Method for Operating a Robot, Robot, Translation Robot, Robot System and Method for Operating the Robot System

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This patent describes a novel method for operating industrial robots—specifically, articulated robots with a chain of linked arms and advanced translation robots. The key invention is an efficient robotic control system that allows the robot’s end-effector (such as a gripper or suction device) to reduce its stationary dwell times dramatically during operations like picking and placing objects. By limiting the torque applied during these dwell phases to no more than 5% of what would typically be required, the robot can move objects faster, consume less energy, and require less powerful actuators. The system also introduces a collaborative arrangement between two robots (a main articulated robot and a translation robot) for more versatile and precise handling and transfer of goods.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Automated pick-and-place operations in manufacturing lines and warehouses
• Precise loading and unloading of pallets or containers (e.g. Euro-pallets)
• Automated assembly processes requiring rapid and accurate object positioning
• High-speed packaging and sorting tasks in logistics centers
• Stocking and removing goods from automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), including smart warehouses
• Collaborative robotic systems where one robot positions goods for another, improving overall cycle times and positioning accuracy

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Greatly reduced cycle times for pick-and-place and transport tasks due to minimized effector dwell time
• Significantly lower energy consumption and operating costs by only applying minimal required torque during stationary phases
• Use of smaller, less powerful, and less expensive motors and actuators, resulting in cost savings and simplified maintenance
• High positioning accuracy in critical phases, improving product quality and reducing errors
• Lower mechanical wear due to smoother, shorter paths and optimized motion profiles
• Increased payload capacity and flexibility for handling varied object shapes, sizes, and weights
• Potential for more compact robot installations thanks to reduced swing radii and space requirements
• Enhanced collaboration between different types of robots, allowing complex tasks that neither could achieve alone

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a robot, which comprises a link chain having at least two coupling links, a first coupling link thereof being connected to a driven crank link, which can be rotated around a first rotation axis, in a second rotation axis in a pivoting manner, and a second coupling link thereof being connected to the first coupling link in a third rotation axis in a pivoting manner. A drive for the first coupling link is arranged on the second rotation axis and the second coupling link has an effector rotation point on the end region thereof which is opposite the first coupling link, wherein the method is designed such that the crank link and the first coupling link are driven in such a manner that the effector rotation point dewlls in a resting position during the rotation of the crank link in a specific angle range. According to the invention, a torque is applied to the first coupling link by means of the drive on the second rotation axis in order to shorten the dwell time of the effector rotation point, which torque in the timespan of the desired dwell duration equals a maximum of 5% of the torque that would be necessary to implement a dwelling of the effector rotation point having an unshortened dwell duration. The invention furthermore relates to a robot for carrying out the method.