System and method for robot to prepare a food product
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fast food industry relies heavily on manual labor for food preparation, leading to inefficiencies and variations in processes, and there is a need for automation solutions to reduce manual labor and standardize food preparation tasks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a robotic arm with specific apparatuses such as a basket adapter for engaging wire baskets and a wrapping assist device to automate the preparation and wrapping of food items like sandwiches, utilizing a basket adapter with a protrusion and grooves for secure handling and a wrapping assist device with elastomeric straps for efficient wrapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual labor is used for food preparation, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic arm serves as an intermediary device between the food preparation system and the various apparatuses (basket adapter, wrapping assist device). The robotic arm executes standardized motions to manipulate food items through these specialized apparatuses, achieving consistent automation while maintaining the flexibility of modular, interchangeable components that can be easily reconfigured for different food preparation tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The food preparation system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a basket adapter for handling food containers, a wrapping assist device for packaging, and a robotic arm for coordination. Each module can be independently designed, adjusted, or replaced, allowing high productivity through automation while preserving adaptability through modular reconfiguration
2Manufacturing precision
If manual labor is used for food preparation, then adaptability to different tasks is maintained, but manufacturing precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves precision through controlled parameter changes in the robotic arm's motion (position, speed, orientation) as it interacts with the basket adapter and wrapping assist device. These parameter adjustments are programmable and repeatable, ensuring consistent food preparation results while the modular design keeps overall system complexity manageable
3Productivity
If automation is introduced to reduce manual labor, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm serves as a universal controller that can operate multiple different apparatuses (basket adapter, wrapping assist device) through standardized interfaces and programming. This multi-functionality increases productivity without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same robotic system can be reconfigured for different food preparation tasks by changing the apparatus or program
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method utilizing a robotic arm to prepare a food product such as a meat for cooking and then subsequently assembling a sandwich from the cooked meat is disclosed. In addition, the robotic arm may also be used to wrap the assembled sandwich in a wrapper. The system may utilize a wire basket with a basket adapter, or handle, to allow the robotic arm to easily maneuver the basket and also utilize a wrapping assist device to wrap a wrapper around the assembled sandwich.