20240033923. COLLABORATIVE SAFETY AWARENESS FOR ROBOTIC APPLICATIONS ENABLED BY AUGMENTED REALITY AND OTHER LOCATION-BASED TECHNOLOGIES simplified abstract (FANUC AMERICA CORPORATION)

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COLLABORATIVE SAFETY AWARENESS FOR ROBOTIC APPLICATIONS ENABLED BY AUGMENTED REALITY AND OTHER LOCATION-BASED TECHNOLOGIES

Organization Name

FANUC AMERICA CORPORATION

Inventor(s)

Derek Jung of Clinton Township (CA)

COLLABORATIVE SAFETY AWARENESS FOR ROBOTIC APPLICATIONS ENABLED BY AUGMENTED REALITY AND OTHER LOCATION-BASED TECHNOLOGIES - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240033923 titled 'COLLABORATIVE SAFETY AWARENESS FOR ROBOTIC APPLICATIONS ENABLED BY AUGMENTED REALITY AND OTHER LOCATION-BASED TECHNOLOGIES

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a collaborative safety awareness system for robotic applications enabled by augmented reality (AR). The system involves one or more robots in communication with an AR device worn or held by an operator. The AR device can be a headset, tablet, or teach pendant device. A dynamic safety zone is created around the operator, and its location is continuously updated by the robot controller based on the position of the AR device. The robot controller ensures that the robot does not enter the dynamic safety zone and adjusts its motion to prevent interference with the safety zone.

  • The system enables robots and operators to collaborate safely in a work cell using augmented reality.
  • The AR device worn or held by the operator provides real-time information about the operator's position.
  • The robot controller uses inertial sensors and visual odometry to determine the position of the AR device.
  • A dynamic safety zone is created around the operator to prevent any interference between the robot and the operator.
  • The robot controller prohibits the robot from entering the dynamic safety zone and adjusts its motion as needed.

Potential Applications

  • Manufacturing: This technology can be used in manufacturing environments where robots and human operators work together, ensuring safety and preventing accidents.
  • Warehousing and logistics: Collaborative robots can work alongside human workers in warehouses, improving efficiency and safety.
  • Healthcare: Robots can assist healthcare professionals in tasks such as surgery or patient care, with the AR device ensuring safety and awareness.

Problems Solved

  • Safety: The system addresses the potential risks and hazards associated with human-robot collaboration by creating a dynamic safety zone and preventing interference between the robot and the operator.
  • Awareness: The AR device provides real-time information about the operator's position, allowing the robot controller to adjust its motion accordingly and avoid any potential collisions or accidents.

Benefits

  • Improved safety: The system ensures the safety of human operators by creating a dynamic safety zone and preventing any interference with the robot.
  • Enhanced collaboration: The technology enables robots and human operators to work together more effectively, improving productivity and efficiency.
  • Real-time awareness: The AR device provides real-time information about the operator's position, allowing the robot controller to make immediate adjustments to ensure safety and prevent accidents.


Original Abstract Submitted

a collaborative safety awareness system for robotic applications enabled by augmented reality (ar). one or more robots in a work cell are in communication with an application running on an ar device worn or held by an operator in the work cell. the ar device may be a headset apparatus, or a tablet or teach pendant device. a dynamic safety zone is created around the operator and the location of the dynamic safety zone is continuously updated by the robot controller based on the position of the ar device provided by the ar application, where the position of the ar device is determined using inertial sensors and visual odometry. the robot controller prohibits motion of the robot into the dynamic safety zone, and slows or reroutes the robot as needed to prevent an interference condition between the robot and the dynamic safety zone.