Robotic Arm Positioning System for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A versatile robotic arm positioning system leveraging optical sensor technology for precise tracking and control, adaptable to various industries beyond medical devices.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a surgical robotic system with target trajectory deviation monitoring. However, its application was limited to medical devices. The new inventive concept addresses the need for a more versatile system, capable of being applied to different industries, such as agriculture, infrastructure inspection, material handling, search and rescue, and wind turbine maintenance.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a robotic arm, an optical sensor system, and a control system. The robotic arm is configured to position a tool or end-effector with respect to a target, such as a crop, infrastructure, storage location, search area, or wind turbine component. The optical sensor system generates position information, which is used by the control system to move the robotic arm to a target trajectory relative to the target. The system can receive user input to move the tool to the target trajectory, lock its position, or adjust its movement based on first and second position information.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the innovative application of the core technology to diverse industries, expanding its potential use cases beyond medical devices. The inventive step lies in adapting the original system's components and operation to address the unique challenges and requirements of these new industries.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include using different types of sensors, such as lidar or radar, or integrating the system with other technologies, like computer vision or machine learning. Variations may involve adjusting the robotic arm's design or the control system's algorithms to accommodate specific industry needs.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, infrastructure inspection, material handling, search and rescue, and wind turbine maintenance. The system's versatility and adaptability make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety in their operations.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B34/30 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/00 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/7082 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/20 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/74 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/1757 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00075 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00119 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00477 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00486 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00699 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/107 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/2055 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/2068 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/2072 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/376 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/3762 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/3764 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/3966 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/3983 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/4611 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/4632 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,149 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical robotic systems with target trajectory deviation monitoring and related methods |
| Assignee(s) | Globus Medical, Inc. |