Self-Propelled Work Robot Mode Switching for Human-Safe Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled work robots in agricultural fields face challenges in safely operating in areas where both robotic operations and human presence are possible, requiring effective mode switching to prevent accidental interactions.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled work robot equipped with an operation unit capable of multiple operation modes, a target detection unit to identify predetermined targets, and an operation mode switching unit that adjusts the operation modes based on the detected target state, ensuring safe operation by restricting or permitting robotic actions accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the robot operates in permission mode to enable work operations, then productivity is improved, but safety risk increases due to potential accidental interactions with humans
Solution Approach 1:
The robot dynamically switches between operation permission mode and operation restriction mode based on real-time detection of human presence. When a human is detected in the detection area, the system transitions from permission mode (allowing work operations for high productivity) to restriction mode (limiting operations to prevent harmful interactions), thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit continuously monitors the detection area for human presence and provides feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the robot to adjust its operation mode in response to changing environmental conditions, ensuring safety when humans are present while maintaining productivity when the area is clear
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the robot restricts operation mode to ensure safety in areas with human presence, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases due to limited robotic actions
Solution Approach 1:
The operation mode is dynamically adjusted based on the presence or absence of humans in the detection area. When no human is detected, the robot operates in permission mode with full functionality for high productivity. When a human is detected, it switches to restriction mode with limited functionality to ensure safety, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and productivity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the detection area is expanded to cover more regions, then safety monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit is designed with multi-functionality to perform various detection tasks (detecting human presence, determining position within detection area) using a single integrated system. This universal approach expands safety monitoring coverage without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same detection infrastructure serves multiple safety-related functions
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled work robot includes an operation unit configured to be operated in a plurality of operation modes, a robot main body provided with the operation unit, a traveling unit that causes the robot main body to travel, a target detection unit configured to detect a predetermined target, and an operation mode switching unit that switches an operation mode of the operation unit according to a state of the target detected by the target detection unit.