Wireless Robot Manipulation Authentication Using Proximity Tags

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Solution Overview

Problem

In machine operation systems using general-purpose information terminals, securing safety without increasing cost and size is challenging due to detachable components that can be operated by unauthorized individuals, and existing sensor solutions are costly and cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A machine operation system utilizing a wireless operation device connected via wireless communication and a wired operation device with a non-contact authentication tag, where the system detects approach and withdrawal events of the authentication tag to validate or invalidate operation commands, ensuring safety through authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a general-purpose information terminal is used as a teaching operation device, then cost is reduced and versatility is improved, but safety cannot be secured because the terminal can be detached and operated by unauthorized individuals

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An authentication tag serves as an intermediary between the wireless operation device and the robot controller. The tag must be present and authenticated before the controller accepts operation commands, creating a security barrier that prevents unauthorized operation while allowing legitimate use of the general-purpose terminal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Authentication of the operation device is performed in advance before the robot controller executes any motion commands. The controller validates the authentication tag beforehand, ensuring that only authorized devices can control the robot, thus preventing unauthorized operation before it can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If sensors such as optical sensors and magnetic sensors are installed to detect connection between the terminal and base member, then safety can be secured, but cost and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsize

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical sensor-based detection systems with a wireless authentication system. Instead of using optical sensors, magnetic sensors, or other physical detection mechanisms that increase device complexity, the system uses wireless communication to authenticate the operation device, achieving safety without additional physical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication tag is a simple, low-cost component that can be easily replaced. Rather than investing in expensive sensor systems, the patent uses an inexpensive authentication tag that provides adequate security functionality without contributing to system complexity or cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If sensors are installed to detect connection, then safety can be secured, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive sensor-based safety detection systems with a cost-effective wireless authentication approach. The authentication tag and wireless communication protocol provide the necessary safety functionality without requiring costly hardware sensors, optical systems, or magnetic detection equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication tag is designed as a low-cost, simple component that can be manufactured inexpensively. This approach avoids the high costs associated with sensor systems, making safety implementation economically viable for general-purpose information terminals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This approach secures safety at a low cost by validating operations only when the authentication tag is present, preventing unauthorized use and enhancing security without increasing system size or cost.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless operation device that is connected to a controller of a robot or an industrial machine via wireless communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20260027732A1Mechanical manipulation system for executing authentication process, and computer program

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 FANUC LTD

AI summary

This mechanical manipulation system comprises: a wireless manipulation device that is connected to a control device of a robot or an industrial machine via wireless communication and that, in accordance with manipulation content, commands the control device to operate the robot or the industrial machine; and a wired manipulation device that is connected to the control device via wired communication and that has a contactless authentication tag. The wireless manipulation device has: an event detection unit that detects an approach event, in which the contactless authentication tag enters a pre-established first region from outside of the first region, and a distancing event, in which the contactless authentication tag exits the first region; and an authentication unit that, in accordance with content in the detected event, determines whether or not the manipulation content for the wireless manipulation device is valid.