Context and Challenges
Industrial robots are typically programmed to perform repetitive tasks millions of times with exceptional precision. However, certain use cases require robots to dynamically calculate their movements in real-time. A prime example is custom part painting, where operators place items onto a conveyor belt without considering their type, position, or orientation. Our client’s robots operate in highly dynamic environments: multiple unique pieces constantly moving on a conveyor, with the goal of minimizing painting time without compromising quality.
To achieve effective real-time trajectory planning, several technical requirements had to be addressed:
- Real-time Adaptability: Robots must dynamically calculate optimal paths for unpredictable and diverse objects in motion.
- Collision Avoidance: Ensuring safe and efficient robot movements without collisions, even with constantly changing object positions or multiple robots operating simultaneously.
- Optimization of Painting Process: Minimizing cycle times while maintaining high-quality painting standards and reducing acceleration and speed discontinuities.
Solution
To tackle these challenges, we developed advanced technological solutions based on:
- 3D Precision Sensing: Integrated high-precision 3D sensors for continuous reconstruction of object geometries on the conveyor belt.
- AI-driven Algorithms: Implemented artificial intelligence algorithms to dynamically plan and coordinate robot trajectories, ensuring collision-free operations and optimal task execution.
- Multi-Robot Coordination: Enhanced coordination between multiple robots to further streamline operations and boost efficiency.
Results
Through our developments, our clients’ robots significantly increased productivity, with painting times notably reduced and joint accelerations optimized, improving the longevity and reliability of the robotic system.
This project successfully integrated robotics from Kawasaki, Mitsubishi, and Siemens.
