productivity is improved, but the ability to respond to errors or changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring robot execution status and providing real-time visual feedback through the graphical interface. Operators can observe current operation state, identify errors or deviations, and immediately intervene by modifying parameters or interrupting sequences, thus maintaining continuous productivity while enabling rapid error response.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical user interface serves as an intermediary between the automated robot system and the operator. It allows continuous automated operation to proceed while providing a mediation layer through which operators can intervene, modify parameters, or stop operations when errors occur, thus bridging automated productivity with human oversight capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple robot actors are synchronized to a global timeline for coordinated manufacturing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single global timeline mechanism to control multiple robot actors simultaneously. This universal time-synchronization approach coordinates all robots through a common reference framework, achieving precise synchronized operations without requiring separate complex control systems for each robot.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical user interface acts as an intermediary that simplifies the complex multi-robot synchronization control. It presents a unified view of all robot actors and their synchronized operations, allowing operators to manage and adjust multiple robots through a single interface rather than dealing with individual complex control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
Example systems and methods allow for runtime control of robotic devices during a construction process. One example method includes determining at least one sequence of robot operations corresponding to at least one robot actor, causing the at least one robot actor to execute a portion of the at least one sequence of robot operations during a first time period, receiving an interrupt signal from a mobile computing device indicating a modification to the at least one sequence of robot operations, where the mobile computing device is configured to display a digital interface including one or more robot parameters describing the at least one robot actor and one or more tool parameters describing operating characteristics of at least one physical tool, and causing the at least one robot actor to execute a portion of the at least one modified sequence of robot operations during a second time period.