Rodney Brooks (Rethink Robotics Co-founder) – Collaborative Robots (Jun 2017)

Chapters

Abstract

Collaborative Robots: Revolutionizing Manufacturing

Redefining Factory Automation: The Emergence of Collaborative Robots

In the field of industrial robotics, a paradigm shift is unfolding. Collaborative robots (cobots), exemplified by the Sawyer robot, are at the forefront of this transformation. Designed to operate alongside human workers without the need for cages, these robots mark a significant departure from traditional, isolated automation systems. Rodney Brooks, a renowned figure in robotics, sheds light on how cobots are revolutionizing manufacturing, particularly in environments previously devoid of automation.

Main Ideas: Innovation, Safety, and Practicality in Cobots

1. Cobots in New Environments: The design of the Sawyer robot and its kin caters to factories without existing robots. Their cage-free operation is a testament to their safety and the potential to democratize robotics in various industrial settings.

2. Problem-Solving Capabilities: Deploying robots in new environments poses unique challenges. Cobots, like Sawyer, address these by eliminating the need for traditional cages and complex programming, making them accessible to a broader range of users.

3. Advanced Technology in Terra 5 Software: This software equips cobots with an intricate model of their environment. It utilizes built-in force sensing and cameras, aligning with fiducial markers to enable precise movements and adjustments.

4. Enhanced Safety Features: Safety is paramount in cobots. Sawyer, for instance, has force sensing in every joint, ensuring it’s safe for humans to work in close proximity.

5. Interactive Programming and Force Control: The user-friendly programming interface allows even those with limited technical skills to train the robot. This simplifies the implementation of tasks like pickup and placement, highlighting the cobot’s adaptability and ease of use.

6. Demonstrations of Real-Life Application: The practical utility of cobots is demonstrated in tasks like machine tending, where robots adapt to environmental changes and perform intricate tasks with precision.

7. Significance of Force Sensing: Key to the cobot’s functionality is its force sensing capability, which ensures safety and efficiency in human-robot interactions. This feature allows cobots to measure and predict forces, crucial for tasks requiring delicate manipulation.

8. Application in Diverse Industries: Cobots are not just theoretical marvels; they are actively employed in industries like metal case manufacturing and circuit board assembly, enhancing quality control and optimizing processes.

9. Challenges and Solutions in Implementation: The widespread adoption of cobots faces hurdles like stringent safety standards and the need for skilled workers. Addressing these challenges through updated safety norms, workforce training, and simplified integration is crucial for maximizing the potential of cobots.

Cage-Free Design and Ease of Training: Sawyer’s cage-free design and intuitive programming interface make it suitable for factories without existing robots. The user-friendly interface allows non-experts to quickly train the robot and modify its behavior.

Force Sensing and Safety: Sawyer’s force sensing capability enables safe interaction with humans and precise manipulation of objects. It can measure and predict forces, ensuring safety and efficiency in human-robot collaboration.

Force Control for Safety and Precision: Sawyer’s force sensing capabilities are utilized for safety measures like closing doors without impacting humans and for precise parts placement and assembly.

Benefits of Force Control: Force control enhances the safety of human-robot interaction, ensures precise parts placement and assembly, enables quality control and inspection, and facilitates data collection for monitoring and analysis.

Key Insights from Rodney Brooks

Rodney Brooks emphasizes the intuitive nature of cobot programming and the precision afforded by force control capabilities. He highlights the practical applications of cobots in various industries, showcasing their potential to revolutionize manufacturing. Additionally, Brooks discusses the importance of force sensing in ensuring safe and efficient human-robot collaboration and the role of cobots in data collection for process improvement.

Safety and Performance: A Balancing Act

Safety and performance are central themes in the development and implementation of cobots like Baxter and Sawyer. While Sawyer is faster, safety remains a prime concern. European standards, for instance, allow for voltage reduction for safety, reflecting a growing acceptance of uncaged robots. However, not all cobots meet the necessary safety thresholds, with some having limited force sensing capabilities.

Challenges of Implementing Collaborative Robots:

– Difficulty in integrating existing industrial robots into collaborative applications due to lack of force sensing capabilities.

– Need for advanced force sensing throughout the robot’s structure, not just at the endpoint.

– Resistance among customers to using PLCs, leading to the need for simplified control systems.

Simplifying Automation with Collaborative Robots:

– Integration of PLC logic into the robot’s control system, eliminating the need for external PLCs.

– Providing IoT capabilities within the robot, enabling data collection and analysis without significant capital investment.

– Focusing on incremental value addition rather than top-down, high-cost IoT strategies.

Benefits of Collaborative Robots in Manufacturing:

– Replacement of repetitive tasks with low-cost robots, improving productivity and efficiency.

– Gradual introduction of digitalization and automation in factories, particularly those with low levels of technology adoption.

– Bridging the gap between traditional manufacturing and future digitalization trends.

Challenges in Implementing Collaborative Robots in Regulated Industries:

– Stringent safety standards and regulations, such as ANSI and ISO, require comprehensive risk assessments before robot deployment.

– Risk assessments may lead to similar safety measures for both collaborative and conventional industrial robots, limiting the benefits of collaborative robots.

The Future of Manufacturing with Cobots

Collaborative robots represent a significant innovation in manufacturing, offering safety, flexibility, and ease of use. While challenges in safety standards, workforce skills, and system integration persist, addressing these effectively can greatly enhance the adoption and utility of cobots. As industries increasingly recognize the value of cobots, we stand on the cusp of a new era in manufacturing, driven by safe, adaptable, and efficient robotic systems.

Notes by: datagram