Teleoperation Control System with Adaptive Communication Link

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Teleoperation of industrial robots faces challenges in maintaining real-time communication links over long distances, which can result in delays that lead to damage to workpieces or equipment, especially in applications like grinding and material handling, where precise control is critical.

Innovation Solution

A system for teleoperation of machines with actuated mechanisms includes a remote robot station, an operator station, and a communication link that ensures real-time data transfer by adapting parameters based on current data rate and transmission time, incorporating smart sensors, haptic devices, and a hybrid control architecture that partitions degrees of freedom for remote and local control, enabling efficient and safe operation across various environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If real-time communication link is maintained over long distances, then teleoperation capability is improved, but communication delays occur leading to potential damage to workpieces or equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedistanceVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts communication parameters including data rate and transmission time based on current system state to optimize performance and minimize delays in real-time teleoperation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes communication parameters such as data rate and transmission time to maintain deterministic communication performance over varying distances and conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If control is transferred from machine controller to remote control station, then operator flexibility is improved, but communication latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator control flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol transfer delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes communication parameters and adapts them before control transfer occurs, ensuring minimal latency when control transitions from machine controller to remote control station

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust communication parameters in real-time, ensuring deterministic performance during control transfer operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2925494B1Teleoperation of machines having at least one actuated mechanism and one machine controller comprising a program code including instructions for transferring control of the machine from said controller to a remote control station
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2925494B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2925494B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2925494B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A machine remotely located from a control station has at least one actuated mechanism. A two way real-time communication link connects the machine location with the control station. A controller at the machine location has program code that includes an instruction which when executed transfers control of the machine from the controller to the control station. The program code can have a task frame associated with the predetermined function performed by the machine with the task frame divided into a first set controlled by the controller and a second set controlled from the control station. The system can also have two or more remotely located control stations only one of which can control the machine at a given time.