Selective Suction Robot Pickup on Unpaved Ground
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous robots struggle with efficient and selective object recognition and pickup on various terrains, particularly on both solid and unpaved surfaces, often causing damage to the ground and unintentionally removing non-targeted objects.
Innovation Solution
A robot equipped with a camera, artificial neural network for object recognition, and a movable end effector with a suction mechanism, allowing selective pickup of predetermined objects on both solid and unpaved ground, using a three-axis rail system and a tilting mouthpiece for precise object capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the robot uses a camera and neural network for object recognition on various terrains, then the recognition accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is divided into distinct functional modules: camera module for image capture, neural network processing module for object recognition, and end effector module for object pickup. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The neural network acts as an intermediary between the camera input and the robot's pickup actions. It processes image data to identify predetermined objects, translating visual information into actionable commands for the end effector, thereby managing the complexity of terrain variation and object recognition.
2Productivity
If the robot uses a suction mechanism for object pickup, then the pickup efficiency is improved, but the ground damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction mechanism is designed to apply suction force locally and selectively only to the predetermined objects identified by the camera and neural network, rather than applying uniform suction across the entire work area. This localized application minimizes ground disturbance while maintaining pickup efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction force is dynamically adjusted based on the detected object properties and terrain conditions. The system modulates the suction intensity to be sufficient for object pickup while minimizing excessive force that could damage the ground surface, adapting in real-time to varying conditions.
3Reliability
If the robot operates in a protected work space below the robot, then the operational safety is improved, but the work space area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The work space is nested within the robot's body structure, with the camera, neural network processing, and end effector arranged in a vertically integrated configuration. The camera and lighting are positioned above the work area, creating a protected sub-space beneath the robot where objects are detected and manipulated, shielding the operational components from external hazards.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe, efficient, and targeted removal of specific objects, minimizing ground damage and unwanted removal of other items, enhancing operational safety and reducing the need for frequent container emptying.
Implementation Method 1
the suction member (314) is designed in such a manner that it directs the generated air or suction flow into a chamber (410) of the particle separator (400)
Implementation Method 2
The robot may have a particle separator, in particular an inertial separator, the mouthpiece being connected to the suction motor via the suction member and the particle separator
Data Source
AI summary
A robot configured to recognize and pick up at least one predetermined object, the robot being configured in such a manner that the predetermined object is recognized and picked up in a work space below the robot. The robot may have an end effector and an adjusting unit for picking up the predetermined object. The end effector and the adjusting unit are disposed in the work space below the robot.