Intelligent Assist Devices (IADs) are a new generation of computer controlled, servo powered assist devices that allow seamless collaboration of a human operator with computer-controlled machinery, delivering superior speed and precision in material handling. IADs are analogous to power steering for material handling. Providing an improved method for moving heavy or difficult to handle loads, these systems are poised to revolutionize the ergonomic handling industry, bringing unprecedented levels of productivity, quality and ergonomic safety to manual processes.
IADs are not a replacement for humans or for robots—rather, they represent a new class of ergonomic assist technologies that assist human partners in a wide
variety of ways, including power assist, motion guidance, line tracking, and semi-automation. Using a human-machine interface, the operator and IAD work in
tandem to optimize lifting, guiding, and positioning movements.
IADs leverage recent quantum leaps in digital power and digital
logic—state-of-the-art electric/electronic sensor, actuator and controller
technologies—that have enabled the creation of small, fast, precise and
intelligent devices (e.g. the Segway, drive/fly-by-wire devices and now IADs).
These disruptive devices are revolutionizing human productivity by replacing
traditional mechanical, pneumatic and electro-mechanical material handling
devices and providing power-assistance to humans in industrial and
non-industrial applications that so far have simply not been addressable by
traditional devices.
IADs satisfy the large unmet global customer demand for a solution that bridges
the inherent limitations of conventional material handling equipment (slows
workers down, provides poor control and delivers poor ergonomics) and the high
capital costs of robots in production environments.
History
IADs were conceived by a small group of engineers from the auto industry and
academia in the 1990s. The initial idea was straightforward: use intelligent
motion control technology to enhance human capabilities. Applied in an IAD,
this concept provides improved speed and precision compared with traditional
ergonomic assist devices, which do not provide the advantage of intelligent
controls. Today, IAD solutions are being implemented in a variety of material
handling, assembly, and distribution environments.
Underlying Technology
IADs operate using intelligent microcontrollers, servo motors, and an advanced
"sense/process/actuate" control concept. Each Cobotics IAD uses "intent
sensors" (patent pending) to quantify the speed and direction of motion that
the operator wants. This information is instantaneously processed, and then
proprietary algorithms direct the movement of the IAD.
This concept relies on the use of force-feedback to let a person work with a
machine in a natural and intuitive manner. The IAD responds swiftly, yet
smoothly to the operator's touch, amplifying operator arm and finger movements.
The operator notices no time lapse between the machine's sensing and its
response. A closed-loop feedback allows the IAD to adjust continually to
changes in load mass and operator intent.
To learn about the Stanley-Cobotics family of flexible IAD products for material
handling applications, visit the
Material Handling section within this site.
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