Multi-sensor optimization of automatic machines to prevent safety issues
AssigneeDatalogic IP Tech S.R.L.
InventorsFrancesco D'Ercoli, Marco Cumoli, Claudio Saporetti
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A predictive system and process that predicts safety system activation in industrial environments when collaborative robots (COBOTs), automated guidance vehicles (AGVs), and other robots (individual or collectively “robots”) are interacting (i) between one another or (ii) between a robot and human. As provided herein, the predictive system is not meant to substitute traditional safety systems, but rather to detect and classify robot-to-robot and robot-to-human interactions and potential interactions thereof so as to limit or avoid those interactions altogether, thereby increasing safety and efficiency of the robots.
Claims20
A system for safely operating robots in an environment, said system comprising:
- a set of heterogeneous input sensors configured to generate sensed data related to humans and robots operating within the environment;
- one or more safety systems configured to slow or stop the robots in the event of detecting a potential interaction with another robot or human;
- and
- at least one processor in communication with said input sensors, and configured to:
- determine a probability that a safety system will activate as a function of the sensed data;
- and
- generate an output signal to cause at least one of a notification to alert a human or a control command to alter planned movement of a robot.
A method for safely operating robots in an environment, said method comprising:
- receiving sensed data from a set of heterogeneous sensors in the environment related to humans and robots operating within the environment;
- slowing or stopping the robots in the event of detecting a potential interaction with another robot or human;
- and
- determining a probability that a safety system will activate as a function of the received sensed data;
- and
- generating an output signal to cause at least one of a notification to alert a human or a control command to alter planned movement of a robot.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.