Sorting Robot Zone Detection for Safe Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting systems using collaborative and non-collaborative robots are inflexible and require separate robots for different zones, limiting their adaptability and efficiency in environments with and without human presence.
Innovation Solution
A single robot system that can switch between collaborative and non-collaborative modes, equipped with safety systems that deactivate or activate based on zone detection, allowing high productivity in non-collaborative zones while ensuring safety in collaborative zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate collaborative and non-collaborative robots are used for different zones, then safety is ensured in collaborative zones and productivity is maximized in restricted zones, but the system becomes inflexible and requires multiple robot types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single robot platform capable of operating in both collaborative and restricted zones by dynamically switching between collaborative mode and non-collaborative mode. The robot includes a safety system that can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the zone type, allowing one robot design to serve multiple functions across different operational environments without requiring separate specialized robots for each zone type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single robot type is used for all zones, then the system becomes more flexible and easier to operate, but safety cannot be ensured in collaborative zones and productivity is reduced in restricted zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mode switching where the robot transitions between collaborative mode and non-collaborative mode based on the operational zone. The safety system is dynamically activated when operating in collaborative zones and deactivated when operating in restricted zones. This dynamic adaptation allows the single robot type to maintain both flexibility across zones and appropriate safety levels for each specific zone type.
3Reliability
If collaborative robots operate at low speed with safety systems active, then safety is ensured in human-present zones, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operational environment into distinct collaborative zones and restricted zones, allowing the robot to apply different operational parameters in each segment. In collaborative zones, the robot operates with safety systems active at reduced speed. In restricted zones, the robot operates at full speed with safety systems deactivated. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing high productivity in restricted zones while maintaining safety in collaborative zones.
4Productivity
If non-collaborative robots operate at high speed without safety systems, then productivity is maximized in restricted zones, but the system lacks adaptability to work in collaborative zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal robot platform that can function as either a non-collaborative robot in restricted zones or a collaborative robot in collaborative zones. The single robot design includes both high-speed operation capability and safety system capability, allowing it to adapt to different zone requirements. This eliminates the need for separate non-collaborative and collaborative robot fleets, providing full adaptability while maintaining maximum productivity in restricted zones.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is described for managing one or more robots (2), comprising following steps: providing a zone subject to restrictions (3) in a structure; providing one or more robots (2) in the zone subject to restrictions (3); applying a limit to or inhibiting one or more operating functions of the robots (2); for each of the robots (2), detecting the presence of a predetermined number of first identification elements (11) in the zone subject to restrictions (3); for each of the robots (2), detecting the presence of a predetermined number of second identification elements (13) of the zone subject to restrictions (3), which are of a different type from that of the first identification elements (11); for each of the robots (2) for which the presence of the predetermined number of first identification elements (11) has been detected and for which the presence of the predetermined number of second identification elements (13) is detected, disapplying the limit or allowing one or more functions; when, for a predetermined number of robots (2) the limit has been disapplied or one or more functions has been allowed, actuating the robots (2) in such a way that they perform operating tasks in the zone subject to restrictions (3).