Integrated Work Table Control for Robot and Equipment Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current production systems using robots are inefficient due to complex communication and connection requirements between robot controllers and external equipment, making it difficult for small and medium-sized companies to introduce and develop robot-based production systems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function integrated work table with a work table-side controller and process planning and designing controller that enables communication with both robot and work equipment, allowing for coordinated operation and simplified system construction and reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robot controller controls not only the robot but also the AGV and work equipment, then the production system can operate with integrated control, but the number of communication and connection means swells
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides control functions into two segments: the robot controller handles robot-specific control, while a separate work equipment controller manages the AGV and work equipment. This segmentation prevents the robot controller from becoming overloaded with communication interfaces, reducing device complexity while maintaining integrated automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A work equipment controller acts as an intermediary between the robot controller and the work equipment/AGV. This mediator handles all communication with external equipment, allowing the robot controller to maintain focus on robot control while still achieving integrated system operation through standardized communication protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expensive jigs and peripheral devices are prepared according to task contents, then the robot can perform specific production tasks, but the introduction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The work equipment controller is designed with universal communication capabilities that can interface with multiple types of work equipment and AGV systems through standardized protocols. This multi-functionality allows the same controller hardware to adapt to different task requirements without requiring expensive custom-built peripheral devices for each specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables configuration of the work equipment controller through software parameter settings rather than requiring physical hardware changes. By changing communication parameters and control settings, the same physical infrastructure can be adapted to different production tasks, reducing the need for expensive custom jigs and peripheral devices.
3Extent of automation
If a robot-specific teaching system is learned and implemented, then the robot can be operated according to specific tasks, but the learning curve and introduction difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The work equipment controller uses standardized communication protocols that replicate common industrial control interfaces. This allows operators to leverage existing knowledge from other automated systems rather than learning a completely new robot-specific teaching system, reducing the learning curve while maintaining full robot operation capability.
4Device complexity
If the workbench is merely disposed with a connector and actual information processing is undertaken by the robot controller, then the system can be constructed simply, but no external equipment is disposed or controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The work equipment controller serves as an intermediary that bridges the simple connector interface of the workbench and the complex requirements of external equipment control. It provides standardized communication interfaces while maintaining simple physical connections, enabling external equipment control without complicating the workbench structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot and work equipment are disposed near a work table including a work table-side controller and a process planning and designing controller capable of being operated by a user. The work table-side controller executes a work process in which the robot and the work equipment operate in conjunction, by receiving signals carrying identification and state monitoring information from a robot-side controller and the work equipment and then sending these signals to the process planning and designing controller, and by sending operation command signals to the robot-side controller and the work equipment in accordance with the aforementioned work process and then receiving operation status signals from the robot-side controller and the work equipment. Based on the signals carrying the identification and state monitoring information on the robot and the work equipment, the process planning and designing controller plans and designs the aforementioned work process.