Embedding Radars in Robots for Safety and Obstacle Detection

A safety system is designed to use small, low-cost radars embedded in joints and end effectors of a robot to monitor an environment for potential safety hazards. In this way, the radars directly detect obstacles with respect to the moving parts of the robot. A safety controller analyzes the obstacle data provided by the radars and determines an appropriate operating state of the robot based on predefined safety requirements

Closed-Loop Manufacturing System Using Radar

A closed-loop manufacturing system is designed to use small, low-cost radar to observe a manufacturing process and measure characteristics of a build product. The build data measured by the radar includes geometry, reflection characteristics, material density, and high resolution maps. A controller processes the build data to detect errors. Example errors include mistakes in geometry, delamination, curling, shrinkage, lack of material uniformity, air bubbles, inclusions, and contaminations in the build product. Based on the detected errors, the controller determines build corrections and reports the build corrections to the manufacturing process. Using radar, the closed-loop manufacturing system automatically detects and corrects errors, saving time and resources in additive and subtractive manufacturing

Embedding Radars in Robots to Accurately Measure Motion

A motion correction system is designed to use small, low-cost radars embedded in joints and end effectors of a robot to measure motion of the robot. In this way, the radars directly measure the robot’s motion and relative position and velocity with respect to a target. A motion correction controller analyzes the motion data provided by the radars and determines an amount of motion correction required to accurately position the robot