Robotic manufacturing and assembly with relative radio positioning using radio based location determination
First Claim
1. A system for controlling manufacturing operations, the system comprising:
- (a) a robotic manipulator;
(b) a radio signal positioning system in communication with the robotic manipulator and one or more work pieces; and
(c) a controller responsive to radio signal positioning information from the robotic manipulator and from the work pieces;
(d) wherein the controller is controllably coupled to the robotic manipulator, thereby directing it to perform manufacturing operations on the work pieces; and
(e) the controller processes the radio signal positioning system inputs from the robotic manipulator and from the work pieces to locate the robotic manipulator relative to the work pieces.
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Abstract
Global positioning system inputs are used in a manufacturing process where location of a work piece relative to a robotic manipulator is input into a control system. The manipulator is located and tracked by using “GPS” signals, as is an associated work piece. Radio signal based position indicators associated with work pieces transmit work piece location and status. In some embodiments manipulator locations are sensed by position indicators associated with manipulators and signals relating to the position of the manipulators are transmitted to the control system. The control system controls the manipulator and may also control material handling equipment for the transport of work pieces.
191 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A system for controlling manufacturing operations, the system comprising:
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(a) a robotic manipulator;
(b) a radio signal positioning system in communication with the robotic manipulator and one or more work pieces; and
(c) a controller responsive to radio signal positioning information from the robotic manipulator and from the work pieces;
(d) wherein the controller is controllably coupled to the robotic manipulator, thereby directing it to perform manufacturing operations on the work pieces; and
(e) the controller processes the radio signal positioning system inputs from the robotic manipulator and from the work pieces to locate the robotic manipulator relative to the work pieces. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A system for controlling parts acquisitions for manufacturing processes comprising:
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(a) an autonomous mobile robotic system including a mobile robotic manipulator;
(b) a parts storage area;
(c) a controller controllably coupled to the mobile robotic systems, thereby directing the mobile robotic system to perform parts acquisition operations; and
(d) a radio signal positioning system;
(e) wherein the radio signal positioning system guides the mobile robotic manipulator to designated locations. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method of locating an object relative to a transitionable element comprising the acts of:
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(a) associating a marker with the object;
(b) determining a location of the object by determining a position of the associated marker;
(c) storing the location of the object;
(d) associating a second marker with a transitionable element of variable location;
(e) determining the location of the transitionable element by determining the position of the marker associated with the transitionable element;
(f) storing the location of the transitionable element;
(g) determining the location of the object relative to the transitionable element by comparing the stored location of the object to the stored location of the transitionable element; and
(h) changing the relative location of the transitionable element and the object. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 27, 28)
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- 21. The method of claim wherein 18 determining the location of the object comprises locating the position of the object relative to a coordinate reference system.
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29. A manufacturing system comprising:
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(a) a robotic manipulator;
(b) a plurality of work pieces;
(c) a signal positioning system responsive to positions of the robotic manipulator and the work pieces; and
(d) a controller responsive to information from the signal positioning system regarding position between the robotic manipulator and the work pieces;
(e) wherein the robotic manipulator is responsive to control signals from the controller, thereby performing manufacturing operations on the work pieces.
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Specification