ABB Files Patent for Precision Placement Using Real-Time Object Pose Estimation
Time:2026-05-07 Browse: 0
Zurich, Switzerland — ABB Ltd. has filed a patent in China for a method enabling precise placement of objects in a second workspace based on real-time object pose estimation. The patent, titled “Precision Placement Based on Real-Time Object Pose Estimation”, was filed on July 2023 and is published under CN121773006A by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).
Innovative Method for Robot Control
The patent describes a method for controlling a multi-jointed robot to accurately move and place objects. Key steps include:
Workspace Transition: Moving the robot from a first workspace to a second workspace while holding an object corresponding to the first tool center point (TCP), with the first joint rotating along a fixed base.
Real-Time Image Capture: Acquiring one or more images of the object during movement using an imaging device attached to the moving first joint.
Pose Estimation: Determining a second TCP based on the captured image(s).
Joint Adjustment: Controlling one or more additional joints to adjust the object according to the second TCP.
Precision Placement: Placing the object at the target location in the second workspace using a fine-tuned TCP that converges to a predetermined reference value.
Significance and Application
This patented method enables high-precision object placement even while the robot is in motion, improving automation performance in industries such as manufacturing, assembly, and logistics. By integrating real-time visual feedback and joint adjustments, the solution enhances accuracy and flexibility for complex robotic operations, addressing a common challenge in industrial automation: placing objects precisely under dynamic conditions.
About ABB
ABB has over 140 years of experience in robotics, automation, and electrical engineering. By combining advanced robotics, digital technologies, and industrial expertise, ABB continues to drive innovation that empowers manufacturers to increase efficiency, improve quality, and achieve sustainable growth.
