Addressable Vacuum Multi-Gripper for Selective Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems face challenges in selectively gripping objects from a group, especially irregularly shaped or sized objects, due to a lack of sophistication in replicating human sensitivity and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
The development of a robotic multi-gripper assembly with addressable vacuum regions that can independently provide vacuum gripping, allowing for precise selection and handling of objects based on image data and vacuum control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional robotic grippers are used to manipulate objects, then the robot can perform basic gripping tasks, but it lacks the sophistication to selectively grip specific objects from a group of objects with varying shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is divided into multiple independently controllable vacuum regions, each capable of being activated or deactivated separately. This segmentation allows selective gripping of specific objects from a group by activating only the necessary vacuum regions, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum regions are dynamically controllable, allowing the system to adapt its gripping pattern in real-time based on object characteristics. This dynamic control enables the same gripper structure to handle varying shapes and sizes of objects, enhancing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple physical structure.
2Measurement precision
If a robotic system uses image data to identify target objects, then it can achieve better object selection, but it requires sophisticated coordination between vision systems and gripper control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image data to identify target objects and provides feedback to the vacuum region control system. This feedback mechanism enables precise object selection by mapping visual information to specific gripper actuation patterns, achieving high measurement precision while managing integration complexity through systematic control architecture.
3Reliability
If multiple vacuum regions are used to grip irregular objects, then gripping reliability improves, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum gripping system is segmented into multiple independently controllable regions, allowing each region to be optimized for specific portions of irregular objects. This segmentation improves gripping reliability by enabling precise adaptation to object geometry while managing control complexity through modular region management.
Solution Approach 2:
Different vacuum regions can be activated with different intensities or patterns based on local object characteristics. This local quality approach ensures reliable gripping of irregular objects by tailoring the vacuum application to specific areas, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex global control of the entire gripper surface.
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 reliable gripping and transportation of selected objects, even in complex environments, with improved precision and adaptability compared to traditional robotic systems.
Implementation Method 1
addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide vacuum gripping
Implementation Method 2
draw in air to hold the identified target object(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a transport robot includes receiving image data representative of a group of objects. One or more target objects are identified in the group based on the received image data. Addressable vacuum regions are selected based on the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot is command to cause the selected addressable vacuum regions to hold and transport the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot includes a multi-gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum. A vision sensor device can capture the image data, which is representative of the target objects adjacent to or held by the multi-gripper assembly.