Device usable by robot and human

{
  "publication_number": "US11407113B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Device usable by robot and human",
  "abstract": "The invention relates to a device (10) interchangeably usable by a robot (12) and a human (14). The present invention also relates to a system (100) comprising such a device, a method of operating such a device (10), and a computer readable medium (46). The invention can for example be applied in servicing of heavy-duty vehicles.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A device interchangeably usable by a robot and a human, wherein the device comprises: a base unit including a robot connector for connection to the robot, at least one of a surface grippable by the human and a grip grippable by the human, a communications unit for wireless communication with a control station, a processor connected to the communications unit, an energy storage for powering at least the communications unit and the processor, and a circuit adapted to detect whether the device is connected to the robot or used directly by the human; and a tool for performing an operation related to a vehicle or a vehicle related object, which tool is connected to the base unit, wherein the device is adapted to be controlled by the control station to perform at least some of the operation related to a vehicle or a vehicle related object if said circuit detects that the device is connected to the robot.",
    "2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is adapted to be controlled by the control station to perform some of the operation related to a vehicle or a vehicle related object if said circuit detects that the device is used directly by the human.",
    "3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said circuit is adapted to detect whether the device is connected to the robot or used directly by the human by detecting whether the robot connector is connected to the robot.",
    "4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the processor is adapted to wake up when the device is removed from a device holder.",
    "5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is adapted to inform the control station whether the device is connected to the robot or used directly by the human.",
    "6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the tool is removably connected to the base unit.",
    "7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the base unit further includes at least one actuator adapted to move the tool, and wherein the at least one actuator is powered by electric energy from the energy storage and controlled via the processor.",
    "8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the base unit further includes at least one sensor adapted to detect internal or external data of the device, and wherein the processor is configured to read and analyse the detected data.",
    "9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the base unit further includes a user interface adapted to present information related to said operation for the human.",
    "10. A system, comprising: a device according to claim 1; a device holder adapted to hold and charge the device; and the control station, wherein the control station is adapted to control the device at least when the device is connected to the robot.",
    "11. The system according to claim 10, wherein said device is a first device, wherein one or more different tools of a first group are connectable to the base unit of the first device, wherein the system further comprises a second device that is substantially identical to the first device, and wherein one or more different tools of a second group which is different than the first group are connectable to the base unit of the second device.",
    "12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the base unit of the first device and the base unit of the second device have different properties and/or features depending on the tool of the first and second groups.",
    "13. The system according to claim 10, arranged in a vehicle service center.",
    "14. A method of operating a device according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises the steps of: the device detecting whether it is connected to the robot or used directly by the human; if the device detects that it is connected to the robot, the control station controlling both the robot and the device to perform the operation related to a vehicle or a vehicle related object; and if the device detects that it is used directly by the human, the human controlling the device to perform at least some of the operation related to a vehicle or a vehicle related object.",
    "15. The method according to claim 14, wherein if the device detects that it is connected to the robot, the robot only positions the device as controlled by the control station.",
    "16. The method according to claim 14, wherein if the device detects that it is used directly by the human, the human controls the device to perform a part of the operation related to a vehicle or a vehicle related object, and the control station controls the device to perform another part of the operation related to a vehicle or a vehicle related object."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This application is a 35 USC 371 national phase filing of International Application No. PCT/EP2018/025114, filed Apr. 12, 2018, which claims priority to International Application No. PCT/EP2017/058939, filed Apr. 13, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.\n\nThe invention relates to a device which may be used by a robot and a human, a system comprising such a device, a method of operating such a device, and a computer readable medium. The invention can for example be applied in servicing of heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses and construction equipment.\n\nWork-tasks are generally performed either by a robot or by a human. In servicing of heavy-duty vehicles, service-tasks like oil exchange and changing of wheels are typically performed directly by a human, although automation and involvement of robots may be desired.\n\nAn object of the invention is to provide a device, system and method which beneficially may allow and/or facilitate involvement of robots, in particular in servicing of (heavy-duty) vehicles. According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a device according to claim 1. According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a system according to claim 10. According to a third aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method according to claim 15. According to a fourth aspect, the object is achieved by a computer readable medium according to claim 18.",
  "cpc": [
    "B25J 9/1679",
    "B25J 9/1602",
    "B25J 9/161",
    "B25J 9/1694",
    "G05B 2219/35433",
    "G05B 2219/45127"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B25J 9/16"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "VOLVO TRUCK CORP"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "GÖTVALL PER-LAGE"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2018-04-12",
  "publication_date": "2022-08-09",
  "grant_date": "2022-08-09",
  "priority_date": "2017-04-13",
  "application_number": "US-201816604779-A",
  "family_id": "58668839",
  "citations": [
    "US2009259412A1",
    "US2015120041A1",
    "US5903462A",
    "US6940033B1"
  ]
}