G05B2219/40422

Safe motion planning for machinery operation

Systems and methods monitor a workspace for safety purposes using sensors distributed about the workspace. The sensors are registered with respect to each other, and this registration is monitored over time. Occluded space as well as occupied space is identified, and this mapping is frequently updated. Based on the mapping, a constrained motion plan of machinery can be generated to ensure safety.

DETECTING AND CLASSIFYING WORKSPACE REGIONS FOR SAFETY MONITORING

Systems and methods monitor a workspace for safety purposes using sensors distributed about the workspace. The sensors are registered with respect to each other, and this registration is monitored over time. Occluded space as well as occupied space is identified, and this mapping is frequently updated.

Detecting and classifying workspace regions for safety monitoring

Systems and methods monitor a workspace for safety purposes using sensors distributed about the workspace. The sensors are registered with respect to each other, and this registration is monitored over time. Occluded space as well as occupied space is identified, and this mapping is frequently updated.

Robot end-effector sensing and identification

Systems and methods for identifying a robot end effector in a processing environment may utilize one or more sensors for digitally recording visual information and providing that information to an industrial workflow. The sensor(s) may be positioned to record at least one image of the robot including the end effector. A processor may determine the identity of the end effector from the recorded image(s) and a library or database stored digital models.

Fully-closed loop position controller
10073436 · 2018-09-11 · ·

A fully-closed loop position controller with a velocity control system based on a velocity feedback of mixed velocities of a motor velocity and a load velocity. The fully-closed loop position controller identifies a ratio of load moment of inertia in real time to select an optimum mix gain in accordance with a changing ratio of load moment of inertia such that a position loop gain and a speed loop gain can be varied accordingly. The fully-closed loop position controller controls the load position based on the mix gain, the position loop gain, and the velocity loop gain.

DETECTING AND CLASSIFYING WORKSPACE REGIONS FOR SAFETY MONITORING

Systems and methods monitor a workspace for safety purposes using sensors distributed about the workspace. The sensors are registered with respect to each other, and this registration is monitored over time. Occluded space as well as occupied space is identified, and this mapping is frequently updated.

DYNAMICALLY DETERMINING AND MONITORING WORKSPACE SAFE ZONES USING SEMANTIC REPRESENTATIONS OF WORKPIECES

Embodiments of the present invention determine the configuration of a workpiece and whether it is actually being handled by a monitored piece of machinery, such as a robot. The problem solved by the invention is especially challenging in real-world factory environments because many objects, most of which are not workpieces, may be in proximity to the machinery. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention utilize semantic understanding to distinguish between workpieces that may become associated with the robot and other objects (and humans) in the workspace that will not, and detect when the robot is carrying a workpiece.

DYNAMICALLY DETERMINING WORKSPACE SAFE ZONES WITH SPEED AND SEPARATION MONITORING

Systems and methods for determining safe zones in a workspace calculate safe actions in real time based on all sensed relevant objects and on the current state of the machinery (e.g., a robot) in the workspace. Various embodiments forecast, in real time, both the motion of the machinery and the possible motion of a human within the space, and continuously update the forecast as the machinery operates and humans move in the workspace.

FULLY-CLOSED LOOP POSITION CONTROLLER
20170153622 · 2017-06-01 ·

A fully-closed loop position controller with a velocity control system based on a velocity feedback of mixed velocities of a motor velocity and a load velocity. The fully-closed loop position controller identifies a ratio of load moment of inertia in real time to select an optimum mix gain in accordance with a changing ratio of load moment of inertia such that a position loop gain and a speed loop gain can be varied accordingly. The fully-closed loop position controller controls the load position based on the mix gain, the position loop gain, and the velocity loop gain.

Safe motion planning for machinery operation

A method of safely operating machinery in a workspace includes recording images of a portion of a workspace. The method also includes generating a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the portion of the workspace based on the recorded images, where the 3D representation includes one or more volumes that correspond to the portion of the workspace. Additionally, the method includes identifying one or more of the volumes as being either occupied or unoccupied. Further, the method includes mapping one or more safe zones based on the one or more identified volumes, where the safe zones correspond to one or more regions within the portion of the workspace for safe operation of machinery.