Collaborative Workbench Control With User-Aware Robot Path Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collaborative robot workbenches lack efficient user identification and task determination systems, leading to suboptimal robot and workbench control, which can result in collisions and inefficient task execution.
Innovation Solution
A workbench system that includes a multi-axis robot, a visible light projector, and a sensor system with a controller to identify users, determine tasks, and control robot movements and workbench properties, such as height and data transmission, based on user identity and preferences, while projecting light indications to guide users and prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a collaborative robot shares workspace with human users, then robot automation capability is improved, but collision risk between robot and user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by projecting visible light indications of the robot's movement path in advance before the robot actually moves. This allows human users to see the intended path and adjust their position to avoid the workspace, preventing collision before it occurs. The sensor system continuously monitors user presence and updates the projected path accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The visible light projection serves as an intermediary between the robot's internal movement planning and the human user's spatial awareness. Instead of directly controlling robot movement or relying solely on physical safety barriers, the system uses visual projection as a mediator to communicate the robot's intended actions to humans, enabling proactive avoidance behavior.
2Productivity
If the workbench system identifies user identity and determines tasks automatically, then task execution efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically identifying users through the sensor system and determining their tasks based on pre-stored task information associated with each user's identity. The controller autonomously retrieves the appropriate task from memory and configures the robot and workbench parameters without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving efficiency while managing complexity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary action by pre-storing task information in the controller's memory during system setup or user registration. When a user is identified, the controller retrieves the pre-prepared task information and immediately executes it, eliminating the need for real-time task analysis or manual configuration. This reduces processing time and improves task execution efficiency.
3Speed
If the robot moves through workspace based on projected light path, then task completion speed is improved, but safety risk increases if user is not aware
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the workspace through the sensor system to detect human users and their positions. Based on this real-time feedback, the controller adjusts or cancels the projected light path and modifies robot movement accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the robot maintains high task completion speed while adapting to human presence to ensure safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the robot's movement path and speed adjustable based on real-time conditions. The projected light path is not fixed but dynamically updated according to user presence detected by the sensor system. When a user is detected near the path, the system dynamically modifies the robot's trajectory or pauses movement, balancing speed and safety adaptively.
Data Source
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AI summary
A workbench system (100) comprising: a workbench (102); a sensor system comprising one or more sensors (120, 126), the sensor system configured to identify a user (122) in a workspace in which the workbench (102) is located; a controller (106) operatively coupled to the sensor system and configured to: based on the identity of the user (122), determine a task to be performed by the user (122) using the workbench system (100); and based on the identity of the user (122) and the determined task, control one or more properties of the workbench (102).