SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELF-CONTAINED INDEPENDENTLY CONTROLLED MODULAR MANUFACTURING TOOLS

摘要

A system and method for a self-contained modular manufacturing device having self-contained modular tools configured to collectively accomplish a specific task or function. In an embodiment, the modular device includes a housing that has a mount configured to engage a robotic arm or other form of maneuvering actuator (such a crane or gantry). The housing may provide a base by which additional modules may be mounted and coupled. The modular device also includes an interface configured to communicate with a remote control system capable of control the robotic arm. The modular device also includes one or more other modules that are configured to accomplish a particular task or function. Such modules are sometimes called end-effectors and work in conjunction with each other to accomplish tasks and functions. In a self-contained modular manufacturing device, individual processors disposed in the housing may be configured to control the functional tools (e.g., each end-effector) independent of the overall manufacturing control system.

主权项

1. A system, comprising:
a plurality of self-contained modular devices, each self-contained modular device including:
an actuator mount configured to removably engage an actuator suited to maneuver any modular device coupled thereto;an interface configured to communicate with a master control system remote from each self-contained modular device that is capable of controlling the actuator;an end-effector disposed in each self-contained modular device and configured to accomplish a manufacturing function; anda local controller disposed in each self-contained modular device and configured to control the respective end-effector independent of the master control system.